Discover the Perfect Cooking Time for Your Ham Per Pound!

When it comes to baking a ham, the amount of time required per pound will differ depending on whether you're working with a pre-cooked ham, fresh ham, spiral ham, or frozen ham. Here's a breakdown of the various methods for cooking ham.

For optimal results, set your oven to 325 F when cooking ham. The USDA provides comprehensive instructions on how long to bake a pre-cooked ham, including directions for fresh ham, which should also be baked at 325 F.

However, it should be noted that ham can be baked at 350 F as well. Keep in mind, though, that this means it will require a different amount of time to cook than at a lower temperature.

For instance, a 1-pound smoked boneless ham necessitates roughly 35-40 minutes of cooking time. As a result, a 1 ½-pound ham would require approximately 56.25 minutes.

The cooking time for ham differs per pound depending on the temperature at which it is cooked. At 350 F, it usually takes around 10-12 minutes per pound; however, feel free to tweak the cooking time, as it can vary based on the ham cut and thickness.

The following table provides comprehensive information on how long ham should be cooked per pound depending on the ham cut, weight, meat, thermometer temperature, and cooking time (minutes per pound):

• Ham Cut Weight Meat Thermometer Temperature Approximate Cooking Time (minutes per pound)
• Arm picnic shoulder (bone-in) 5-8 lbs. 170°F 30 minutes
• Shoulder boneless roll 2-3 lbs. 170°F 35-45 minutes
• Half ham (bone-in) 5-7 lbs. 160°F 25-30 minutes
• Whole ham 10-14 lbs. 160°F 18-20 minutes
• Whole ham 14-16 lbs. 160°F 15-18 minutes
• Half ham (bone-in) 5-7 lbs. 140°F 18-20 minutes
• Half ham (boneless) 3-4 lbs. 140°F 25-30 minutes
• Whole ham (bone-in) 12-14 lbs. 140°F 15 minutes
• Whole ham (boneless) 6-8 lbs. 140°F 10-12 minutes
• Whole ham (boneless) 14-16 lbs. 140°F 5-7 minutes

If using a conventional oven, bake frozen ham at 325 F for 18-20 minutes per pound. Make sure there is an inch of water in the roasting pan to ensure even cooking. Determine the cooking duration based on the ham's weight.

If you have a large enough slow cooker, use the low setting to cook your ham for at least 6-8 hours. Depending on the ham's size, it may take up to 12 hours to cook thoroughly. Find out when your ham is finished by using a meat thermometer.

Pressure cookers are ideal for quickly preparing meals, and if you own an Instant Pot, you're probably already aware of this. Simply place all ingredients (except for the ham) inside the pressure cooker, then add the ham with the cut side down. Cook at high pressure for about 35 minutes to make ham in a pressure cooker.

For pre-cooked packaged ham, the internal temperature should reach at least 145 F, but some brands require cooking up to 165 F instead.

When it comes to cooking ham, it's essential to know the right baking temperature and time required for perfect results. Different types of ham require varying baking conditions, depending on their weight and bone-in/boneless nature. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you achieve the perfect texture and flavor for your ham dish.

To begin with, whole bone-in ham weighing between 10-14 pounds should be baked at 325°F, and it takes approximately 15-18 minutes per pound. Similarly, for half bone-in ham weighing between 5-7 pounds, the baking temperature remains the same, but the approximate baking time per pound is between 18-24 minutes.

For arm picnic shoulder boneless ham weighing 5-8 pounds, the baking temperature and time are similar to whole bone-in ham, with approximately 25-30 minutes per pound. Canned ham, boneless ham weighing between 3-10 pounds, follows the same baking temperature and is baked between 15-20 minutes per pound.

Vacuum-packed boneless ham weighing between 6-12 pounds also requires a baking temperature of 325°F, but the approximate baking time per pound is 10-15 minutes. For spiral cut whole or half ham weighing between 7-9 pounds, the baking temperature remains the same, but the baking time is between 10-18 minutes per pound.

Now, let's discuss the baking temperature and time required for different weights and bone-in/boneless ham types. For whole, bone-in ham weighing between 10-14 pounds, the baking temperature is 325°F, and it takes approximately 18-20 minutes per pound. Similarly, for half bone-in ham weighing between 5-7 pounds, the baking temperature remains the same, but the approximate baking time per pound is between 22-25 minutes.

For shank or butt portion, bone-in ham weighing 3-4 pounds, the baking temperature is 325°F, and it requires approximately 35-40 minutes per pound. Arm picnic shoulder boneless ham weighing between 5-8 pounds should be baked at the same temperature, with an approximate baking time of 30-35 minutes per pound.

If you're cooking a boneless shoulder roll (butt) weighing between 2-4 pounds, the baking temperature remains the same, but it requires approximately 35-40 minutes per pound.

Lastly, for precooked spiral sliced ham, the baking temperature should be 325°F, and it takes approximately 10 minutes per pound. So, for a 10-pound spiral ham, the baking time will be around 100 minutes or 1 hour and 40 minutes. Always remember to let the spiral ham rest for about 5 minutes after cooking for better texture and flavor.

How to Bake the Perfect Ham: Time and Temperature Guide

When it comes to cooking ham, getting your timing and temperature right is key to achieving the perfect juicy and flavorful dish. The following is a guideline for cooking your ham based on weight and oven temperature:

• - 1lb: 325°F for 10 minutes
• - 2lbs: 325°F for 20 minutes
• - 5lbs: 325°F for 50 minutes
• - 10lbs: 325°F for 1 hour and 40 minutes
• - 12lbs: 325°F for 2 hours
• - 15lbs: 325°F for 2 hours and 30 minutes
• - 18lbs: 325°F for 3 hours

Before cooking, soak the ham in the refrigerator for 4 to 12 hours in water, then boil it for 25 minutes per pound in fresh water. Once done, remove the ham and place it in a roasting pan where you can glaze it before baking at 400°F for 15 minutes.

How Long can Cooked Ham be Stored?

If you have leftover cooked ham, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days as long as it has been allowed to cool down to room temperature and properly wrapped with plastic wrap or wrapped tightly in aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can store it in shallow airtight containers.

Freezing Cooked Ham: Tips

To freeze cooked ham, divide it into equal portions and store each portion separately in freezer bags. It is best to remove as much air as possible and label the bags with the freezing date to simplify thawing and reheating.

Should Ham be Covered While Baking?

It is best to cover the ham with foil while baking as it helps retain the moisture, otherwise, it could dry out and lose its flavors.

How to Prepare the Perfect Glaze for Ham

Ingredients:

• - 1 bone-in spiral-cut ham, about 7-9 pounds
• - 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• - ¼ cup of pineapple juice
• - ½ cup of pineapple juice or orange juice
• - ½ cup of brown sugar
• - 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• - ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger
• - 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
• Instructions:
• - Preheat the oven to 325°F.
• - In a bowl, mix the mustard with pineapple juice and glaze the ham with the mixture.
• - Remove any plastic disk that may be attached to the bone and discard it.
• - Wrap the ham tightly in foil and place it in a roasting pan with the cut-side facing down.
• - Roast the ham for about 10-12 minutes per pound (refer to the table above for guidance).
• - In a separate pan, mix the pineapple juice with the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ginger, and cornstarch, and bring them to a boil.
• - Allow the glaze to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then let it cool.
• - Preheat the oven to 425°F, 15 minutes before the ham is ready.
• - Brush the ham with the glaze and return to the oven until it reaches a temperature range of 145°F-165°F.
• - Serve and enjoy.
• Nutritional Information:
• Yield: 8
• Serving Size: 1
• Amount Per Serving:
• Calories: 708
• Total Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 290mg
• Sodium: 4638mg
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 101g