Ham is a beloved centerpiece for holiday feasts and family dinners alike. Its savory flavor and impressive size make it a fantastic choice for feeding a crowd, with the added bonus of delicious leftovers. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or just a special Sunday meal, a perfectly cooked ham is sure to be a hit. But figuring out the correct cooking time can be crucial to ensure a moist, juicy, and safe ham.
Cooking ham doesn’t have to be daunting. In fact, ham is quite forgiving and suitable for cooks of all levels. However, knowing how long to cook your ham based on its type and weight is essential for achieving the best results. The cooking time varies significantly depending on whether you’re starting with a pre-cooked or uncooked ham. Let’s dive into the details to help you cook your ham to perfection.
How Long to Cook Pre-Cooked Hams
Pre-cooked hams, also labeled as “ready-to-eat” or “city hams”, are the most readily available type in supermarkets. They are already fully cooked and often smoked for added flavor. These hams are incredibly convenient and require less cooking time, primarily just needing to be heated through. They are also excellent for glazing, adding a beautiful and flavorful finish to your holiday centerpiece. For even easier serving, consider a spiral-cut ham, which eliminates the need for carving at the table.
Oven Temperature and Internal Temperature
For pre-cooked hams, the goal is to reheat them gently without drying them out. Bake your pre-cooked ham at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius), covered with foil to retain moisture. The ham is done when it reaches a safe internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius), as recommended by the USDA for safety and optimal taste. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure accuracy. A 10-pound pre-cooked, bone-in ham typically needs around 2 1/2 hours to reach this temperature.
| Pre-Cooked Ham | Weight | Cook Time | Oven Temp | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole, bone In | 10-14 lbs | 15-18 min/lb | 325°F (160°C) | 140°F (60°C) |
| Half, bone in | 5-7 lbs | 18-24 min/lb | 325°F (160°C) | 140°F (60°C) |
| Spiral cut, whole or half | 7-9 lbs | 10-18 min/lb | 325°F (160°C) | 140°F (60°C) |
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Image: Delicious brandied ham recipe, showcasing a glazed pre-cooked ham, perfect for holiday dinners.
How Long to Cook Uncooked Hams
Uncooked hams, often labeled “cook before eating” or “fresh hams,” require a longer cooking time as they need to be fully cooked to a safe temperature. These hams are typically smoked and offer a more intense ham flavor. Always check the packaging carefully to determine if your ham is pre-cooked or uncooked.
Oven Temperature and Internal Temperature
Uncooked hams should also be baked at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius), covered, but they need to reach a slightly higher safe internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). This ensures that the ham is fully cooked and safe to eat. A 10-pound uncooked, bone-in ham will generally take around 3 hours to cook thoroughly.
| Uncooked Ham | Weight | Cook Time | Oven Temp | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Whole, bone in | 10-14 lbs | 18-20 min/lb | 325°F (160°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
| Half, bone in | 5-7 lbs | 22-25 min/lb | 325°F (160°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
| Arm picnic shoulder, boneless | 5-8 lb | 30-35 min/lb | 325°F (160°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
| Shoulder roll (butt), boneless | 2-4 lb | 35-40 min/lb | 325°F (160°C) | 145°F (63°C) |
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Image: Classic baked Easter ham, an example of a beautifully cooked uncooked ham, perfect for a festive occasion.
Tips for Cooking Ham
To elevate your ham cooking experience and ensure a delicious outcome, consider these helpful tips:
- Easy Cleanup: Line your roasting pan with aluminum foil for effortless cleanup after cooking.
- Enhance Flavor with Glaze: Instead of relying on pan drippings, use extra glaze when basting your ham to build layers of flavor.
- Retain Moisture: For a more flavorful and moist ham, leave the rind on during the first two hours of cooking, if applicable.
- Don’t Waste the Bone: If you’re using a bone-in ham, save the ham bone after your meal to make flavorful dishes like Split-Pea Soup.
- Carve Like a Pro: Use a long, thin-bladed carving knife for clean and even slices of ham.
Delicious Ham Recipes to Try
Looking for recipe inspiration? Explore these delicious ham recipes for cooked half and spiral hams, as well as for a Virginia country ham to take your ham dish to the next level.
- Brandied Ham: A flavorful glaze enhances a classic half ham. View Recipe
- Pomegranate-Glazed Ham With Jammy Cipollinis: A vibrant and festive glaze for spiral-cut ham. View Recipe
- Baked Easter Ham: Martha Stewart’s classic recipe with cognac and brown sugar glaze. View Recipe
- Virginia Ham With Honey-Mustard Glaze: A spectacular and salty country ham with a honey-mustard glaze. View Recipe
- Apricot-Bourbon Glazed Ham: A sweet and smoky glaze with bourbon and apricot jam. View Recipe
- Bourbon-Glazed Ham: A standard bourbon glaze with Dijon mustard and brown sugar for a memorable flavor. View Recipe
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Image: Pomegranate-glazed ham with jammy cipollinis recipe, showcasing a spiral ham with a vibrant red glaze, perfect for a visually stunning dish.
By understanding the type of ham you have and following these guidelines for cooking time and temperature, you can confidently cook a delicious and impressive ham every time. Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham and happy feasting!
