Butt ham, also known as rump ham, refers to a specific cut of ham from the upper portion of the rear leg. It has a wonderfully rich flavor and tender texture when cooked properly. However achieving the ideal cook time is key to preventing a dry overcooked butt ham. So how long should you cook this delicious cut of meat?
In this comprehensive guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking the perfect juicy, fork-tender butt ham, including cook times techniques, tips and more.
What is Butt Ham?
Butt ham is taken from the top part of the pig’s hind leg up near the pelvis. It sits higher up on the leg than a shank ham. This well-marbled cut contains the femur bone and a good amount of fat, which helps keep it moist during cooking.
Butt ham offers a very tender, succulent texture compared to other ham cuts. It also has excellent flavor from the fat marbling. However, the irregular shape can make butt ham more challenging to carve.
Fully cooked butt hams just need to be gently reheated until warm and safe to eat. Choosing a boneless ham makes carving easier.
How Long to Cook Butt Ham
The size of your ham is the main factor determining cook time. Follow these general guidelines:
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Bone-in butt ham: Cook approximately 18-20 minutes per pound at 325°F.
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Boneless butt ham: Cook approximately 12-15 minutes per pound at 325°F.
For example, an 8 lb. bone-in butt ham would take around 2 1/2 to 3 hours in a 325°F oven.
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches 140°F at the thickest part. If under, continue cooking until 140°F for food safety.
More Cook Time Recommendations for Butt Ham
Refer to these cook time ranges for different sizes of bone-in and boneless butt ham:
Bone-in:
- 4-5 lbs: 1 1⁄4 – 1 1⁄2 hours
- 6-8 lbs: 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours
- 10-12 lbs: 3 – 4 hours
Boneless:
- 3-4 lbs: 45 mins – 1 hour
- 5-7 lbs: 1 – 1 1⁄4 hours
- 8-10 lbs: 1 1⁄2 – 2 hours
Pork sizes vary, so rely on a meat thermometer and adjust cook times as needed.
Key Tips for Cooking Butt Ham
Follow these tips for the juiciest, best-tasting butt ham:
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Cook fully thawed ham only, never frozen. Thaw completely 1-2 days ahead.
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Use a meat thermometer for accuracy, not just cook time.
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Let roasted ham rest 15 minutes before slicing for easier carving.
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For flavor, glaze the ham during the last 30 minutes if desired.
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Tent loosely with foil at first to prevent drying out.
Step-by-Step Guide to Roasting Butt Ham
Follow these simple steps for roasting perfect juicy butt ham in the oven:
1. Prepare the Ham
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Thoroughly thaw ham if frozen. Leave on any packaging or skin.
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Place ham fat side up on a rack in a foil-lined pan.
2. Cook the Ham
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Loosely cover ham with foil.
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Cook bone-in ham 18-20 mins/lb or boneless ham 12-15 mins/lb.
3. Check Internal Temp
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Insert a thermometer into the thickest section without touching bone.
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Cook until it reaches 140°F minimum for safety.
4. Let Ham Rest
- Remove ham from oven and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.
5. Carve and Serve
- Carve by cutting slices around the bone. Serve warm.
This easy process results in a tender, juicy butt ham cooked to perfection.
Checking Doneness of Butt Ham
It’s important to use a meat thermometer to assess doneness instead of relying on cook times alone. Here are tips for checking butt ham:
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Insert thermometer into the thickest area without touching bone.
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Ham should reach 140°F minimum before serving. If under, cook longer.
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Let ham rest out of oven 10-15 minutes then double check temperature.
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Ham may have a hint of pink yet be fully cooked at 140°F.
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If overcooked, meat will be tough and dry with hard edges.
Let the thermometer be your guide for ideal doneness without overcooking. Remove butt ham immediately once 140°F.
What If Your Butt Ham Is Undercooked?
If your butt ham is slightly underdone, use one of these easy methods to finish cooking:
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Return to oven and cook 5-10 minutes more until 140°F.
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Finish in a 400°F oven for 10-15 minutes for quicker heating.
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Simmer ham in liquid like broth, cider or juice to gently cook through.
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Sear ham slices in a hot skillet with butter to caramelize and cook further.
With a little extra time, you can still achieve properly cooked, safe and tasty butt ham even if slightly undercooked at first.
How to Tell If Your Butt Ham Is Overcooked
It’s also possible to dry out and overcook a butt ham. Watch for these signs:
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Meat shrinking and separating from the bone.
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Very firm, dense texture when slicing instead of tender.
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Dry, stringy texture rather than moist and juicy.
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Fat areas look shriveled up.
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Slices getting crispy, hard outer edges.
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Ham not holding together in slices well.
Though edible, overcooked ham lacks the signature juicy tenderness. Stick to recommended cook times to prevent drying it out.
Troubleshooting Butt Ham Cooked Improperly
If your butt ham turns out too dry or unevenly cooked, here are some likely causes and solutions:
Ham is undercooked:
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Oven temperature too low – Confirm accuracy with oven thermometer.
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Pulled out too early – Follow minimum cook times for weight.
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Ham partially frozen – Ensure fully thawed before cooking.
Ham is overcooked:
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Oven temperature too high – Reduce heat to 300-325°F.
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Cooked too long – Carefully follow timing guidelines.
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Ham touching oven sides – Center ham in pan away from walls.
With a few easy oven adjustments, you can achieve perfect results cooking a juicy butt ham.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Butt Ham
Get all your butt ham cooking questions answered:
What temperature do you cook a fully cooked butt ham to?
Heat until the internal temperature reaches 140°F or higher.
How long does a 6 lb. bone-in butt ham need to cook?
A 6 lb. bone-in butt ham will take approximately 2 – 2 1⁄2 hours in a 325°F oven.
Should I tent butt ham with foil while cooking?
Yes, tenting loosely with foil prevents the ham from drying out in the oven.
Can you cook a fresh butt ham from frozen?
It is best to thaw a fresh butt ham fully 1-2 days in the fridge before cooking. Do not cook frozen.
How long does cooked butt ham last in the refrigerator?
Cooked butt ham will last 3-4 days stored properly in the fridge. Slice ham to store.
What is the best way to reheat leftover cooked butt ham?
To retain moisture, slice ham and reheat in broth or sauce in a skillet until warmed through.
Let’s Sum It Up
Perfectly juicy, tender butt ham starts with following the recommended cook times of approximately 20 minutes per pound for bone-in and 15 minutes per pound for boneless. Always rely on a meat thermometer over cook time alone to guarantee the ham reaches a safe 140°F internal temperature without overcooking. Resting the ham before slicing also ensures it stays nice and moist. In no time, you’ll be serving amazing, flavorful butt ham fit for any special occasion.