Ham:1 (10–15 pound) whole ham or 1 (5–7 pound) half ham
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake uncovered.For ham labeled “cook before eating”: For a 10- to 15-pound whole ham, cook 18 to 20 minutes per pound. For a 5- to 7-pound half ham, cook 20 minutes per pound. For a shank or butt portion weighing 3 to 4 pounds, cook about 35 minutes per pound. In all cases, cook uncovered until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.For ham labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”: For a 10- to 15-pound whole ham, cook 15 to 18 minutes per pound. For a 5- to 7-pound half ham, cook 18 to 24 minutes per pound. The ham will be ready when the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Step 2
To glaze the ham: Remove ham from the oven about 30 minutes before it is done, and increase the oven heat to 425°F. Remove all the rind but a collar around the shank bone. Slash the fat in the top of the ham in a diamond pattern. Mix together the brown sugar, dry mustard, and liquid of your choice. Cover the ham with the brown sugar mixture and stud the fat at the intersections of the diamonds with whole cloves, if using. Return the ham to the oven, immediately reduce the oven heat to 325°F, and cook about 30 minutes or until ham reaches desired temperature. Transfer to a platter. Editor’s note: This recipe was adapted from ‘The Joy of Cooking’ and first appeared on Epicurious in August 2010. Head this way for the best side dishes to serve with ham →
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How Long to Cook a Spiral Ham
Hams with a spiral cut typically weigh 8 to 11 pounds and are pre-cooked (verify this on the package). This means that you only need to heat a ham through when cooking it. Cooking it slowly at a low temperature prevents the outside from drying out before the interior is heated.
To cook a spiral ham without it drying out make sure you use a meat thermometer to reach 140°F and do not overcook it. I usually remove it around 135°F and keep an eye on the thermometer to ensure it reaches 140°F.
Size will determine how long a spiral ham needs to cook, but allow 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. I’ve cooked this ham both ways: with and without foil. Uncovered food will have a slightly crispier exterior and require cooking for a bit longer. Covered will need closer to the shorter cooking time.
If cooking with foil, take off the foil after the final 20 minutes of adding the glaze.
To prevent the ham from continuing to cook if it is done early, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. Cover with foil once it has slightly cooled, and wait to cut until ready to serve.
Your ham’s shape can affect how long it takes to cook; a larger, rounder ham might require more time than one that is flatter.
If you’re glazing your ham, such as when making a homemade honey baked ham knockoff, you should add the glaze toward the end to prevent burning. I always choose to make my own quick homemade glaze instead of using the glaze that comes with the ham.
Simply brush it on during the last 20 minutes. Sometimes I increase the heat in the oven or briefly broil the food to get the glaze nice and sticky.
Our Favorite Glaze Recipes:
How long do you cook a precooked ham at 350?
Set the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lower the oven rack. A meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion of the ham should read 140 degrees. Bake the ham in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of the glaze.