How Long Does It Take to Cook a Bone-In Ham?

A bone-in ham makes a spectacular centerpiece for holiday meals and special occasions. The bone helps keep the meat incredibly moist, flavorful and tender when cooked properly. But bone-in hams tend to be quite large, so how long does it actually take to cook one?

Keep reading for cooking times, temperatures, and tips to ensure your bone-in ham turns out juicy and delicious.

What is a Bone-In Ham?

A bone-in ham refers to a cured and smoked hind leg of pork with the femur bone left intact. It differs from a boneless ham roast, where the bone is removed prior to packaging.

The bone makes the ham heavier than a boneless roast of the same size. But it also imparts deeper, more complex pork flavor as the meat cooks. Natural juices in the bone permeate the meat, keeping it succulent.

Bone-in hams are available fresh or cured. Cured hams like a Smithfield are wet-cured with salt, then smoked for flavor. Fresh hams are unprocessed and require full cooking like a roast.

Benefits of Cooking Bone-In Ham

There are a few key advantages to cooking bone-in ham over boneless

• Extra moisture – The bone seals in natural juices so the meat stays tender.

• Added flavor – Marrow, collagen and fat from the bone give it a richer taste.

• Easier carving – The bone helps the ham hold its shape for neat, thin slices.

• Classic presentation – A bone-in ham has a traditional, rustic appearance.

• Use the bone – Simmer the bone for soups, stocks and beans after cooking the ham.

How Long Does a Bone-In Ham Take to Cook?

Cooking time for bone-in ham depends on several factors:

• Weight – The heavier the ham, the longer the cook time. A whole 12-16 lb. ham takes much longer than a 5-8 lb. half ham.

• Bone vs. boneless – The bone adds weight and density, requiring extra time to heat through.

• Fresh vs. cured – An uncured fresh ham needs full cooking like a pork roast. Cured hams are precooked so just need reheating.

• Oven temperature – Lower oven temps (325°F) take longer than hotter temps (350-375°F).

• Glazing – Glazing a ham adds about 15-30 minutes to the total baking time.

General Timelines for Bone-In Ham

Here are some general guidelines for bone-in ham cooking times:

• Half bone-in ham (5-8 lbs) – Bake at 325°F for approximately 35-40 minutes per lb., until internal temp reaches 145°F.

  • For a 8 lb ham, bake for 4-5 hours.

• Whole bone-in ham (12-16 lbs) – Bake at 325°F for around 22-26 minutes per lb., until internal temp reaches 145°F.

  • For a 15 lb ham, bake for 5.5-6.5 hours.

• Fresh uncured ham – Bake at 325°F for about 25-30 minutes per lb. until internal temp hits 160°F.

• Glazed ham – After initial baking, glaze and bake uncovered 15-30 minutes more.

Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness rather than time. The safe minimum internal temperature for ham is 140°F, but chefs recommend 145°F for the best quality.

How to Cook a Bone-In Ham

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked bone-in ham:

• If cured, soak in water 4-12 hours to desalinate. Rinse well.

• Place ham flat-side down in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup water or broth to moisture.

• Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone.

• Cover pan tightly with foil to prevent drying out.

• Bake at 325°F until thermometer reads 145°F. Check halfway and baste with pan juices.

• Remove foil last 30 minutes if glazing. Brush with glaze and bake until sticky.

• Let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing for juicy meat.

Cooking Tips

• If reheating a cooked ham, bake at 325°F until internal temp reaches 140°F.

• Use a large roasting pan so the ham fits comfortably. Add veggies around it.

• Score the fat cap before baking for crispy rendered bits.

• Tent loosely with foil if glaze causes overbrowning.

What Goes Well with Bone-In Ham?

A beautifully glazed bone-in ham makes a stunning menu centerpiece. Pair it with classic side dishes like:

• Baked mac and cheese
• Scalloped potatoes
• Honey roasted carrots
• Parmesan green beans
• Parker house rolls
• Cornbread muffins
• Fresh cranberry sauce

And finish the meal with scrumptious desserts like pineapple upside down cake, pumpkin pie or apple tart.

Can You Cook a Bone-In Ham in a Slow Cooker or Instant Pot?

Yes, you can make bone-in ham in a slow cooker or pressure cooker like the Instant Pot.

For the slow cooker, use a 6-quart or larger and cook on low for 7-9 hours. Add water or broth and cook with the lid on.

For the Instant Pot, cook bone-in ham for 18-25 minutes per pound on high pressure. Natural release for 10 minutes then quick release pressure.

These appliances can help tenderize the ham but monitor closely and use a meat thermometer for safety.

The Takeaway

A bone-in ham brings a timeless elegance and deep pork flavor to holidays and gatherings. Keep in mind the size, bone, curing and glazing when determining the total cooking time. For the juiciest results, bake low and slow until the internal temperature hits 145°F. Rest the ham prior to serving for a centerpiece worthy of any special occasion.