As a lover of holiday meals, ham is one of my absolute favorite centerpiece entrees. A glistening baked ham is a thing of beauty! But achieving ham perfection isn’t always easy. How long should you cook it and at what temperature for the best texture and flavor? That’s where calculating cooking times per pound comes in handy.
In this article, I’ll share how to use a simple online calculator tool to figure out exact bake times per pound so your ham turns out juicy, tender and delicious each and every time Let’s get cooking!
Why Cooking Time Per Pound Matters
Determining the right cooking time is crucial for ham success. Going solely by the size can lead to undercooked or dried out disappointment. The cooking time per pound (or per kilogram) is key.
Ham comes in many different cuts types and sizes. A 10 lb bone-in smoked ham takes longer to cook than a 5 lb boneless ham. Calculating time based on weight ensures even cooking throughout.
Cooking for the correct time per pound also guarantees
- Even heating from exterior to center
- Meat reaches safe minimum internal temperature
- Maximum juiciness is retained
So for ham bliss, you need to know two things:
- Correct cooking time per pound
- Target internal temperature
Luckily, there’s an easy online calculator that figures it out for you!
Using the Handy Ham Cooking Time Calculator
I love this handy ham cooking time calculator that takes the guesswork out of bake times. All you need is:
- Ham type
- Cut of meat
- Weight
It then automatically calculates the:
- Total cooking time
- Target internal temperature
Let’s walk through an example:
Say I’m cooking a 3 lb boneless smoked ham that’s fully cooked.
I simply input:
- Type: Smoked, cooked
- Cut: Canned boneless
- Weight: 3 lbs
It instantly calculates that I should bake for 45-60 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Easy as pie! No more overcooked dry ham.
Handy Ham Cooking Times Per Pound Chart
For quick reference, here are the general cooking time ranges per pound for different ham types and cuts:
| Ham Type | Cut | Time Per Pound |
|---|---|---|
| Smoked, cook-before-eating | Whole, bone-in | 18-20 minutes |
| Smoked, cook-before-eating | Half, bone-in | 22-25 minutes |
| Smoked, cook-before-eating | Shank or butt | 25-40 minutes |
| Smoked, cook-before-eating | Arm picnic boneless | 30-35 minutes |
| Smoked, cook-before-eating | Shoulder roll boneless | 35-40 minutes |
| Smoked, cooked | Whole, bone-in | 15-18 minutes |
| Smoked, cooked | Half, bone-in | 18-24 minutes |
| Smoked, cooked | Canned boneless | 15-20 minutes |
| Fresh, uncooked | Whole leg, bone-in | 22-26 minutes |
| Fresh, uncooked | Whole leg, boneless | 24-28 minutes |
| Fresh, uncooked | Half, bone-in | 35-40 minutes |
| Country ham | Any cut | 20-25 minutes |
Use these time ranges per pound in your ham cooking calculations for perfect doneness.
Target Internal Ham Temperatures
To ensure safety and ideal texture, hams should reach the following minimum internal temperatures:
- Fresh ham – 160°F
- Smoked ham (cook-before-eating) – 160°F
- Smoked ham (fully cooked) – 140°F
- Country ham – 150°F
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check temperature when the calculated cook time is up. If it’s under, return to the oven for 10-15 minutes until it hits the target temp.
Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving for juicy results!
Handy Ham Cooking Tips
To further ensure ham success, keep these tips in mind:
- Choose ham sizes under 8 lbs for even cooking. Larger hams are harder to bake evenly.
- Soak country ham 4-12 hours before cooking to reduce saltiness.
- Avoid basting with pan drippings as it can make ham too salty.
- Glaze during last 30 minutes only.
- Rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
- Use leftovers for easy ham sandwiches and omelets!
Get That Perfectly Cooked Ham
Now that you know how to calculate cooking times per pound and target temperatures, you can roast holiday ham like a pro!
Use the handy online calculator to determine the exact bake time needed for your size and type of ham. Cook it until it reaches the ideal internal temp for safety and tender juiciness.
Armed with per-pound cooking knowledge, you’ll wow guests every time with perfect ham! Dig in!
How Long To Bake Ham
FAQ
Do you cook a ham at 325 or 350?
How many minutes to cook a precooked ham per pound?
How to calculate how long to bake a ham?
How much is 15 minutes per pound?
How long does it take to cook a 5 lb Ham?
A 5-lb half bone-in ham cooks in 18 minutes, whereas a 7-lb spiral-cut ham only needs 10 minutes to cook. There are many factors to consider when cooking ham — think about the weight and even the cut of the meat. With our ham cooking time calculator, you can find out the exact time it will take to bake.
How do I calculate cooking time for a ham?
Our calculator uses a simple formula to determine the cooking time for your ham: weight * time per unit of weight. This formula takes into account the average number of minutes it takes for a pound of a certain type of ham to cook.
How long does it take to cook a boneless ham?
This formula takes into account the average number of minutes it takes for a pound of a certain type of ham to cook. For example, if you have a boneless ham weighing 8 pounds, our calculator will recommend cooking it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 160 minutes (20 minutes per pound).
How long do you cook a smoked ham?
1. Smoked Ham (Cook-Before-Eating): This type of ham is raw and requires cooking before consumption. The cooking time for a smoked ham varies depending on the cut. For a bone-in shank or butt portion, it should be cooked at 325°F for 18-20 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.