How Long Do I Need To Cook A Ham

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Our Test Kitchen experts share their best tips and tricks for how to cook a ham for holidays and special occasions. You've got this!

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Looking to make a picture-perfect glazed ham for your Easter dinner? Good idea! Ham is less stressful to prepare than many other roasted meats because most are sold already cooked (and they're usually smoked, which adds succulent flavor).

All you need to do is reheat and finish it off with a tasty glaze. Our Test Kitchen pros show you how it's done, with their best tips and a recipe, to boot.

How to Choose a Ham

Before you even step foot in the kitchen or start scoping out the best ham recipes, you've got to choose the right ham for your celebration.

There are several types of ham available at the grocery store or butcher. For the best flavor, you'll want to opt for a bone-in ham. The bone inside will keep the ham moist and provide extra flavor.

If you're newer to cooking and carving, our Test Kitchen recommends the shank cut of ham because it's simpler to carve. The other option—the butt—is a bit more tender but is trickier to navigate with a carving knife.

And when all else fails, ask your butcher for some advice! They are there to help you find the right cut of meat to suit your needs.

How to Cook a Bone-in Ham

Taste of Home

This recipe makes enough for a party or a family dinner with plenty left over—about 10 to 14 servings.

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham, from 5 to 7 pounds
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons prepared mustard
• 1 to 2 tablespoons cider vinegar

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Test Kitchen-Recommended Tools

• Thermometer:Yes, your ham is already cooked, but using a quick-read thermometer will help you gauge when the ham is hot inside and ready to serve.
• Roasting pan:This dishwasher-safe roasting pan from Cuisinart is one of our Test Kitchen's favorites. It's easy to clean and is spacious enough for a large ham or turkey (depending on the holiday).
• Carving set:A ham is a large cut of meat to slice. Make sure you have a knife and carving fork that can help you do the job right.

Directions

Step 1: Score the Ham

Taste of Home

The first step in making the perfect ham for your holiday celebration is to score it. Use a sharp knife to slice 1/4-inch deep cuts in a diamond pattern across the ham.

Scoring opens up the outer layer of the ham, allowing your glaze (that comes later) to really soak into the meat and give the ham more flavor.

Step 2: Bake

Next, place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Cover with foil and bake at 325ºF for 90 minutes or so—until a thermometer reads 130ºF.

Step 3: Glaze and Finish the Ham

Taste of Home

While the ham bakes, prep your glaze. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, mustard and just enough vinegar to make a thick paste.

When the ham reaches 130ºF inside, remove it from the oven. With a heatproof spatula, spread the glaze over the ham. Be generous! Then finish baking, uncovered this time, for 15 to 30 more minutes. You want the ham to reach 140ºF inside.

Editor's tip: You might be wondering why the ham is glazed halfway through the process. That's to prevent the sugar in the glaze from burning and ruining the flavor of your ham. This last 15 to 30 minutes in the oven lets the flavor permeate the meat and form a nice crust on top without cooking too much.

How to Carve a Ham

Taste of Home

Carving a ham can seem like tricky business, but with only one large bone to work around you'll likely find that this is a much simpler process than slicing up your Thanksgiving turkey (or even that roast chicken you make for Sunday dinner). Follow our guide for best results and then break out your favorite serving tray for a perfect presentation.

Learn How to Carve a Ham

More Tips for Making the Best Ham

• Buy the best ham you can afford: For the holidays, our Test Kitchen recommends ordering from a local butcher shop rather than grabbing a mass-produced grocery store ham. The flavor and texture tend to be more robust and meatier.
• Opt for a bone-in ham: Our pros look for semi-boneless. The bone prevents the ham from drying out and adds flavor. Don't toss your leftover bone! Add it to pea soups, throw it into broth or add to a pot of beans. (This secret ingredient makes a huge difference in soups, too.)
• Don't overcook the ham: Remember, it's already cooked. You're only gently reheating it in the oven, so keep the temperature on the low side. Your ham may come with specific instructions for re-heating.
• Customize your glaze: This brown sugar glaze is pretty traditional (and tasty), but it's by no means the only option out there! Try brown sugar and pineapple, apricot and ginger, apple cider or honey and chipotle.

Put Your Leftover Ham to Work

Taste of Home

Buttermilk Biscuit Ham Potpie

As part of my job, I got to help concept a bunch of food trucks, and Biscuit Box was our first. We spent months coming up with recipes. This is an Easter play on our chicken and tarragon potpie. —Michelle Clair, Seattle, Washington

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Ham & Egg Pockets

Refrigerated crescent roll dough make these savory breakfast pockets a snap to prepare. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Sliced Ham with Roasted Vegetables

To prepare this colorful, zesty oven meal, I "shop" in my backyard for the fresh garden vegetables and oranges (we have our own tree!) that spark the ham's hearty flavor. It's my family's favorite main dish. —Margaret Pache, Mesa, Arizona

Shortcut Split Pea Soup

Pair this soup with a simple tossed salad for a well-rounded, nourishing meal that's quick and easy. —Donna Noel, Gray, Maine

Mini Ham 'n' Cheese Frittatas

I found this recipe a few years ago and tried to make it with it with a few changes. I'm diabetic, and this fits into my low-carb and low-fat diet. Every time I serve a brunch, the frittatas are the first thing to disappear, and nobody knows they are low fat! —Susan Watt, Basking Ridge, New Jersey

Ham & Spinach Casserole

This is down-home cooking at its best! Ham and veggies join forces with a creamy sauce and pretty topping to create a hearty meal-in-one. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Creamy Ham & Potatoes

If you love scalloped potatoes, this downsized version with tender chunks of ham is just for you. The cozy, comforting entree comes courtesy of Wendy Rowley from Green River, Wyoming.

Ham & Cheese Scones

I make these scones as a way to use up leftover ham. The cheesy, savory wonders are a delight as an appetizer or an afternoon snack. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania

Jambalaya Rice Salad

My cold rice salad has a little hint of spice for a classic jambalaya-style kick. Shrimp, tomatoes, ham and peppers give the dish bright colors and a delightful texture. —Karen Rahn, Hixon, Tennessee

Ham and Cheese Pockets

These unique sandwich pockets are filled with ingredients both kids and adults enjoy. —Callie Myers, Rockport, Texas

Mac 'n' Cheese Dinner

Don't settle for ordinary mac and cheese. This version is my kids' favorite, so I always make a huge pot. It's an easy recipe to cut down or double (or triple!). It can also be made into a low-fat recipe if you use nonfat milk, reduced-fat cheeses and lean ham. —Raymond James, Port Orchard, Washington

Grilled Cheese, Ham and Apple Sandwich

In this stepped-up version of a ham and cheese sandwich, melty cheeses, crispy apples and smoky ham are the ultimate combination. —Josh Rink, Taste of Home Food Stylist

Ham, Broccoli and Orzo Casserole

A kid-pleaser and the perfect comfort food, this gooey orzo casserole is a complete meal in one. For an extra homey touch, I make mine in my favorite hand-me-down casserole dish from my Grandma Laverne. —Heather Arndt Anderson, Portland, Oregon

Ham and Leek Pies

I've been making these pies for years, so lots of friends and family now have the recipe. If you can't find leeks, a sweet or mild onion works just as well. —Bonny Tillman, Acworth, Georgia

Chicken Cordon Bleu Skillet

Here's a good and hearty supper. If I have fresh mushrooms on hand, I slice them and toss them in the skillet. You could add cooked veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower, too. —Sandy Harz, Spring Lake, Michigan

Cheddar Ham Soup

I knew this ham soup recipe was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for it! The hearty soup—chock-full of ham, veggies and cheese—is creamy and comforting. And even though the recipe makes enough to feed a crowd, don't expect it to last more than one meal! —Marty Matthews, Clarksville, Tennessee

Ham and Broccoli Baked Potatoes

This loaded baked potato dish is a spin on a favorite family recipe I have made for years: ham and potato casserole. It's a great recipe when you have a tight food budget, and it tastes amazing! The potatoes and filling can be prepared ahead of time, then assembled prior to serving. —Patricia Prescott, Manchester, New Hampshire

