To cook a ham in the oven, follow these general steps for a delicious baked ham:
Preparation
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours to ensure even cooking
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C)
Cooking Time
- Calculate cooking time based on the weight of the ham. Typically, bake the ham for about 10 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F until heated through. For example, a 10-pound ham would take approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes
- The ham should be heated to an internal temperature of about 140°F to 145°F for fully cooked hams
Cooking Method
- Place the ham fat side up in a roasting pan. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan to keep the ham moist
- Cover the ham tightly with foil to retain moisture during the initial cooking phase
- Roast the ham according to the calculated time.
Glazing (Optional but Recommended)
- Prepare a glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, maple syrup, or fruit juices
- About 30 to 45 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with the glaze.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400-425°F and return the ham uncovered to the oven.
- Baste the ham with glaze every 10 to 15 minutes until the glaze caramelizes and forms a nice crust, usually for 20 to 45 minutes
- Let the ham rest for 15 to 20 minutes after removing it from the oven before carving to allow juices to redistribute
Carving and Serving
- Carve the ham by slicing into large chunks first, then slicing those chunks thinly
- Serve with pan juices or additional glaze if desired.
This method ensures a moist, flavorful ham with a beautifully caramelized glaze. Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to avoid overcooking
Summary of Key Temperatures and Times
Step| Temperature| Time
---|---|---
Initial bake| 325°F (163°C)| 10-15 minutes per pound
Glazing and finishing| 400-425°F (204-218°C)| 20-45 minutes, basting every
10-15 mins
Internal temp target| 140-145°F (60-63°C)| -
Resting time| Room temperature| 15-20 minutes
This approach is supported by multiple reliable recipes and cooking guides
