Cooking a ham is often the centerpiece of a holiday feast or a Sunday family dinner. While it seems straightforward, the wide variety of hams available—from bone-in smoked hams to spiral-cut glazes and raw “city” hams—can make the timing a bit tricky. Getting the timing right is the difference between a succulent, flavorful centerpiece and a dry, disappointing main course. This guide will walk you through exactly how long to cook a ham based on its type, weight, and preparation method.
Understanding Your Ham Type Before You Heat
The very first step in determining your cooking time is identifying what kind of ham you have sitting in your refrigerator. Most hams sold in grocery stores are labeled as “fully cooked,” which means you are essentially reheating them to a safe and palatable temperature. However, “cook-before-eating” hams require a significantly longer time in the oven to ensure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Fully Cooked Hams vs. Fresh Hams
A fully cooked ham has been cured and smoked or baked by the processor. For these, your goal is to reach an internal temperature of 140°F without drying out the exterior. These usually require about 15 to 20 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven.
A fresh ham is an uncured leg of pork. Because it is raw meat, it must be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F and then allowed to rest. These require a much longer commitment, often 22 to 26 minutes per pound.
Bone-In vs. Boneless Hams
Bone-in hams generally offer better flavor and a more traditional appearance, but the bone acts as a conductor of heat, which can slightly alter cooking times compared to a dense, boneless ham. Boneless hams are easier to slice but can dry out faster if not monitored closely. Generally, a boneless ham will take 10 to 15 minutes per pound, while a bone-in ham takes 15 to 22 minutes per pound.
Timing Your Oven Roasted Ham
The oven is the most common method for preparing a ham because it allows for even heating and the ability to apply a glaze during the final stages of cooking.
Reheating a Spiral-Cut Ham
Spiral-cut hams are incredibly popular because they come pre-sliced to the bone. However, because the meat is already cut, it is highly susceptible to drying out. To prevent this, you should wrap the ham tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil.
For a spiral-cut ham at 325°F, plan for 10 to 12 minutes per pound. A typical 8-pound spiral ham will take roughly 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes. You should only uncover the ham in the last 15 minutes if you plan to apply a sugary glaze and want it to caramelize.
Cooking a Whole or Half Bone-In Ham
If you have a whole bone-in ham (which can weigh between 10 and 15 pounds), the process is a marathon, not a sprint. At 325°F, a whole ham will take 18 to 20 minutes per pound. A half ham (usually 5 to 7 pounds) takes about 22 to 25 minutes per pound because the smaller mass requires a bit more time per pound to heat through to the center.
Alternative Cooking Methods and Their Timelines
Sometimes the oven is full of side dishes, or you simply want a different texture. Here is how the timing shifts when you change your appliance.
Slow Cooker Ham Timing
The slow cooker is excellent for keeping a ham moist. This method works best for smaller boneless hams or half-hams that can fit under the lid. You should cook on Low for 4 to 6 hours. Because slow cookers vary in temperature, start checking the internal temperature at the 4-hour mark. Even in a slow cooker, a fully cooked ham only needs to reach 140°F.
Air Fryer Ham Guidelines
If you are cooking a small 2 to 4 pound boneless ham, the air fryer is surprisingly efficient. Set the air fryer to 300°F. Wrap the ham in foil to maintain moisture and cook for about 10 minutes per pound. This is a great “hack” for a smaller family dinner where a massive oven-roasted ham would be overkill.
The Importance of the Internal Temperature
While “minutes per pound” is a helpful estimate, it should never be your only metric. External factors like the shape of the ham, the accuracy of your oven, and how long the ham sat on the counter before cooking will all affect the finish time.
Always use a meat thermometer. For a fully cooked ham, you are looking for 140°F. For a fresh (raw) ham, you must reach 145°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, ensuring you do not hit the bone, as the bone will give a falsely high temperature reading.
Glazing and The Final Resting Period
Timing your glaze is just as important as timing the meat. Most glazes contain high amounts of sugar (honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup), which burns easily. You should only apply your glaze during the last 15 to 30 minutes of cooking. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F if you want a dark, crispy crust, but watch it like a hawk.
Once the ham reaches its target temperature, remove it from the heat immediately. Let the ham rest for at least 15 to 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you cut into it immediately, the moisture will run out onto the cutting board, leaving you with dry meat.
Common Mistakes That Affect Cooking Time
One major mistake is cooking the ham straight from the refrigerator. If you let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 to 60 minutes before putting it in the oven, it will cook more evenly and slightly faster.
Another error is opening the oven door too frequently. Every time you peek, the oven temperature drops significantly, adding 5 to 10 minutes to your total cooking time. Use the oven light and only open the door when it is time to glaze or check the final temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cook ham at 325°F or 350°F?
Most experts recommend 325°F. While 350°F is faster, the lower temperature of 325°F ensures that the outside of the ham doesn’t become tough and dry before the center is thoroughly heated. Slow and steady is the best approach for a juicy result.
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound ham?
For a 10-pound fully cooked bone-in ham at 325°F, it will typically take between 2.5 and 3 hours. If it is a boneless ham, it may be finished closer to 2 hours. Always begin checking the temperature about 30 minutes before the estimated end time.
Can I cook a ham from frozen?
It is highly recommended to thaw your ham completely in the refrigerator before cooking. If you must cook a ham from frozen, you will need to increase the cooking time by approximately 50 percent. For example, a ham that usually takes 2 hours will take 3 hours. You must also keep it tightly covered to prevent the exterior from drying out while the interior thaws and heats.
Does the water in the roasting pan change the cooking time?
Adding a half-cup of water, cider, or wine to the bottom of the roasting pan and covering the ham with foil creates a steamy environment. This doesn’t necessarily speed up the cooking time, but it prevents the ham from drying out. It is a highly recommended technique for spiral-cut hams.
How long can a cooked ham sit out?
Once your ham is cooked, it should not sit at room temperature for more than two hours. After the resting period and the meal, carve the remaining meat and get it into the refrigerator promptly. Leftover ham is safe to eat for 3 to 5 days when stored properly in the fridge.