As you plan your Thanksgiving menu, the centerpiece is often a juicy baked ham. But how long should you actually cook it for? In this guide, we’ll provide timing guidelines to perfectly roast your holiday ham.
Picking the right cook time ensures
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Even heating throughout
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A tender, moist interior
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A glazed, crispy exterior
Follow our tips for serving up sublime ham that wows your guests!
Ham Cooking Time per Pound
The general rule of thumb for baked ham is:
- Cook for 15-20 minutes per pound
So for example, a 10 lb ham bakes for 150-200 minutes total.
Factors like bone-in, shape, and cured method impact timing slightly. But the per pound method works for most hams.
Oven Roasting Steps and Timing
Follow these steps for foolproof ham roasting:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a meat thermometer.
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Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Add 1⁄2 inch water to the pan.
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Cover tightly with foil and roast at 325°F. Calculate 15-20 minutes per pound.
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After total calculated time, remove foil and brush with glaze.
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Increase heat to 400°F-425°F. Roast 15 more minutes until glazed.
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Check inner temp, it should reach 140°F when done.
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Let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
The initial roasting tenderizes the ham. The high heat finish helps caramelize the glaze.
Bone-In vs Boneless Ham
Bone-in hams take slightly longer than boneless:
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Bone-in: 18-20 minutes per pound
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Boneless: 15-18 minutes per pound
The bone conducts heat slower than meat. So bone-in hams need added roasting time.
Smoked, Cured, Fresh, and Spiral-Cut Hams
Different types of ham also impact cooking times:
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Smoked ham: 15-18 minutes per pound
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Fresh ham: 22-25 minutes per pound
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Cured ham: 15-18 minutes per pound
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Spiral-cut ham: 9-12 minutes per pound
Smoking and curing adds flavor but tenderizes the meat, reducing roast time. Fresh hams take the longest.
Ham Glaze and Resting Tips
Here are some final ham tips:
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Glaze multiple times during the last 30 minutes for even coverage.
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Let roast ham rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
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For ease, ask your butcher to score and tie bone-in hams before cooking.
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Leftovers keep refrigerated for 5-7 days. Slice, seal, and freeze for longer storage.
With the right time and temperature, your Thanksgiving ham will be mouthwateringly moist and delicious. Now relax and enjoy time with loved ones while your ham roasts to perfection.
Honey Glazed Ham – The Perfect Thanksgiving Feast
FAQ
How long does it take to cook a ham at 350?
How long does a 7 lb ham take to cook?
How long does a 3 lb ham take?
How long to cook a fully cooked ham and at what temperature?
How long does it take to cook a holiday ham?
The cooking times and temperatures you need for your holiday ham. Cooking a holiday ham is a time-consuming endeavor. Make sure you know exactly how long you’ll need to cook your ham before you get started — a whole, bone-in ham (not pre-cooked) can take upwards of four hours to cook, depending on how much it weighs.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
How to cook a ham for Thanksgiving?
Slice the ham carefully, following the scored cuts for easy serving. Arrange the slices on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for an elegant touch. Now that you know how to cook a delicious ham for Thanksgiving, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking!
How long do you cook a Ham in the oven?
Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Cook the ham for about 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze.