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.
Cooking a delicious boneless ham may seem intimidating but it doesn’t have to be! With a few simple tips, you can have juicy, flavorful boneless ham on your dinner table with ease. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to cook boneless ham like a pro, from choosing the right ham to glazing and baking.
Choosing the Right Boneless Ham
The first step is selecting a high-quality boneless ham to cook. Here are some things to look for:
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Weight – Boneless hams are sold in a range of sizes, typically between 3 to 8 pounds. Choose one that fits your needs A 5-6 pound ham serves 10-12 people
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Type – Most are fully cooked and just need to be heated, but some are uncured and will need full cooking. Read the label to see what you’re getting.
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Brand – Opt for a reputable brand like Smithfield, Honeybaked, or Boar’s Head for consistently delicious flavor.
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Ingredients – Check the label for just pork, water, and salt rather than lots of preservatives or flavorings.
Once you’ve selected your boneless ham, it’s time to start prepping and cooking!
Preparing Your Boneless Ham
Prepping your ham is simple:
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Unwrap – Unwrap the ham and remove any netting or plastic. Rinse if desired.
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Score – Use a knife to lightly score the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze adhere.
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Trim – Trim off any unsightly fat or rind. Leave a thin layer of fat for moisture.
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Stud – Stud with whole cloves, if desired, for flavor and presentation.
Now your ham is ready for baking!
Baking Your Boneless Ham
Boneless ham couldn’t be easier to bake. Just follow these simple steps:
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Prep pan – Place ham in a foil-lined baking dish. Add 1/4 cup water to the bottom to keep it moist.
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Bake – Bake at 325°F for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound, until heated through.
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Rest – Remove from oven and tent foil over it. Let rest 15 minutes before glazing.
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Glaze – Brush or spoon glaze over ham multiple times during last 30 minutes of baking.
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Internal temp – Cook to 140°F for safe doneness. Use a meat thermometer to verify.
And that’s it – your baked boneless ham is ready to serve!
Glazing Your Baked Ham
While boneless ham tastes great on its own, a sweet and sticky glaze takes it to the next level. Here are some mouthwatering glaze options:
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Brown sugar glaze – Brown sugar, honey, butter, spices like cloves and nutmeg
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Orange ginger glaze – Orange juice, ginger, brown sugar or honey
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Pineapple glaze – Crushed pineapple, brown sugar, spices
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Bourbon molasses glaze – Molasses, bourbon, mustard
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Cherry cola glaze – Cherry cola, brown sugar, cloves
Brush the glaze on during the last 30 minutes of baking so it caramelizes. Apply a few coats for maximum flavor.
Letting Your Ham Rest
Never skip letting your baked ham rest before slicing into it! Resting allows the juices to re-absorb so your ham stays tender and moist.
After baking, tent foil over the ham and let it rest for at least 15 minutes, up to 30 minutes. The longer it rests, the more juices will redistribute.
Slicing and Serving Boneless Ham
Carve into thin slices across the grain of the meat. Arrange slices on a platter and serve warm.
Here are some delicious ways to serve your baked boneless ham:
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With classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, roasted veggies, and dinner rolls.
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In sandwiches with cheese, lettuce, and tangy mustard.
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Diced up in omelets, frittatas, and stratas.
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In pastas, risottos, and soups.
Leftover baked ham will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Slice and freeze leftovers in portions to use later in casseroles, pastas, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to bake a boneless ham?
Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. A 5 pound ham takes 50-75 minutes.
Can I bake an uncooked boneless ham?
Yes, just increase cooking time to 18-24 minutes per pound until the internal temperature hits 160°F. Glaze in the last hour.
Do I need to add liquid to the baking pan?
Adding 1/4 cup of water or broth keeps it moist. For more flavor, use apple juice, ginger ale, cola or wine.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover baked ham?
Slice and reheat in the oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat slices in the microwave.
Cooking delicious boneless ham is easy with these helpful tips! Choose a quality ham, score, glaze and bake low and slow until perfectly juicy and tender. Rest before slicing for maximum moisture. Serve warm or use leftovers in creative recipes. Your family will surely request this boneless ham again and again!
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
Why Do You Want To Make Boneless Ham?
These hams don’t have bones, so they cook faster and are easier to cut because they’re smaller and there isn’t a bone to work around. Even though spiral-slicing bone-in hams can make things easier, you still have to deal with that pesky ham hock.
So, if this is your first time hosting a holiday meal or if you consider yourself a beginner cook, choose a ham without bones. It’s much less hassle with plenty of meat to go around.