Planning the Perfect Sliced Ham for 50 Hearty Sandwiches

Sandwiches are a classic crowd-pleasing meal, and sliced ham makes a delicious filling. But determining how much deli meat to buy for a large group can be tricky. You want to make sure you have enough for hearty sandwiches without overbuying.

In this article I’ll walk through exactly how to calculate how much sliced ham you need to serve 50 generous sandwiches. Follow my guide for a fool-proof ham sandwich buffet!

Key Factors When Buying Deli Ham

There are several key considerations when determining how much sliced ham to purchase

• Type of Ham – Boneless ham will stretch further than bone-in. And thin deli slices need less than a full baked ham.

• Slices Per Sandwich – Estimate 1-2 slices per sandwich based on your crowd’s appetite.

• Slice Thickness – The thicker the slice, the less slices per pound. Request shaved or thin slices.

• Bread Size – Mini rolls need less ham than large sub rolls. Factor in bread size.

• Side Dishes – If serving salad and chips too, people may consume less ham per sandwich.

• Eater Size – Big hungry eaters will eat more than dainty eaters. Know your audience.

Considering these factors will allow you to calculate ham quantities correctly.

General Sliced Ham Formula for Sandwiches

As a general guideline when making sandwiches:

• Plan for 3-4 ounces of ham per sandwich

For 50 sandwiches:

• 50 sandwiches x 4 ounces each = 200 ounces
• 200 ounces / 16 ounces (1 pound) = 12.5 pounds
• Round up to 13 pounds of ham to be safe

If you can get thin deli slices, you may be able to use around 3 ounces per sandwich.

Also consider if you’re serving smaller sandwiches on mini rolls or large sub-style sandwiches. And know your crowd’s appetite when estimating ounces per sandwich.

Buying and Slicing the Right Ham

When purchasing your 13 pounds of ham, look for:

• Boneless (more meat per pound)
• Deli-sliced (requires less per sandwich)
• Unsliced (for thin customized slices)
• Halves/quarters (easier to slice than a whole ham)

Request thin 1/8-inch slices from the deli for optimum sandwich meat. Each slice should be around 1 ounce.

For cooked ham, ask for thin shaved slices, about 3-4 per sandwich.

Pro Tip: Get a couple extra pounds sliced to allow for overstuffed sandwiches and torn slices.

Make 50 Amazing Ham Sandwiches

With the ham calculations complete, you’re ready to build 50 incredible sandwiches!

• Use soft sandwich rolls or breads in various sizes.

• Offer traditional condiments on the side like mayo, mustard, and pickles.

• Add cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onion for delicious deli-style sandwiches.

• Pair with potato chips, pasta salad, or fresh fruit.

• For a soup and sandwich bar, pair with broccoli cheddar or potato soup.

• Or go retro with tater tots and coleslaw.

Your guests will be thrilled with these handheld ham meals!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions on quantities for ham sandwiches:

• How many sandwiches from 1 pound of deli ham? With thin slices, 1 pound yields around 16 small sandwiches.

• What’s the most ham slices per sandwich? For large sandwiches, use 4-5 thin slices (around 4 ounces). Use 2-3 slices for smaller sandwiches.

• How much ham for sandwiches alone? For sandwiches only, plan for 4-6 ounces of ham per person.

• Can I freeze extra sliced ham? Yes! Layer ham between wax paper in an airtight container and freeze for 2-3 months.

• What are ham sandwich serving sizes? Plan 3-5 ounces of ham per adult sandwich depending on appetite and sides.

• How thick should I slice cooked ham? For sandwiches, ask for “shaved” or 1/8” to 1/4” thick max to yield more slices per pound.

Key Takeaways for Sliced Ham Sandwiches

Planning ham sandwiches for a crowd? Here are the key takeaways:

• Estimate 3-4 ounces ham per sandwich based on bread size and appetites.

• For 50 sandwiches, you’ll need about 13 pounds of ham (or less if thinly sliced deli ham).

• Choose boneless, thinly sliced, deli or cooked ham.

• Slice cooked ham shaved or 1/8-inch thick.

• Deli ham slices should be around 1 ounce each.

• Offer traditional condiments and side dishes to complement the sandwiches.

• Bread selection, slice thickness, and side dishes affect how much ham is needed per sandwich.

Take these tips into account when buying and slicing ham. With the proper calculations, you’ll have perfect sandwiches without overbuying. Your guests will rave about these satisfying sliced ham sandwiches!