Are you planning a BBQ party and wondering how much ham to prepare per person?
Look no further! We’ve gathered some helpful tips and guidelines to ensure that you have enough ham to satisfy your guests without going overboard.
From calculating the right amount of meat per person to considering leftovers and take-home dishes, we’ve got you covered.
So, fire up the grill and let’s dive into the world of ham BBQ!
How Much Ham BBQ Per Person?
When it comes to planning a BBQ party, one of the most important things to consider is how much food to prepare per person. Ham is a popular choice for BBQs because it is full of flavor and produces a lot of meat. But how much ham should you prepare per person?
As a general rule of thumb, plan on preparing half a pound (8oz) of ham per person. This will give each guest 2-3 slices of ham and ensure that you don’t run out. If you’re unsure about how much to prepare, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and have some leftovers.
It’s important to note that the amount of uncooked meat you buy does not equal the amount once it is cooked. Count on ham losing some weight once it is cooked, so keep this in mind when purchasing your ham.
If you’re serving boneless ham, plan for each person to eat between 1/3 and 1/2 pounds. This will leave enough for everyone to enjoy their meal’s main dish. If you’re a family that loves side dishes and desserts, you can err on the side of 1/3 of a pound per person, but remember to factor in leftovers and take-home dishes people might request.
To make things easier, here are some suggested amounts based on the number of dinner guests:
– For 6 people: 2 to 3 pounds
– For 12 people: 4 to 6 pounds
– For 20 people: 6 3/4 to 10 pounds
Of course, these are just guidelines and you should adjust them based on your family’s needs and preferences.
Calculating The Right Amount Of Ham
Calculating the right amount of ham for your BBQ party can be a bit tricky, but with a few simple calculations, you can ensure that everyone gets their fair share. The first thing to consider is the type of ham you’ll be serving. If you’re serving bone-in ham, plan on about 1/2 pound per person. Bone-in ham is heavier than boneless ham, so it will yield fewer servings per pound.
If you’re serving boneless ham, plan for about 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person. This will give each guest enough meat to enjoy without leaving too many leftovers. Keep in mind that the amount of uncooked meat you buy does not equal the amount once it is cooked. Count on ham losing some weight once it is cooked, so adjust your calculations accordingly.
Another factor to consider is the number of side dishes and desserts you’ll be serving. If you’re planning a lot of side dishes or desserts, you can err on the side of caution and prepare less ham per person. However, if you’re planning a smaller number of side dishes, it’s best to prepare a bit more ham to ensure that everyone gets their fill.
To make things easier, here are some suggested amounts based on the number of dinner guests:
– For 6 people: 2 to 3 pounds
– For 12 people: 4 to 6 pounds
– For 20 people: 6 3/4 to 10 pounds
Remember that these are just guidelines and you should adjust them based on your family’s needs and preferences. By following these simple calculations, you can ensure that everyone at your BBQ party gets their fair share of delicious ham.
Considerations For Leftovers And Take-Home Dishes
When planning your BBQ, it’s important to consider the possibility of leftovers and take-home dishes. You don’t want to prepare too much food and end up wasting it, but you also don’t want to run out of food for your guests.
If you’re planning on sending guests home with leftovers, it’s a good idea to prepare a little extra food. Plan on preparing an additional 10-20% of food per person if you want to have leftovers. This will ensure that everyone has enough to eat and that there is still some food left over for people to take home.
When it comes to take-home dishes, make sure to have containers on hand so that guests can easily pack up their leftovers. You can also consider preparing some dishes in advance that are easy to reheat and serve as leftovers. For example, you could prepare a large batch of ham and bean soup that guests can take home and enjoy later.
Another option is to plan on using any leftover ham in other dishes throughout the week. Ham can be used in omelets, sandwiches, salads, and more. This way, you’re not wasting any food and you’re getting the most out of your BBQ ham.
Tips For Serving Ham BBQ At A Party
Ham BBQ is a popular choice for parties, and there are a few tips to keep in mind when serving it to your guests. Here are some suggestions to make your ham BBQ party a success:
1. Plan ahead: Make sure you have enough ham for all of your guests, and consider any dietary restrictions or preferences they may have. It’s also a good idea to have extra sides and desserts on hand in case people want more than just ham.
2. Serve with the right sides: Ham doesn’t need a lot of sauce or gravy, so it pairs well with simple sides like salads or vegetable dishes. You can also serve it with freshly made biscuits, various cheeses, jams, and hot-pepper jelly for guests to make their own little biscuit sandwiches.
3. Use a flavorful glaze: A tasty glaze can take your ham BBQ to the next level. Consider using a homemade honey BBQ glaze or Isaly’s BBQ sauce for a unique flavor that guests will love.
4. Heat the ham properly: Whether you’re heating your ham in the oven or on the grill, be careful not to overcook it. Use a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit for best results.
5. Serve buffet-style: Ham BBQ is perfect for serving buffet-style, so guests can serve themselves and choose their own portions. Consider using a slow cooker to keep the ham warm and moist throughout the party.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your ham BBQ party is a hit with all of your guests.
Accompaniments And Side Dishes To Complement Ham BBQ
When serving ham BBQ as the main dish, it’s important to have some delicious side dishes to complement it. The right side dishes can enhance the flavor of the ham and make the meal more enjoyable for your guests. Here are some great accompaniments and side dishes to consider:
1. Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables is a great way to bring out their natural sweetness and add some color to your plate. Try roasting carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes for a delicious and healthy side dish.
2. Scalloped Potatoes: This classic dish is always a crowd-pleaser and pairs perfectly with ham. Thinly sliced potatoes are layered with cheese and cream for a rich and indulgent side dish.
3. Glazed Carrots: Sweet glazed carrots are a perfect complement to salty ham. Try glazing them with honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup for a delicious twist.
4. Asparagus: This simple vegetable is always a hit at BBQs. Roast or grill it with some olive oil, salt, and pepper for an easy and tasty side dish.
5. Mac and Cheese: Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? This rich and creamy side dish is perfect for indulging in at BBQs. Try adding some bacon or jalapenos for an extra kick.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs well with ham. Add some sour cream or garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
7. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread is a perfect complement to savory ham. Serve it warm with some butter for an irresistible side dish.
8. Salad: A fresh salad is always a great option for balancing out the richness of the ham. Try a simple green salad with some vinaigrette dressing or mix in some fruit for a sweet twist.
Remember, the key to a successful BBQ party is to have a variety of options that cater to everyone’s tastes and preferences. With these delicious accompaniments and side dishes, your ham BBQ is sure to be a hit!
How To Store And Reheat Leftover Ham BBQ
After your BBQ party, it’s important to properly store any leftover ham to ensure it stays safe and tasty for future meals. First, make sure to let the ham cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator or freezer. Leaving it out at room temperature for too long can increase the risk of bacteria growth.
If you plan on eating the leftover ham within 3-4 days, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator. Make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track of how long it has been stored.
If you won’t be eating the leftover ham within 3-4 days, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Again, make sure to label the container with the date and type of meat.
When reheating leftover ham, there are several methods you can use. One option is to reheat it in a slow cooker with some water or broth to keep it moist. However, the USDA does not recommend reheating leftovers in a slow cooker, so use caution if you decide to do this.
Another option is to reheat the ham in an oven-safe baking dish covered with aluminum foil at a low temperature of 275°F for around 10 minutes per pound. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent the ham from drying out.
If you have a smoker or grill, you can also reheat the ham at a low temperature of 275°F for around 10-15 minutes per pound. This method will give the ham a delicious smoky flavor and is a great way to use up leftover charcoal or pellets.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 140°F before serving. This will help prevent any potential foodborne illnesses and ensure that your leftover ham is safe and delicious for everyone to enjoy.