How Long to Cook a Ham

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Learn how long to cook a ham so it comes out just right. This recipe shows you how to cook a ham to perfection every time!

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: World

Keyword: ham cook time, ham cooking time, how long to cook a ham, how to cook a ham

Servings: servings

Calories: 726kcal

Author: TipBuzz

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.

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.