What size ham for six?

When determining the size of the ham needed to serve six people, there are a few factors to consider:

- The size of the ham is typically categorized by weight, measured in pounds.

Factors:

- Bone-in or boneless ham: Bone-in hams typically have a natural bone and are sold intact. They require more cooking time than boneless hams, but many people prefer the flavor of bone-in ham. Boneless hams are more convenient to carve and serve, and they cook faster.

- Glazed or unglazed ham: Glazed hams come pre-coated with a sweet, flavorful glaze, while unglazed hams allow you to add your own glaze or seasoning.

- Cooking method: The cooking method can also influence the size of the ham. If you plan on baking the ham, you'll need to factor in the amount of space available in your oven. If you plan on using a slow cooker, you'll need to ensure the ham fits inside.

- Appetites of your guests: Consider whether your guests are heavy eaters or prefer smaller portions.

- Other dishes being served: If you're serving a full meal with multiple dishes, you may want to adjust the ham size accordingly.

As a general guideline, here's a breakdown of ham sizes for six people:

- Bone-in ham: For a bone-in ham, plan on about 12-14 pounds. This allows for an average of 6-7 ounces of cooked ham per person.

- Boneless ham: For a boneless ham, you can estimate around 10-12 pounds. Boneless hams typically yield more edible meat, making them a good option for larger gatherings or if you want substantial leftovers.

- Half ham: If you're serving just a few people, a half ham could also be an option. Half hams usually range between 5-7 pounds and can feed about 3-4 people.

Remember, these are just guidelines, and the actual size of ham you need may vary depending on your guests' appetites and the specific ham you choose. It's always better to have slightly more than you need to ensure everyone has enough to enjoy.