How Long to Cook a Ham
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Wondering how long to cook a ham for the best flavor? Discover handy tips on how to cook a ham plus ham cooking times for spiral, pre-cooked, bone-in, boneless and uncooked hams.
Hams are an important part of many holiday celebrations, from Christmas to Easter and more. However, let’s face it: no two hams are the same! The weight and size can vary along with the type of ham itself.
There’s no need to stress – you’ve got this! Enjoy a mouthwatering ham every time with these easy tips.
How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham
Spiral cut hams are some of the most popular types of hams. They are typically 8 to 11 pounds and come fully pre-cooked (check the package to confirm this). That means you are only reheating it to an internal temperature of 140°F.
The most effective way to do this is to use a low temperature and bake at 250°F to prevent the outside from becoming dry.
At this temperature, it will take 13 to 16 minutes per pound, or roughly 2 hours for an 8 pound ham.
How Long to Cook a Fully Cooked Ham
Most hams you find at the supermarket are usually fully cooked, so you only need to reheat them to the right internal temperature. Preheat your oven to 325°F and warm your pre-cooked ham until the internal temperature reaches 140°F in the center.
A precooked boneless ham will take 10 to 12 minutes per pound, or just over 3 hours for an 8 pound ham. Note: By increasing your oven temperature to 350°F, you will reduce the times above by about 5 minutes per pound.
How Long to Cook a Bone In Ham
Pre-cooked bone-in hams tend to heat differently than boneless, as the bone affects the heat distribution through the meat. Here is a ham cook time chart for bone-in hams:
| Type | Weight | Ham Cooking Time |
| Large bone-in ham | 10 to 14 pounds | 15 to 18 minutes per pound |
| Small bone-in ham | 5 to 7 pounds | 18 to 24 minutes per pound |
Generally speaking, a smaller bone-in ham will take 2 to 2-1/2 hours, while a larger bone-in ham will take about 3 hours.
Uncooked Smoked Ham
Far less common, unsmoked ham usually features a warning to cook thoroughly before eating. It should be cooked at 325°F until its internal temperature reaches 145°F according to the USDA. This process can take anywhere between 18 and 35 minutes per pound.
See below for an uncooked smoked ham cook time chart:
| Type | Weight | Uncooked Ham Cook Time |
| Large bone-in ham | 10 to 14 pounds | 18 to 20 min per pound |
| Small bone-in ham | 5 to 7 pounds | 20 to 24 min per pound |
| Boneless ham | 5 to 8 pounds | 25 to 30 min per pound |
| Boneless butt | 2 to 4 pounds | 30 to 35 min per pound |
FAQ: Ham Cooking Times
A 10-pound spiral ham will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes at 250°F. A 10-pound boneless smoked ham will take 2 hours at 325°F, while a fully cooked bone-in ham will take about 3 hours. The center of the ham will reach the USDA-recommended temperature of 140°F when done.
A fresh, raw or unsmoked ham should be cooked at 325°F until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. This should take 24 to 28 minutes per pound for a boneless leg and 22 to 26 minutes per pound for a bone-in leg.
A small ham will reach the USDA-recommended temp of 140°F in about 2 to 3 hours on a Low setting in the crock pot, while a large ham will take 4 to 6 hours on Low.
Cooked ham will last up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge, or up to 2 months when properly stored in the freezer.
Tips for Glazing and Roasting Ham
If you’re cooking ham, a delicious glaze will definitely take it to the next level.
Before placing your ham in the oven, score the ham skin in vertical and diagonal rows every 2 inches in a crosshatch pattern. This simple trick allows the glaze to soak into the meat while it finishes roasting, giving you that delightfully crispy and sweet finish.
Once your ham is in the oven and is about 40 minutes away from being done, brush the glaze liberally across the skin’s surface every 10 to 20 minutes.
Side Dishes to Serve with Ham
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How Long to Cook a Ham
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham, 8-14 pounds, bone-in or boneless (pre-cooked)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F, placing the rack in the lower middle position. Set aside a roasting pan fitted with a rack to hold the ham.
- Run a sharp knife across the top of the ham to make a diamond pattern spaced about an inch apart and going about 1/4-inch deep.
- Insert the cloves where the lines cross, with the large part of the clove sticking up.
- Place the ham in the prepared pan and cover loosely with foil. Place in the oven and bake for 2 hours (or 1 1/2 hours for a small ham, or 2 1/2 hours for a large ham).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, mustard and black pepper until combined.
- Take the pan from the oven. Remove the foil. Using a brush, spread the ham generously with the glaze, leaving 1/3 cup for a second round if desired.
- Return the ham to the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes more or until slightly caramelized.
- Optional: Brush the ham once again with the remaining glaze and bake uncovered for another 20 to 30 minutes. This step is helpful when the ham is not hot enough (see following step).
- Check the internal temperature of the ham by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center (an inch away from the bone for bone-in). When it reads 140°F, the ham is done.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice with a ham slicer to serve.
Notes
- Pro tip: Removing the ham from the refrigerator an hour ahead of time will take the chill off, so it takes 30 to 60 minutes less in the oven.
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