Broccoli-Ham Puff Pancake

We like to use our heirloom cast-iron skillet to make this Sunday special. The golden brown puff pancake with a creamy ham and broccoli filling makes a tasty main dish for brunch.—Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

Savory Waffles with Asparagus, Gruyere and Onion

I took one of our family's favorite puff pastry recipes, which uses a similar mix of ingredients, and translated it to savory waffles. It's a change of pace from sweeter fare. Served with a ham steak and fried eggs, it makes a fabulous meal. Feel free to add maple syrup or a spicy glaze. —Leslie Ponce, Miami, Florida

Ham & Swiss Bread Pudding

This rich and hearty brunch dish is loaded with ham, mushrooms and cheese, plus layers of sliced French bread. It's a terrific choice when you have overnight guests.

Pasta with Prosciutto and Peas

This elevated pasta with prosciutto and peas will make your guests think you spent all day in the kitchen. It's the perfect holiday dish without a lot of work. —Amy White, Manchester, Connecticut

Air-Fryer Ham & Cheese Breakfast Bundles

My family looks forward to these rich and delicious egg bundles. They're perfect for holidays, brunches and birthdays. Thanks to air-frying, they're fast, too! —Cindy Bride, Bloomfield, Iowa

Ham & Collards Quiche

I love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my Southern roots, so I came up with this version. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collards, it's a meal in one. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland

Ham & Swiss Braids

Satisfy hearty appetites with these golden loaves. Each slice is like a hot sandwich packed with ham, broccoli and Swiss cheese. Hot pepper sauce adds a nice kick, while refrigerated crescent rolls make it extra easy. The braids are perfect for a special occasion lunch or as an appetizer.

Lora's Pressure-Cooker Red Beans & Rice

My dear mother-in-law passed this simple recipe to me. With meats, beans and savory veggies, it's tasty, easy and economical, too! —Carol Simms, Madison, Mississippi

Ham & Cheese Breakfast Strudels

These get the morning off to a cheery start! Sometimes I assemble the strudels ahead and freeze them individually, then bake them as needed. —Jo Groth, Plainfield, Iowa

Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

Hearty, rich and creamy, this satisfying dish is the definition of comfort food. This recipe makes two 13x9-inch casseroles, so it's perfect for a crowd. —Salina Bontrager, Kalona, Iowa

Hawaiian Hash

I like the combination of ginger, pineapple and macadamia nuts. This dish brings back memories of an island vacation.—Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Ham & Cheese Chowder

Chowder makes chilly days instantly cozier. This easy one, with cheddar, potatoes and smoky ham, warms you up from head to toe. —Mandy Beerman, Houstonia, MO

Senate Bean Potpie

The flavors from classic Senate bean soup inspired this hearty potpie with a cornbread topping. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina

Breakfast Wraps

We like quick and simple morning meals during the week, and these wraps are great when prepared ahead of time. With just a minute in the microwave, breakfast is ready. —Betty Kleberger, Florissant, Missouri

Creamy Ranchified Potatoes

My daughter-in-law gave me this recipe, and over the years I have tweaked it to our tastes. It's so nice to come home from work to a hot, tasty potato dish that's ready to serve! You can use any cheese you'd like and also any leftover meats that you have—chicken, for one. —Jane Whittaker, Pensacola, Florida

Stuffed Ham & Egg Bread

My son, Gus, is a lover of all things ham-and-eggs, so I created this comforting stuffed bread with him in mind. I later added tomatoes to the recipe, and he still gives it a big thumbs-up. —Karen Kuebler, Dallas, TX

Ham, Potato and Pepper Chowder

I have been serving this chowder for years now. When I'm feeding family members who don't eat dairy products, I substitute oil for the butter and use coconut milk or soy creamer instead of heavy cream. It still turns out wonderful! —Eileen Stefanski, Wales, Wisconsin

Pressure-Cooker Ham & Cheddar Breakfast Casserole

This easy, cheesy casserole has made appearances at holiday breakfasts, potlucks and even my daughter's college apartment to feed her hungry roommates. It's my go-to recipe for action-packed mornings. —Patty Bernhard, Greenville, Ohio

