How Long Does It Take to Cook an Uncooked Ham? A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking an uncooked, bone-in ham may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think! With some simple preparation and the right timing, you can have a delicious home-cooked ham ready for your next holiday meal or gathering. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook an uncooked ham to perfection.

What is an Uncooked Ham?

An uncooked ham is just that – a raw, uncured ham that needs to be fully cooked before eating Unlike a precooked ham that just needs to be heated or glazed, an uncooked ham requires several hours in the oven to reach a safe internal temperature Uncooked hams are sometimes labeled as “cook before eating” and often come with basic cooking instructions.

Opt for a bone-in uncooked ham if you can, as the bone adds flavor during cooking. Some common sizes for bone-in uncooked hams are

• Half ham (5-8 pounds)
• Whole ham (12-16 pounds)

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Before cooking, you’ll want to prep your uncooked ham:

• Remove any packaging: Unwrap the raw ham and remove any netting or plastic. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.

• Score the fat: Use a sharp knife to cut slits or a diamond pattern in the fat cap. This helps the glaze seep into the meat.

• Season or glaze: For added flavor, you can rub spices, herbs, or a glaze over the ham at this point. Just avoid sugary glazes early on to prevent burning.

• Place on a roasting rack: Set the ham on a roasting rack in a shallow baking pan. This elevates the ham and allows air circulation.

Step 2: Determine Cook Time

The cook time for an uncooked ham depends on two factors:

1. Bone-in or Boneless: Bone-in hams take longer since the bone slowly conducts heat.

2. Weight: Larger hams need more time to cook through.

Here are general guidelines for roasting bone-in, uncooked ham:

• Half ham (5-8 lbs): 35-40 minutes per pound at 325°F
• Whole ham (12-16 lbs): 22-26 minutes per pound at 325°F

So a 10 lb bone-in, uncooked ham would take roughly 6 hours at 325°F (10 lbs x 40 minutes per lb = 400 minutes or 6 hours).

Step 3: Roast the Ham

With the ham prepped and cook time determined, you’re ready to roast:

• Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature prevents drying out.

• Pour water in pan: Add about 1-2 inches of water to the bottom of the baking pan. This keeps the ham moist.

• Cover tightly: Cover the entire pan very tightly with foil to lock in steam and heat.

• Roast for determined time: Place ham in the oven and roast for the calculated time based on its weight.

• Uncover and glaze: Remove foil during last hour and glaze or season again if desired.

• Rest before slicing: Once done, let the ham sit for 10-30 minutes before carving.

Step 4: Test for Doneness

The best way to test if your ham is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The target internal temp is 145°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. If it hasn’t reached 145°F, continue roasting and testing every 20-30 minutes until it hits the target.

Once the thermometer reads 145°F, your uncooked ham is ready to carve and serve! Enjoy your homemade, bone-in ham.

Cooking Tips

• For added moisture, simmer the ham in water for a few hours before roasting.

• If the ham seems to be browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.

• Let the ham rest before slicing so juices redistribute.

• Use leftovers for soups, sandwiches, omelets, and more!

Common Questions

What if I don’t have a bone-in ham?

For a boneless, uncooked ham, follow the same steps but reduce cooking time. Roast at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Can I use a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can cook an uncooked ham in a slow cooker or pressure cooker. Cook on low for 7-9 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm it reaches 145°F.

Should I bake, grill or smoke the ham?

Baking is the easiest route, but you can also smoke or grill the ham at around 325°F, monitoring closely. Smoking gives great flavor if you have the setup.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Cooked ham freezes very well for 2-3 months. Slice ham and freeze in portions or containers for easy use later.

What glazes or seasonings work best?

For glazes, try sweet flavors like honey, brown sugar, maple, fruit jams/preserves or spiced with mustard, cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon. Get creative!

Cooking an uncooked ham does take time, but the delicious homemade flavor is worth the wait! With the proper preparation, cook time and doneness test, you can masterfully roast an uncooked ham for your next special meal.