What To Know
- Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual weekend brunch, or simply craving a comforting meal, a perfectly cooked ham is always a crowd-pleaser.
- But knowing how to cook ham in the oven can seem daunting, especially if you’re a novice in the kitchen.
- A pre-cooked ham is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), while a raw ham should reach 160°F (71°C).
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a casual weekend brunch, or simply craving a comforting meal, a perfectly cooked ham is always a crowd-pleaser. But knowing how to cook ham in the oven can seem daunting, especially if you’re a novice in the kitchen. Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from selecting the right ham to achieving that irresistible golden-brown crust.
Choosing the Right Ham
The first step to a delicious oven-baked ham is choosing the right one. You’ll find a variety of hams at your local grocery store, each with its own unique flavor profile and cooking requirements.
- Spiral-Sliced Ham: These pre-sliced hams are incredibly convenient, making carving a breeze. They’re often pre-cooked and just need to be heated through, making them perfect for a quick meal.
- Bone-In Ham: These hams offer a more traditional and flavorful experience. They can be either pre-cooked or raw, requiring longer cooking times.
- City Ham: This type of ham is dry-cured and smoked, resulting in a rich, salty flavor. City hams are typically raw and require a longer cooking time.
Preparing Your Ham
Once you’ve chosen your ham, it’s time to prepare it for cooking.
- Remove the Packaging: Carefully remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic wrap or netting.
- Score the Fat: This step is crucial for both flavor and presentation. Use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern, creating small slits about ½ inch deep. This allows the fat to render during cooking, creating a crispy crust.
- Add Flavor: Enhance the flavor of your ham by adding a glaze or rub. You can find pre-made glazes at the store or create your own using brown sugar, honey, mustard, or spices.
Cooking Your Ham in the Oven
Now comes the fun part: cooking your ham to perfection!
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the Ham in a Roasting Pan: Place the ham in a roasting pan large enough to accommodate it. If your ham is bone-in, place it with the bone side down.
- Add Liquid: Pour about ½ cup of water, apple cider, or pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps keep the ham moist during cooking.
- Cook Time: Cooking time will vary depending on the size and type of ham. Refer to the package instructions for specific guidance. Generally, a pre-cooked ham will need about 15-20 minutes per pound to heat through, while a raw ham may require 20-30 minutes per pound.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. A pre-cooked ham is considered safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), while a raw ham should reach 160°F (71°C).
Glazing Your Ham
For a truly irresistible finish, glaze your ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Prepare Your Glaze: You can use a store-bought glaze or create your own using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, or spices.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush the glaze over the ham, ensuring it coats the entire surface.
- Continue Cooking: Continue cooking the ham until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
Resting Your Ham
Once the ham is cooked, it’s important to let it rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
- Cover the Ham: Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.
Carving and Serving
After resting, your ham is ready to be carved and served.
- Carving: Use a sharp carving knife to slice the ham into thin, even slices.
- Serving: Serve the ham hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or sweet potatoes.
A Culinary Triumph: Your Oven-Baked Ham
With these simple steps, you’ll be able to create a delicious and impressive oven-baked ham that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Can I freeze a cooked ham?
A: Yes, you can freeze a cooked ham for up to 2 months. Freeze it in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. To thaw, place the ham in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Q: How do I reheat a cooked ham?
A: You can reheat a cooked ham in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 15-20 minutes, or in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours.
Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with ham?
A: Classic side dishes for ham include mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and fruit salad. You can also get creative with roasted vegetables, salads, or even a baked potato bar.
Q: Can I use leftover ham in other dishes?
A: Absolutely! Leftover ham can be used in a variety of dishes, such as ham and cheese sandwiches, ham and bean soup, ham salad, or even a quiche.
