The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Pre-Cooked Ham in the Oven

In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to cook your pre-cooked ham in the oven. No matter if you prefer a bone-in or boneless ham, we have the recipe that suits your taste. Let's get started!

Ingredients

Pre-cooked ham, bone-in or boneless (Optional) Glaze made from brown sugar, honey, mustard, or maple syrup Water or broth for moisture (Optional) Cinnamon, honey, or sugar sauce for glazing Rib, if you have one for making bean soup

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature ensures a consistent and gradual cooking process, allowing the ham to heat through without drying out.

Prepare the Ham

Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any plastic or netting. Check for a rind; if present, score it in a diamond pattern to aid glaze penetration.

Place in a Roasting Pan

Place the ham in a roasting pan. If it is a whole ham, you may want to use a rack to keep it elevated. Ensure the ham is cut-side down to avoid any drippings from contaminating the glaze.

Add Moisture

Pour about 1/2 to 1 cup of water or broth into the bottom of the pan. This helps to keep the ham moist during cooking, preventing it from becoming tough and dry.

Cover the Ham

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. A loose foil cover allows steam to circulate while still protecting the ham from over-drying.

Bake the Ham

Bake the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound ham would take approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). This temperature is crucial to ensure the ham is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Glaze the Ham (Optional)

If you wish to glaze the ham, remove it from the oven about 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete. Brush your glaze over the surface of the ham and return it to the oven, uncovered, to allow the glaze to caramelize.

Final Cooking and Resting

Continue to bake the ham until it is heated through and the glaze is bubbly. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender slice of ham.

Tips

Save any leftover ham for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles. If using a spiral-cut ham, take extra care not to overcook it, as it can dry out more easily. Don't forget to save the bone for making delicious bean soup!

Enjoy your delicious, oven-cooked ham! With these simple steps, you can ensure your ham is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed with family and friends.