To bake a ham, follow these general steps for a delicious, glazed baked ham:

Preparation

• Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 1-2 hours, depending on size (e.g., 2 hours for large hams, 1 hour for 6-7 lb hams)

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C)

• Score the surface of the ham in a diamond or crosshatch pattern about 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep to allow the glaze to penetrate

• Place the ham fat side up or cut side down in a roasting pan large enough to hold it

Cooking Time

• Calculate cooking time based on weight: typically 10-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. For example, bake for about 10-11 minutes per pound if following a glaze method, or 20 minutes per pound if baking with a foil tent and water in the pan

• Cover the ham tightly with foil or a foil tent to keep it moist during the initial baking

• Add a small amount of water (about 1/2 inch in the pan) to keep the ham moist

Glazing and Baking

• Prepare a glaze while the ham is baking. Common glaze ingredients include brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, mustard, fruit juice (orange or pineapple), and spices

• After most of the baking time (about 30-45 minutes before the end), remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400-425°F to caramelize the glaze

• Brush the ham generously with glaze and return it to the oven uncovered. Repeat glazing every 10-15 minutes until a golden, caramelized crust forms

• The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of about 140-145°F (60-63°C) for fully cooked hams being reheated

Resting and Serving

• Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute

• Carve by slicing the meat off the bone in chunks or slices, depending on preference

Example Glaze Recipe

• Brown sugar, maple syrup or honey, and orange juice or apple cider vinegar mixed and simmered until thickened

This method ensures a moist, flavorful ham with a sweet, caramelized glaze that is perfect for holiday or special occasion meals

. Summary:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Score ham and place in roasting pan with water.
3. Cover with foil and bake ~10-20 minutes per pound.
4. Prepare glaze (brown sugar, honey/maple syrup, mustard, juice).
5. Remove foil, increase oven to 400-425°F.
6. Brush ham with glaze every 10-15 minutes until caramelized.
7. Bake until internal temp reaches ~140-145°F.
8. Rest 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

This approach is supported by multiple reliable recipes and tips from cooking experts