A roasted ham is a classic centerpiece for many holiday meals and gatherings. But if you’re only cooking for a smaller group, purchasing a whole ham may leave you with too many leftovers. This is where a half ham can be the perfect solution. But how much does a half ham actually weigh? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Half Ham?
A half ham is exactly what the name implies – it’s half of an entire cured ham Hams are divided into two main sections the butt end and the shank end The butt end is the wider portion with more meat, while the shank end tapers to a narrower width.
When you purchase a half ham, you can choose between getting the butt half or the shank half. Many butchers and grocers will also refer to these as the “face half” and the “bun half” respectively.
Half hams are most commonly sold bone-in meaning the leg bone is left intact. Some may have the aitch bone removed but still contain the femur bone. Removing some bones makes carving easier yet retains flavor.
Average Weight of a Half Ham
The average weight of a half ham can vary pretty significantly based on a few factors:
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Cut (butt vs. shank) – Butt half hams tend to weigh more, with more meat, while shank halves weigh slightly less.
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Bone-in vs. boneless – Boneless half hams will be lighter without the weight of the bone. Bone-in halves weigh more.
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Uncooked vs. cooked – A raw cured half ham will weigh more than a cooked one after moisture loss.
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Spiral sliced vs. unsliced – Slicing off pieces can reduce weight.
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Quality and grade – Higher quality hams are often heavier.
That said, most bone-in half hams range from 5 to 10 pounds on average. Premium or high quality bone-in halves may be 8-10 lbs, while basic cured hams can be 5-7 lbs.
Shank halves tend to start around 5 lbs, and butt halves around 7 lbs. Again, bone-in will make it heavier.
Serving Size from a Half Ham
So how many people can you expect to serve with a half ham? Here are some general guidelines:
- A 5 lb half ham can feed around 8-10 people
- A 7 lb half ham can feed 10-14 people
- A 10 lb half ham can feed 16-20+ people
The exact serving amount depends on the size of your portions and how much ham your guests will realistically eat. Plan for around 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per person as a starting point.
For a bone-in spiral sliced ham, allow 3/4 to 1 pound per person since some weight is the boneless. And if you have larger appetites or want ample leftovers, size up accordingly.
Factors Affecting Half Ham Weight
Several factors can cause the weight of a half ham to vary beyond just the cut and bone-in vs. boneless. Here are some of the main factors:
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Water added – Some mass produced hams have water added to increase weight. Check labels for a “ham with natural juices”.
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Preparation method – Spiral slicing, bone removal, and deboning can reduce weight.
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Breed, diet, age of pig – The size and age of the pig itself impacts weight.
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Curing and smoking method – Traditional curing vs modern quick-cure methods can affect moisture.
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Packaging – Weight includes all packaging, wrap, netting etc.
As you can see, half ham weights can really vary based on all of these factors. Your best bet is to use the general weight ranges above as a starting point, then adjust up or down based on your specific needs.
Buying and Cooking Tips for Half Hams
When selecting and cooking a half ham, keep these tips in mind for best results:
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Inspect the quality and age – Look forfirm, plump meat without drying or aging.
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Read the label for additives – Opt for minimal or no water added.
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Allow 12-15 minutes per pound cooking time for bone-in.
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Use a meat thermometer – Cook to 140°F for safety.
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Let rest at least 10-15 minutes before carving.
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Store wrapped in fridge for 5-7 days, or freeze for 2-3 months.
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Slice only as much as needed to prevent drying out leftovers.
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Wrap tightly in fridge, use within 3-5 days.
Recap: Expected Half Ham Weights
- 5 to 7 pounds for a shank half
- 7 to 10 pounds for a butt half
- 8 to 10 pounds for premium or high quality halves
Plan on about 1/2 pound of ham per person for bone-in halves to determine the right size for your gathering. And adjust up slightly if serving spiral cut.
Keeping these half ham weight ranges in mind will help you pick the perfect size for your holiday meal or dinner party!
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FAQ
How much does a 1/2 ham weigh?
How many people does a 1 2 ham feed?
What is a half of ham?
How much does half a leg of ham weigh?
How much does a whole Ham weigh?
WHOLE HAM – A whole ham will typically weigh 18 to 20 pounds and includes both the “butt” end and the “shank” end. The “butt end” is the upper part of the ham, more “rump” and thus more fatty. The “shank end” is the lower end, more leg and less fatty. The shank end has just one bone so is easier to slice.
How much does a ham bone weigh?
The bone in a whole ham can weigh anywhere from 6 to 8 pounds. – Half Ham: A half ham can come from either the shank end or the butt end of the ham. A half ham typically weighs between 5 to 10 pounds, with the bone accounting for around 2 to 4 pounds of that weight. – Spiral Sliced Ham: A bone-in spiral-cut ham can weigh between 7 to 10 pounds.
How much does a ham slice weigh?
Ham slices in the deli are usually around 1⁄4 pound each, while packaged sliced ham for sandwiches is about 1/8 pound per slice. Ham portions or slices taken from a whole, bone-in ham usually weigh: So you can see there’s a whole range of ham sizes to suit any occasion. Here are some quick rules of thumb:
How much does a spiral sliced ham weigh?
Spiral sliced hams usually weigh between 7 and 10 pounds. It’s important to keep in mind that bone-in hams will have a larger weight due to the bone. Plan on about 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per guest to ensure generous portions and some tasty leftovers.