How Many Pounds of Ham Do I Need for 14 People?
The amount of ham needed to feed 14 people depends on the type of ham that is being served. The serving size varies between boneless ham, bone-in ham or spiral ham.
According to the USDA, 1/4 to 1/3 pound of boneless ham is equal to one serving, so in order to feed 14 people, a minimum of 3.5 pounds of boneless ham is needed. For bone-in ham, the serving size listed is 1/3 to 1/2 pound. This means that a 4.5- to 5-pound ham is required. For many people, these servings are small. In order to ensure that there is enough for every guest, chefs must plan on cooking based on the larger of the size ranges.
Martha Stewart suggests that the best serving size for bone-in ham is 3/4 pound and 1/2 pound for boneless hams. This means that an 11-pound bone-in ham is needed, or a 7-pound boneless ham is needed in order to feed 14 dinner guests. A half ham typically ranges in size from 7 to 10 pounds and is more than enough to feed 14 people for dinner, with leftovers likely. Cooks should always ensure that the ham has been cooked to at least 150 F, even if it is cooled prior to being eaten.
