Big A Ham To Buy: How

If your guest list includes three teenage athletes or a group of "meat and potatoes" enthusiasts, always round up by at least 2 pounds.

A 20-pound ham is a beast. Measure your roasting pan and your oven clearance before buying the biggest one in the case.

The Great Holiday Ham Equation is a puzzle that has haunted hosts for generations. To solve it, you must look beyond the weight on the sticker and consider the anatomy of the pig, the appetite of your guests, and your personal desire for leftovers. 🍖 The Golden Rule: Pounds Per Person how big a ham to buy

The "right size" depends entirely on whether you are buying a ham with a bone or one without.

The Shank (lower leg) is the classic "tapered" look and is easier to carve. The Butt (upper leg) is leaner and more tender but has a tricky T-shaped bone that makes slicing a bit harder. If your guest list includes three teenage athletes

Are you planning to make with the bone afterward?

These are convenient but can dry out faster during reheating. If you choose this, keep your oven temperature low (around 275°F or 325°F) and keep it tightly covered in foil. The Great Holiday Ham Equation is a puzzle

Before you head to the butcher, check these three variables: