Cooking a ham can be a straightforward and delicious process, especially when you follow the right steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you prepare a perfect ham for your next meal or special occasion.
Preparing the Ham
Before you start cooking, it’s essential to prepare your ham properly.
Remove from Refrigerator: Take the ham out of the refrigerator about 1-2 hours before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This helps the ham cook more evenly[4].
Choose the Right Ham: Decide on the type of ham you want to cook. Popular types include bone-in, boneless, spiral-cut, Black Forest, and honey or maple ham. Each type has its own unique characteristics and cooking requirements[2][5].
Initial Steps
Place in Roasting Pan: Position the ham in a large roasting pan or a 9×13″ pan. If using a bone-in ham, place it sliced side up[1][4].
Add Liquid: Pour liquid over the ham to keep it moist. Common choices include a mixture of ginger ale and orange juice, pineapple juice, or simply water[1][3][4].
Baking the Ham
Cover and Bake: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for the initial 20-30 minutes. This step helps retain moisture and heat[1][3][4].
Score the Ham (Optional): If you prefer a glazed ham, score the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and stick to the ham better[3][4].
Making the Glaze
While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze.
Combine Ingredients: Mix together ingredients like syrup, honey, sugar, mustard, and pepper in a small bowl to create a simple glaze. For a more complex glaze, you can use apricot preserves, molasses, Worcestershire sauce, and spices[1][3][4].
Simmer the Glaze: If your glaze is too thick, you can simmer it gently to achieve the desired consistency. For some recipes, you may need to melt butter and mix it with the glaze ingredients[3][4].
Basting and Glazing
Baste with Juices: After the initial baking, baste the surface of the ham with the pan juices. Then, brush the ham with the prepared glaze[1][3][4].
Continue Baking: Return the ham to the oven and continue baking, basting the ham with the glaze every 15-30 minutes. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C) during the last part of the cooking time to enhance the glaze[1][3][4].
Cooking Time and Temperature
The cooking time varies based on the size and type of the ham.
Internal Temperature: The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For a fully cooked ham, plan for about 10-15 minutes per pound of ham. For example, a 5-pound ham would take around 90-120 minutes to cook[1][3][4].
Resting the Ham
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest.
Cover and Rest: Cover the ham with foil and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham more tender and flavorful[1][3][4].
Final Glazing: Just before serving, baste the ham with any remaining glaze to ensure it stays moist and flavorful[1].
Most Important Facts About Cooking a Ham
Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) for the initial baking, and increase to 375°F (190°C) for glazing[1][3][4].
Use Liquid: Add liquid such as ginger ale, orange juice, or pineapple juice to the pan to keep the ham moist[1][3][4].
Score the Ham: Scoring the fat layer helps the glaze stick and penetrate the ham better[3][4].
Internal Temperature: Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C)[1][3][4].
Baste Regularly: Baste the ham with pan juices and glaze every 15-30 minutes to maintain moisture and flavor[1][3][4].
Resting Time: Let the ham rest covered for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute[1][3][4].
By following these steps and tips, you can achieve a perfectly cooked, deliciously glazed ham that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
