How Long to Cook Smoked Ham in the Oven: A Comprehensive Guide

Smoked ham is a cherished centerpiece for many holiday meals and gatherings. When perfectly cooked, it is tender juicy and packed with rich, smoky flavor. While delicious, determining the right oven cook time for smoked ham can be tricky. Factors like size, bone-in vs boneless, and fresh vs frozen all impact total cook time.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to cook smoked ham to juicy, smoky perfection in your oven.

Oven Cooking Times for Smoked Ham

The oven cooking time for smoked ham primarily depends on the size and type of ham

Whole bone-in smoked ham (10-14 lbs) – Cook for 18-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. A 10 lb ham takes 3 hours, a 14 lb ham takes 4 hours.
Half bone-in smoked ham (5-7 lbs) – Cook for 22-25 minutes per pound at 325°F. A 5 lb ham takes 1 hour 50 minutes a 7 lb ham takes 2 hours 55 minutes.
Boneless smoked ham (3-4 lbs) – Cook for 30-35 minutes per pound at 325°F. A 3 lb ham takes 1 hour 45 minutes, a 4 lb ham takes 2 hours 20 minutes.
Smoked ham steaks or chops (1 inch thick) – Cook for 45-90 minutes per pound at 325°F.
Spiral sliced smoked ham – Cook for 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F.

These times are general guidelines. Always use a meat thermometer and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for safety.

Step-by-Step Guide for Oven Smoked Ham

Follow this simple step-by-step guide for foolproof oven smoked ham:

Preheat oven – Preheat your oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature prevents drying.
Prepare ham – Unwrap ham and discard skin/excess fat. Score fat in a diamond pattern. Apply any glazes or aromatics.
Place in roasting pan – Place ham cut-side down on a roasting rack in a pan. This allows air circulation.
Cook in oven – Cook for estimated time based on size. Use a meat thermometer to check temperature.
Baste ham – Baste with pan juices every 30 minutes to keep ham moist.
Rest ham – Remove ham from oven and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Use this straightforward process for delicious oven-baked smoked ham every time.

Smoked Ham Cook Times for Frozen Hams

For frozen smoked ham, thaw first by allowing 24 hours of refrigeration per 4-5 pounds of ham.

Once thawed, follow the same oven cooking guidelines for fresh ham based on size. Add 50% more cook time to account for frozen state.

For example, a 10 lb frozen ham would take 3 hours (fresh cook time) plus 1.5 hours extra for frozen, so 4.5 hours total. Monitor temperature to confirm doneness.

How to Tell When Smoked Ham is Done

A meat thermometer is essential for determining when your smoked ham is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, taking care that it does not touch any bones.

The target internal temperature for smoked ham is 145°F. At this temperature, the ham will be tender and juicy without being overcooked.

If the ham registers below 145°F, continue cooking and checking the temperature every 10-15 minutes until it reaches the proper internal temperature.

Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing into it. This lets the juices redistribute evenly.

Common Smoked Ham Oven Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking smoked ham in the oven:

Can I cook smoked ham at a higher temperature to reduce time?

It’s best to stick to 325°F to prevent drying out. Higher temps can cause overcooking.

Should I tent ham with foil while cooking?

Foil prevents drying but reduces browning. For browning, remove foil last 30 minutes.

How can I add more flavor to oven smoked ham?

Try glazing, basting, or adding aromatics like cloves, pineapple, or cherries.

What if my smoked ham is undercooked?

Return to the oven and continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

What causes smoked ham to be dry after oven cooking?

Overcooking, cooking at high temps, or skipping the resting period can all cause dryness.

How do I reheat leftover oven-cooked smoked ham?

Slice ham and wrap tightly in foil. Reheat at 325°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes per pound.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Oven-Baked Smoked Ham

Follow these useful tips for the most tender, juicy, and flavorful smoked ham cooked in the oven:

Choose quality, fully cooked ham with natural juices intact
Cook low and slow – stick to 325°F oven temperature
Allow at least 15-20 minutes per pound cooking time
Baste ham every 30 minutes to impart moisture and flavor
Glaze toward the end of cooking for glossy, sticky exterior
Check internal temp and cook until 145°F for food safety
Let ham rest before slicing to redistribute juices
Store leftovers properly refrigerated for up to 5 days

Get Perfectly Cooked Smoked Ham Every Time

Cooking smoked ham in the oven delivers a classic, juicy entree, but only if you nail the cook time. With the oven temperature, cooking times, and tips provided above, you can confidently bake smoked ham with ideal doneness. Monitor with a meat thermometer for safety and enjoy the savory, smoky flavors. Your holiday table or Sunday dinner will be elevated with this beloved oven-roasted meat.

Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham

FAQ

How long to heat up a smoked ham in the oven?

The goal is to reheat the ham without drying it out. The best way to do this is to place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Add water to the bottom of the pan and cover the whole thing tightly with foil. Bake at 325F for 16-20 minutes per pound, until a meat thermometer registers 135F.

Do you cover a smoked ham when baking?

Cover with foil. Bake 2 to 2½ hours or until browned and heated through (140°F). For the last 45 minutes of cooking, uncover and spoon glaze over ham (if you’re using a glaze). Transfer to a platter using two large, wide spatulas.

How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?

Reheating ham via skillet is an easy way to get a few slices nice and hot in a flash. To reheat ham slices on the stove, add a few slices at a time to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add up to ½ cup of chicken broth to keep the meat moist or opt for a couple of tablespoons of butter or oil to give the ham a nice sear.

How do you tell if a smoked ham is fully cooked?

Cook all raw fresh ham and ready-to-eat ham to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 °C) as measured with a food thermometer before removing meat from the heat source.