Determining how many people a 10 lb honey baked ham can feed depends on a few factors. The main considerations are:
Ham Serving Size
A common recommended serving size for ham is 4-6 oz per person. Based on a 10 lb (160 oz) ham:
| Serving Size | Number of Servings |
|---|---|
| 4 oz | 40 |
| 5 oz | 32 |
| 6 oz | 26 |
So if you allocate 5 oz of ham per person, a 10 lb ham would provide around 32 servings.
Other Foods Being Served
However, most holiday meals involve more than just a main meat dish. Side dishes like potatoes, vegetables, bread, salad, and dessert will all take up stomach space as well. People will fill up on these other items and likely not eat a full 5 oz serving of ham.
A typical holiday plate might include:
- 4-5 oz ham
- 1/2 cup potatoes or stuffing
- 1/2 cup vegetables
- Small side salad
- Roll
- Small slice of pie
So realistically, people may eat around 3-4 oz of ham as the main dish once the other items are accounted for. This would increase the number of servings from a 10 lb ham to around 40-53 servings.
Appetizers and Leftovers
Appetizers like cheeses, crudités, and dips are often served before the main meal, so guests may arrive already partially full. And leftover ham makes great sandwiches, omelets, soups, and casseroles in the days following. This allows the ham to be stretched even further.
Number of Guests
The number of people being served must also be considered. If serving a large holiday gathering, you’ll need to allow for plenty of ham. For a smaller dinner party with 6-8 guests, a 3-5 lb ham may be sufficient when accounting for other dishes. Catering a 10 lb ham for just 4 people will likely result in copious leftovers.
Conclusion
Considering typical serving sizes and accounting for other side dishes, a 10 lb honey baked ham can reasonably feed:
- 12-15 people for a large holiday meal with leftovers
- 18-22 people for a generous main course
- 25-30 people if served as an appetizer or part of a buffet
The final number of servings depends on how you plan to serve the ham. In general, allowing 4-6 oz of ham per person, supplemented with other sides, is a good estimate for a holiday dinner. Leftovers can feed even more people after the initial meal. Adjust the ham size up or down based on your final guest count for optimal results.
Tips for Serving Ham
Here are some tips to get the most out of your honey baked ham:
- Carve the ham by cutting thin, diagonal slices across the grain. This makes the ham easier to chew.
- If reheating a baked ham, slice it first then reheat the slices separately as needed. Reheating the whole ham can dry it out.
- Let the ham come to room temperature before serving for fuller flavor.
- Use the bone and trimmings to make ham stock for soups or bean dishes.
- Glaze the ham just before serving and provide extra glaze for guests.
- Offer a variety of mustards, chutneys, and sauces to complement the ham.
- Use ultra thin slices for appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, and omelets.
- Pair ham with cheese for an easy appetizer or snack.
With smart menu planning and these serving tips, a 10 lb spiral cut honey baked ham can easily feed a holiday crowd. The leftovers will provide days of easy meals too!