The holidays are here and you’ve got a delicious frozen ham ready to be the centerpiece of your festive meal. But when you pull it out to thaw, you realize it’s still completely frozen solid! Now you’re wondering – how long does it actually take to cook a fully frozen ham in the oven?
Not to worry, cooking a frozen ham in the oven is easy to do. While it requires additional cooking time compared to a thawed ham with the right technique you’ll have a juicy flavorful holiday ham on the table in no time.
In this article we’ll walk through everything you need to know about oven-roasting a frozen ham. including
- Estimating the cooking time based on weight
- Step-by-step oven cooking method
- Key internal temperatures for safety
- Basting and glazing tips
- Carving and serving your ham
With these tips, you can confidently cook a frozen ham in the oven. Let’s get started!
Estimating Cook Times for Frozen Ham
The first step is calculating approximately how long your frozen ham will take to cook in the oven. The cook time will vary depending on the size and weight of your ham.
Here is a general guide for estimated cooking times
- Bone-in whole ham (10-14 lbs): Approximately 18-20 minutes per lb
- Bone-in half ham (5-7 lbs): Approximately 22-25 minutes per lb
- Boneless whole ham (6-12 lbs): Approximately 15-18 minutes per lb
For example, an 8 lb frozen bone-in half ham will take approximately 3 hours total cooking time in a 325°F oven.
These are estimates only, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to check for proper internal temperature which we’ll cover next.
Step-by-Step Method for Oven-Cooking
Follow these simple steps for cooking your frozen ham in the oven:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. This low roasting temp will thaw and cook the ham gently.
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Place ham in roasting pan. Add 1 inch of water or broth to the bottom to help retain moisture.
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Tent foil over top. Covering the ham with a foil tent will prevent drying out as it slowly defrosts and cooks.
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Cook according to weight estimates. Refer to the times above. Check periodically with a meat thermometer.
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Brush with glaze last 30 mins. Once ham is nearly cooked through, brush on your favorite glaze and cook until finished.
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Let rest 10-15 mins before slicing for juicy results!
The keys are slow roasting at 325°F, checking internal temperature, and tenting with foil to prevent drying out.
Is My Frozen Ham Cooked? Vital Internal Temperatures
To ensure your frozen ham is cooked safely, it’s critical to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the meat. Here are the target temperatures:
- Fresh ham, uncured: Cook to 145°F
- Cook-before-eating ham: Cook to 160°F
- Fully-cooked ready-to-eat ham: Heat to 140°F
Refer to the packaging your ham came in to determine which type of ham you purchased. Investing in a good quality meat thermometer ensures your ham reaches a safe minimum internal temperature.
Basting and Glazing Your Ham
As your frozen ham cooks in the oven, you can infuse it with even more flavor. Try these easy techniques:
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Baste with pan drippings: Use a baster to collect the ham juices and drizzle them over the ham every 30 mins while cooking. This keeps the ham moisturized.
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Brush on glazes: In the last 30 minutes of cook time, brush your ham frequently with a sweet glaze made from brown sugar, honey, jams, mustard or other ingredients.
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Score the ham: Before cooking, make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern in the ham’s surface. This allows more glaze flavor to penetrate the meat.
Carving and Serving Your Cooked Frozen Ham
Once your frozen ham has reached the proper internal temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juiciness.
Use a sharp carving knife to cut thin slices of ham starting from the hip end of the ham. Make sure to remove any skin before serving.
Pair ham slices with your favorite sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, biscuits, or fresh fruit salad for a mouthwatering holiday meal.
With these handy tips for oven-roasting frozen ham, you can relax knowing your holiday centerpiece will cook to juicy perfection. Estimate at least 18-20 minutes per pound, tent with foil, use a meat thermometer, and glaze at the end. Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked frozen ham!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Frozen Ham in the Oven
What temperature should I cook the frozen ham at?
Preheat your oven to 325°F to gently thaw and cook the frozen ham. This low roasting temperature helps retain moisture.
Should I tent foil over the frozen ham while cooking?
Yes, covering the ham with a loose foil tent helps trap in steam and prevents the exterior from drying out as it slowly cooks.
How long per pound should I cook a frozen bone-in ham?
For a frozen bone-in half or whole ham, calculate around 20-25 minutes per pound at 325°F oven temperature.
Do I need to thaw a spiral cut cooked ham before baking?
Even if it’s spiral sliced, a fully frozen cooked ham should still be thoroughly thawed in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking for food safety.
Can I still glaze my frozen baked ham?
Absolutely! Brush your favorite glaze on the ham during the last 30 minutes of cook time once it’s nearly finished.
What internal temp should I cook an uncured fresh ham to?
Cook fresh uncured ham to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F as measured by a meat thermometer for food safety.
Should I let the frozen baked ham rest before serving?
Letting it rest 10-15 minutes allows juices to reabsorb for a more moist, tender texture.
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Thawing the Frozen Ham
The first step to cooking a frozen ham in the oven is to thaw it properly. Some recipes say to cook a ham straight from the freezer, but for even cooking, it’s best to let the ham thaw first. Here is how you can thaw your frozen ham:
- The frozen ham should be put in the fridge and left there to slowly thaw. Plan ahead because this method could take up to 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of ham.
- If time is short, you can use cold water to thaw the blocks. Put the ham wrapped in plastic wrap in a large bowl or sink full of cold water. Make sure the bag doesn’t leak. Every 30 minutes, change the water, and give the ham about 30 minutes per pound.
Preparing the Ham
Once the ham is thawed, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Follow these steps:
- Warm up your oven to the right temperature, which is usually around 325°F (163°C).
- Remove any packaging from the ham and discard it. Put the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish that is big enough to hold it.
- If you want, you can score the ham by making small cuts in the shape of a diamond. This will help the glaze get into the meat and make it look better.