Ham and Pea Pasta Alfredo

When I want a filling meal that even the kids enjoy, I toss ham and sugar snap peas with Romano cream sauce and pasta. —C.R. Monachino, Kenmore, New York

Cheesy Ham & Egg Sandwiches

I turned classic breakfast sandwiches into something heartier that you could even enjoy for dinner. We pile toppings like salsa and avocado—mayo and ketchup, too—on the homemade biscuits. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas

Navy Bean Vegetable Soup

My family likes bean soup, so I came up with this hearty, hammed-up version. The leftovers freeze well for first-rate future meals. —Eleanor Mielke, Mitchell, South Dakota

Pierogi Quesadillas

When I had hungry children in the kitchen and nothing but leftovers, I invented these quesadillas. Now it's how we always use up our potatoes, meats and sometimes veggies. —Andrea Dibble, Solon, Iowa

Brunch Buddies Enchiladas

In our women's group, we take turns making brunch. I was tired of the same casseroles so I invented this Mexican-style bake. The recipe requests keep coming. —Julia Huntington, Cheyenne, Wyoming

Ham 'n' Cheese Pie

There's no need to make a crust for this eye-opening quiche. My family and friends love it for brunch or anytime. —Iris Posey, Albany, Georgia

Ham & Green Onion Biscuits

I started with my grandmother's biscuits and added a bit of my personality. When I make these with my kids, it feels like she's with us. —Amy Chase, Vanderhoof, British Columbia

Roasted Vegetable Frittata

The great thing about frittatas is that I can make them with whatever I have available in my garden and in the pantry. This version uses spring produce to its advantage. Roasting really intensifies the natural sweetness of the asparagus and onion, and the earthiness of the potatoes. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho

Ham & Swiss Baked Penne

As a kid I loved to the hot ham and Swiss sandwiches from a local fast-food restaurant. With its melty, gooey goodness, this bake makes me think of them. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

Provencal Ham & Bean Soup

There is nothing quite like the wonderful feeling of when you open the door and smell this delicious stew bubbling away in the slow cooker. To make preparation even easier, I like to start it the night before, and then all I have to do is turn on the slow cooker in the morning. —Lyndsay Wells, Ladysmith, British Columbia

Quick Hawaiian Pizza

Our family never quite liked the taste of canned pizza sauce, so one time I tried mixing some barbecue sauce into spaghetti sauce to add some sweetness. I've made my pizzas with this special and easy sauce ever since, and my family loves it! —Tonya Schieler, Carmel, Indiana

Ham Pasta Toss

This is my favorite meal to make when I'm short on time. You can also use different meats or vegetables depending on what you have on hand. —Sharon Gerst, North Liberty, Iowa.

Apple Butter Biscuit Breakfast Bake

My grandmother created this recipe to use up the leftovers from Christmas Eve dinner. By combining leftover ham and biscuits with milk, eggs and her homemade apple butter, she served us all a warm, delicious breakfast and still was able to spend with her grandchildren. —Marty Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina

Ham & Veggie Casserole

I've paired ham with broccoli and cauliflower for years. To complete this casserole dinner, I pass around some dinner rolls. —Sherri Melotik, Oak Creek, Wisconsin

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Facebook fans of my blog, Chef in Training, inspired me to make this creamy pasta casserole out of ingredients I had on hand. Success! I took the dish for another flavorful spin and added a bit of smoky bacon and toasted bread crumbs. —Nikki Barton, Providence, Utah

Priscilla's Vegetable Chowder

This is the perfect soup to warm up with on a cold fall or winter day. Serve it in a bread bowl to make it extra special. —Rhodes Bake-N-Serv, Jenna Jackson, Salt Lake City, Utah

Pineapple-Dijon Ham Sandwiches

My kids like ham; the challenge is finding new ways to make it. When I slow-cook it with pineapple and Dijon, the juices make an amazing dipping sauce. —Camille Beckstrand, Layton, Utah

Southwestern Breakfast Slow-Cooker Casserole

I created this recipe for a breakfast-for-dinner meal one day, and now it's become a favorite on chilly mornings. Such a wonderful aroma! Using extra-sharp cheddar cheese instead of the milder types allows you to use less, while giving you an extra boost of flavor. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

