How Long to Bake a Kentucky Legend Ham – A Complete Guide

Kentucky Legend ham has earned a reputation for being one of the most delicious and flavorful hams around. When you get your hands on one of these iconic hams, you’ll want to cook it just right to bring out its very best qualities. But how long should you bake a Kentucky Legend ham?

The baking time can vary based on the size and type of ham. Follow this complete guide to learn exactly how long to bake your Kentucky Legend ham for mouthwatering perfection.

Factors that Determine Kentucky Legend Ham Bake Time

There are a few key factors that impact total bake time for a Kentucky Legend ham:

Weight – Heavier hams need longer cook times. The general rule is 15-20 minutes per pound. A 10 lb ham bakes for 2.5-3 hours.

Bone-in or Boneless – Boneless hams cook faster than bone-in. Bone protects the meat and slows cooking.

Cooking Method – Baking times are shorter than smoking or slow roasting, Baking cooks the ham more quickly,

Recipe Instructions – Packaging and recipes provide cook times specific to that ham. Always defer to given instructions.

Oven Temperature – Higher heat means shorter bake times. Typical oven temp for hams is 325°F.

Doneness Temperature – Hams are safe to eat and fully cooked at 145°F.

Taking these factors into account will help you determine the perfect Kentucky Legend ham bake time

How Long to Bake a Whole Kentucky Legend Ham

For whole, bone-in Kentucky Legend hams, the basic timing guidelines are:

• 8-10 lbs – bake for 2 to 2 1⁄2 hours
• 10-12 lbs – bake for 2 1⁄2 to 3 hours
• 12-16 lbs – bake for 3 to 4 hours

These times are at 325°F oven temperature. Always use a meat thermometer and bake until the ham reaches 140-145°F internally.

For the most accurate time, weigh your ham and calculate 15-20 minutes per pound. For example, an 11 lb ham bakes for 165-220 minutes, or 2 3⁄4 – 3 2⁄3 hours.

Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving for the juiciest results.

Baking Times for Kentucky Legend Boneless Hams

Boneless Kentucky Legend hams bake more quickly than bone-in. Follow these general timelines:

• 4-6 lbs – bake for 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2 hours
• 6-8 lbs – bake for 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours
• 8-10 lbs – bake for 2 – 2 1⁄4 hours

Again, use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches 140-145°F at the thickest part. Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Go by the 15 minutes per pound rule for the most precise boneless ham bake time. A 7 lb ham bakes for 105-140 minutes, or 1 3⁄4 – 2 1⁄4 hours.

Important Baking Tips for Kentucky Legend Ham

Follow these tips for baking a perfect Kentucky Legend ham:

• Start ham at room temp, not straight from fridge
• Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness
• Bake in a foil tent then uncover last 30 minutes
• Let ham rest before carving for redistribution of juices
• Save the bone for soups, bean dishes, and stock

Proper resting and tenting with foil prevents drying out. And the leftover bone adds flavor to other dishes!

How to Tell When Kentucky Legend Ham is Done

There are a few ways to test Kentucky Legend ham doneness:

• Internal temp of 145°F
• Clear juices from thickest part
• Nice caramelized exterior
• Firm outer texture but tender inside
• Meat pulls back from the bone

The thermometer is the foolproof way to confirm doneness. But checking appearance, texture, and juices provides visual cues too.

Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Kentucky Legend Ham

To prevent a dried out, undercooked, or burned Kentucky Legend ham, avoid these pitfalls:

• Not using a meat thermometer
• Incorrect oven temperature or bake time
• Not tenting ham while baking
• Skipping resting period before slicing
• Cutting into ham before juices settle

Following instructions for time, temp, tenting, and resting leads to the best results.