What Size Spiral Ham for 20 Adults? Serving Up the Perfect Feast
To adequately feed 20 adults, you should plan for a spiral ham weighing approximately 10 to 12 pounds, aiming for roughly 1/2 pound per person. This allows for generous portions and some potential leftovers.
Understanding Spiral Ham: A Delicious Delicacy
Spiral ham, a pre-cooked ham that has been expertly sliced in a spiral pattern, offers convenience and consistent serving sizes. Its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor make it a popular choice for holidays, parties, and large gatherings. But selecting the right size is crucial to ensure everyone is satisfied and food waste is minimized.
The Importance of Proper Portioning
Accurately estimating the amount of ham needed for a large group like 20 adults prevents both scarcity and excessive leftovers. Running out of the main course can be embarrassing and lead to disappointed guests. On the other hand, ending up with a mountain of leftover ham might lead to waste if not utilized creatively.
Factors Affecting Ham Consumption
Several factors influence how much ham your guests will consume:
- Appetites: Consider the average appetite of your guests. Are they generally big eaters or light eaters?
- Side Dishes: A variety of substantial side dishes can reduce ham consumption. Rich, filling sides will naturally mean people eat less of the main course.
- Demographics: Men often eat more than women, and younger adults may eat more than older adults.
- Occasion: A holiday feast often involves more generous portions than a casual gathering.
- Presence of Children: Are there children at the gathering? If so, consider whether they will eat the ham and adjust calculations accordingly. Generally, you don’t need to include kids in your main calculation unless they are particularly hearty eaters.
Calculating Ham Needs: The Precise Approach
While 1/2 pound per person is a good starting point, a more precise calculation involves considering bone-in versus boneless ham. Spiral hams are almost always bone-in.
- Bone-in Spiral Ham: Allow for 1/2 to 3/4 pound per person. The bone accounts for some of the weight.
- Boneless Spiral Ham: Allow for 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person. You get more meat per pound with boneless.
For 20 adults and a bone-in spiral ham, this translates to 10 to 15 pounds of ham. Selecting a ham in the 10 to 12-pound range provides a safety margin without creating excessive leftovers.
Tips for Reducing Food Waste
Even with careful planning, some leftovers are almost inevitable. Here are some tips to minimize waste:
- Slice Strategically: Slice only what you need for serving, leaving the rest of the ham intact.
- Store Properly: Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate promptly.
- Get Creative: Use leftover ham in sandwiches, salads, soups, omelets, casseroles, or quiches.
Ham Cooking and Serving Suggestions
Spiral hams are pre-cooked, so the primary goal is to warm them gently without drying them out. A glaze adds flavor and moisture.
- Oven: Bake at 325°F until heated through (internal temperature of 140°F).
- Slow Cooker: Cook on low for several hours until heated through.
- Glaze: Apply a glaze during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. Popular glazes include brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, and fruit preserves.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do I choose the best spiral ham?
Look for a ham that is slightly pink in color, not gray or brownish. The ham should feel firm to the touch, not mushy. Check the expiration date and choose the freshest ham available. Consider the glaze included – does it appeal to your tastes?
Is it better to buy a bone-in or boneless spiral ham?
Spiral hams are almost always bone-in. However, boneless hams offer more meat per pound, but bone-in hams tend to have more flavor due to the bone marrow. For large groups, the cost savings of bone-in ham can be significant.
How long can I store leftover spiral ham?
Properly stored, leftover spiral ham can be safely refrigerated for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
Can I freeze a whole spiral ham?
While you can freeze a whole spiral ham, it’s more practical to slice and freeze portions. Freezing and thawing a large ham can affect its texture.
What temperature should I reheat my spiral ham to?
Reheat your spiral ham to an internal temperature of 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
How do I prevent my spiral ham from drying out while reheating?
To prevent drying, cover the ham with foil while reheating. You can also add a little water or broth to the bottom of the pan to create steam. Applying glaze towards the end of the reheating process also helps.
What are some good side dishes to serve with spiral ham?
Popular side dishes include mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, corn on the cob, dinner rolls, and a fresh salad. Consider offering a variety of textures and flavors to complement the ham.
What is the best glaze for a spiral ham?
There’s no single “best” glaze, but popular options include brown sugar and honey, maple syrup, pineapple glaze, and Dijon mustard glaze. Choose a glaze that complements your personal preferences.
Can I cook a spiral ham in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cooking a spiral ham in a slow cooker is a convenient option. Place the ham cut-side down in the slow cooker, add a cup of liquid (broth, juice, or water), and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until heated through.
How do I carve a spiral ham properly?
Since it’s already spiral-cut, carving is easy. Simply use a knife to cut along the bone, releasing the pre-cut slices. Serve the slices on a platter.
Is it safe to eat spiral ham cold?
Yes, because spiral hams are pre-cooked, it is perfectly safe to eat them cold.
What can I do with the ham bone after eating the ham?
The ham bone is a great source of flavor for soups and stews. Use it to make ham and bean soup or stock. Freeze the bone if you’re not planning to use it immediately.