Whether you're hosting extended relatives or gathering a few close friends, you're likely going to be serving a protein based main dish. A question we get time and time again is "how many pounds of xyz should I buy?" ... and I get it! It feels impossible to estimate how much your guests will eat, and in turn, how much meat to purchase for your meal.
The two most popular products we carry for the holiday season are double smoked, bone-in hams and boneless, USDA Choice prime rib roasts. So, while I'll talk specifically to those products today, these tips can carry over to many different cuts of meat.
First and foremost, there are a few numbers you'll need to nail down:
How many guests will you have?
How many guests are children or elderly?
How many guests are teenagers? 😂
If many guests are children or elderly, you can scale the estimate back a bit. BUT if they're teenagers, I'd bump it up. Do you know the kind of damage a 16 year old boy can do to a prime rib? It ain't pretty.
We typically recommend 1/2 to 3/4 of a pound per person for hams or prime rib roast. Then, add a couple extra pounds for good measure.
Generally, I tell customers to err on the high side. This way, if another guest decides to come, you'll be well prepared for them. And who doesn't love leftovers for the next day's lunch? Especially if you're hosting overnight guests. Ham is delicious in egg bake and prime rib sandwiches are delicious!
As always, reach out to us if you need help. We love to hear from you!