Meat Lover's Bread Salad

Growing up, we loved visiting a sandwich joint in Nebraska. The awesome sandwiches inspired my salad of bread and cold cuts for meat lovers everywhere. —Molly Atherton, Kansas City, Missouri

Fiesta Ham Soup

Chowders are a scrumptious way to warm the spirits during the holidays. Our festive soup is brimming with ham, green chilies, potatoes and corn. —Cathy Hastie, Auburn, California

Triple-Cheese Florentine Frittata

This upscale ham and cheese frittata recipe contains many of my favorite ingredients and flavors. It's moist, colorful and most of all delicious.—Collette Hunt, Chandler, Arizona

Loaded Baked Potato Casserole

When I bake this for my family, any leftovers are always gone by morning. In the night, people sneak downstairs for a little snack! Stir in broccoli, asparagus or peas if you've got 'em. —Colleen Trenholm, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia

Ham & Potato-Rutabaga Chowder

The ingredients in this dish are a nod to my mother's tasty potato and rutabaga side dish, which was always paired with baked country ham; dishes she served during the cold months when I was a child. Whenever I make this chowder it brings me back to a time when life was just a little bit simpler. —Cheryl Perry, Hertford, North Carolina

Swiss Ham Kabobs

With melty cheese, juicy pineapple and salty ham, it's no surprise my daughter requests my kabobs on her May birthday. They're a fantastic way to get into grilling season. —Helen Phillips, Horseheads, New York

My Best-Ever Jambalaya

I tried to mimic Jambalaya from my favorite restaurant and it turned out so well my daughter and husband now prefer my recipe and won't order it when we go to the restaurant! —Alexis Van Vulpen, St. Albert, Alberta

Chicken Cordon Bleu Crescent Ring

A classic cordon bleu has chicken, cheese and ham. To change it up, roll everything inside crescent dough for a hand-held meal. —Stella Culotta, Pasadena, Maryland

Early-Riser Oven Omelet

Everyone will rush to the table when you serve this big fluffy omelet. Packed with tomato, broccoli, ham and cheese, it makes a hearty brunch dish that easily serves a bunch. —Wendy Fawcett, Gillam, Manitoba

Deluxe Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I've been cooking and baking for many years, but I've only recently begun creating my own recipes. By adding diced ham, tomatoes, several cheeses and a hint of Dijon mustard, I turned this super creamy mac and cheese into the ultimate comfort food. —Kathy Yarosh, Apopka, Florida

Ham & Chicken Rolls

My family is so crazy about these rolls, we serve them at dinner, snack time, cocktail parties—even breakfast. You can make them a day in advance and refrigerate until needed. —Evelyn Stocks, Winterville, North Carolina

Ham & Cheese Grits Casserole

My book club ladies often ask me to bring "those grits." I'd tell you how to store them, but I never have any left! — Debi Mitchell, Flower Mound, Texas

Ham & Broccoli Pasta

It's hard to beat a meal that is created in one pan, takes 30 minutes and your kids will actually thank you for making. Sounds like a keeper in my book! —Jana Cathey, Ada, Michigan

Scrambled Egg Bread

We always eat ham, eggs and bread on camping trips, and we often have extras. Combine them and you've got scrambled egg bread. We first made this on a visit to Mount Shasta. —Shirley Mondeau, Rohnert Park, California

Ham and Swiss Salad in a Jar

Home cook Stacy Huggins from Valley Center, California, sent us a great recipe for a ham and Swiss salad, and we turned it into this lunchbox-friendly version. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Slow Cooker Split Pea Soup

When I have leftover ham in the fridge, I like to make this slow-cooker split pea soup. Just throw the ingredients in the slow cooker, turn it on and dinner is done. —Pamela Chambers, West Columbia, South Carolina

Scalloped Potatoes & Ham

I adapted an oven recipe to cook itself while I'm away. It's ready to serve when I get home, making it a real winner in my book! —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California

Also check out our leftover stuffing recipes.

How Long Do I Need To Cook A Ham

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/how-to-cook-a-ham/

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