Learn how to cook a whole, boneless ham with the best glaze. It’s an easy option for entertaining because they come pre-cooked. All you do is add flavor.
It’s funny to me that ham can seem daunting to make since it almost always comes pre-cooked. It doesn’t matter if you cook a whole ham with the bones in it or a boneless ham like this recipe calls for. All you’re really doing is heating the ham through and adding flavor.
That’s why ham is so great for entertaining. The meat is already cooked, so you don’t have to worry about whether it’s too rare or too well done. All you have to do is add the finishing touches.
As any holiday host knows, ham is a classic centerpiece for festive meals. While large bone-in hams feed a crowd, smaller hams are perfect for smaller gatherings. But how long should you expect to cook a small fully cooked ham? Here’s a guide to oven roasting times based on ham size and type
What is Considered a Small Ham?
Hams come in a wide range of sizes from tiny 1-2 pound hams up to giant 20+ pound showstoppers. In general, a small ham weighs between 5-7 pounds This is the perfect size for feeding a family of 4-6 people with leftovers
Some common sizes for small hams are:
- Half ham (5-7 pounds)
- Petite/compact ham (3-4 pounds)
- Quarter sliced ham (2-3 pounds)
Anything under 3 pounds would be considered a mini ham or ham steak. And a ham over 7 pounds is typically considered a medium-large ham.
Fully Cooked vs Fresh Ham
An important factor in cook times is whether your small ham is fully cooked or fresh.
Fully cooked hams are pre-cooked and cured during processing. They are safe to eat straight from the package, but benefit from gently reheating.
Fresh hams are raw and need to be fully cooked like a fresh pork roast. They require much longer cook times.
Check the label to see if your small ham is fully cooked or fresh. Fully cooked will say “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.”
Oven Roasting a Small Fully Cooked Ham
For fully cooked hams under 7 pounds, follow these approximate oven roasting guidelines:
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place ham in a baking dish and cover with foil.
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Cook approximately 18-22 minutes per pound.
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Half hams (5-7 lbs) take about 1 1/4 – 2 hours.
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Petite hams (3-4 lbs) take 45 mins – 1 1/4 hours.
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Cook until internal temp reaches 140°F.
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Rest at least 15 minutes before slicing.
These times are for hams without a bone. Boneless hams cook faster than bone-in. Add 5 minutes per pound for bone-in.
Adding a Glaze
Fully cooked hams benefit from a glaze for enhanced flavor. Make a glaze while the ham cooks. Brush on some glaze halfway through and again towards the end of roasting.
Popular glaze flavors are brown sugar, honey, maple, pineapple, ginger peach, and more.
Roasting a Fresh Ham
Fresh hams require full cooking like a pork roast. Cook times vary but estimate 18-24 minutes per pound at 325°F until internal temp hits 145°F-160°F.
A 5-7 pound fresh ham takes 1 1/2 – 2 3/4 hours. Rest at least 15 minutes before carving.
Cook Times Vary
Keep in mind cook times are estimates and can vary based on shape, bone-in vs boneless, and original curing process.
Always use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the ham to check for doneness instead of relying solely on time.
Let It Rest
It’s crucial to let a cooked ham rest for 15-30 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute through the meat for a moist ham. Slice too soon and the ham will be dry.
Leftover Ham Ideas
A small 5-7 pound ham yields 8-12 servings, so expect delicious leftovers! Enjoy ham on sandwiches, in scrambled eggs, split pea soup, pasta bakes, and more. Diced ham freezes well too.
With the right roasting times and temperature, you’ll have a juicy, flavorful small baked ham perfect for any occasion. For best results, use a meat thermometer and don’t forget to let it rest!
So, What Is Boneless Ham?
Ham is pork that is cured or smoked from the leg of a pig. The big hams that you see with the bone in them are processed as they are. Boneless ham is typically pieces of the leg meat jelled together and wrapped in a casing. Kind of like a large, delicious piece of ham deli meat.
Ways To Use Leftover Ham
A big part of the reason I bake a ham is so I can use the tasty meat in other recipes. Here are some of my favorite ham recipes that would be perfect for your leftovers:
Have a great day! -Christine xo
How to Cook a Small Fully Cooked Ham
FAQ
How long does a small cooked ham take to cook?
Is 2 hours long enough to cook a ham?
How long to cook a 10 lb ham at 350 degrees?
How long to heat a small precooked ham?
How long do you cook an uncooked ham?
Bake an uncooked ham at an oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covered, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees. An uncooked 10-pound ham, bone-in will need about 3 hours. Try these recipes for cooked half and spiral hams, as well as for a Virginia country ham.
How long does a smoked ham take to cook?
Often smoked, these hams need a little extra time in the oven to reach a safe temperature for eating. Bake an uncooked ham at an oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covered, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees. An uncooked 10-pound ham, bone-in will need about 3 hours.
How long do you cook a grilled ham?
Cook the ham on low heat for 4-6 hours or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). For extra flavor, you can brush the ham with a glaze made of brown sugar, pineapple juice, and spices before cooking. Once done, let the ham rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve. 3. Grilled Ham Steaks
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound Ham?
An uncooked 10-pound ham, bone-in will need about 3 hours. Try these recipes for cooked half and spiral hams, as well as for a Virginia country ham. This is one of our favorite recipes for a fully cooked bone-in half ham weighing about 6 pounds.