How Much Ham BBQ Should You Serve Per Person? A Detailed Guide

Barbecuing ham is a delicious way to feed a crowd, but it can be tricky to know exactly how much to buy and prepare. You want to make sure you have enough so that everyone gets their fill, but you also don’t want to end up with tons of expensive leftover ham.

To help you figure out the right amount of ham bbq to serve per person, we’ve created this comprehensive guide. We’ll cover everything from general guidelines, to specific calculations, to tips for leftovers and side dishes. Follow our advice for planning the perfect ham bbq feast!

General Rule of Thumb for Ham BBQ Portions

As a general guideline, plan on serving 1/2 pound of boneless ham per person, or 1/3 pound if you’ll be offering lots of side dishes. For bone-in ham, allocate 3/4 to 1 pound per person to account for the bone weight.

These amounts provide 2-3 hearty slices of ham per person. It’s better to have a little extra than to run out and leave guests wanting more

For kids portions plan on 1/4 to 1/3 pound of boneless ham per child. And don’t forget to have vegetarian options on hand for non-meat eaters!

Calculating Precise Quantities Based on Guest Count

To calculate more precisely how much ham is needed for your barbecue, follow these suggestions based on headcount:

• For 6 people: 2 to 3 pounds of boneless ham, or 4 to 6 pounds of bone-in.
• For 12 people: 4 to 6 pounds of boneless, or 9 to 12 pounds of bone-in.
• For 20 people: 8 to 10 pounds boneless, or 15 to 20 pounds bone-in.

Adjust up or down based on your crowd’s appetite and the side dishes you’ll offer It’s ideal to have a little extra ham rather than running short,

And remember – the raw ham weights listed are more than the final cooked quantity. After smoking or grilling, expect your ham to lose 15-30% of its original weight in moisture and fat.

Factoring in Leftovers and Take-Home Portions

Part of ham bbq’s appeal is having delicious leftovers! To ensure you have extra portions for guests to take home or enjoy later in the week, prepare about 10-20% more ham per person.

Provide storage containers so guests can easily pack up leftovers. Consider making ham sandwiches or a soup ahead of time that reheats well.

Or use extra ham in omelets, salads, pasta dishes, etc. You don’t want to waste food or money, so plan ways to use every delicious bite.

Tips for Serving Ham Perfectly at a BBQ

Once your ham is prepped and ready, keep these serving tips in mind:

• Offer it buffet-style so guests can choose their portions. Use a slow cooker to keep it warm.

• Slice ham thickly and arrange it on a platter. Don’t oversauce it – let the flavor shine.

• Provide barbecue sauces, mustards, and breads/biscuits for mini ham sandwiches.

• Keep ham stored properly at safe temperatures until serving time.

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure ham reaches food-safe internal temperatures.

• Time it so ham comes off the grill right as guests arrive. The aroma will build anticipation!

Delectable Side Dishes and Sauces for Ham BBQs

A well-rounded barbecue meal needs delicious accompaniments to complement the star ham. Here are ideal sides and sauces to serve:

Classic Ham Pairings

• Baked beans – sweet, tangy, and loaded with protein
• Cornbread – perfect for mini ham sandwiches
• Roasted potatoes – crispy, garlicky, and hearty
• Collard greens – vitamin-rich and lightly bitter

Fresh Vegetable Options

• Grilled asparagus – easy and full of nutrients
• Green bean salad – crunchy and full of flavor
• Coleslaw – cool, creamy cabbage complements ham
• Roasted squash – naturally sweet to balance the ham

Special Homemade Sauces

• Honey mustard – sweet and tangy
• Peach bourbon bbq – fruity with a kick
• Spicy apricot glaze – nice blend of flavors
• Pineapple salsa – fresh and tropical

With a combination of classic and creative sides, your ham will be the star of a mouthwatering barbecue meal.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Ham Safely

One of the best parts about smoking a whole ham is enjoying leftovers for days. Follow these steps to store and reheat ham safely:

• Let ham cool completely before refrigerating. Store in shallow airtight containers.

• Refrigerate for 3-4 days. Freeze for 2-3 months in freezer bags or wrapped in foil.

• When reheating, use the oven or microwave to retain moisture. Heat to 165°F.

• Slice ham and add it to omelets, sandwiches, soups, and casseroles. Get creative!

• Don’t let ham sit in the “danger zone” between 40-140°F for more than 2 hours.

By properly storing and reheating leftovers, you can enjoy your perfectly smoked ham for a whole week until the next barbecue!

Key Takeaways for Calculating Ham BBQ Portions

Planning the right amount of ham bbq for a crowd can seem daunting. Keep these tips in mind:

• For adults, allow 1/2 pound boneless ham per person, or 3/4-1 pound bone-in.

• For kids, halve those portions to 1/4-1/3 pound boneless ham each.

• Buy 10-20% extra to account for leftovers and take-home portions.

• Remember raw ham weights are higher than after cooking.

• Offer delicious sides like beans, potatoes, cornbread, and slaw.

• Store leftovers promptly and properly. Reheat thoroughly before eating.

With the guidelines above for servings, calculations, and storage, you can perfectly plan your next succulent smoked ham barbecue! Your guests will leave happy with full bellies and maybe even a plate of tasty leftovers to enjoy later at home.