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How to Cook a Ham

How to Cook a Ham - The Ultimate Guide

Melisha Kreppein
This easy guide shows you how to cook a ham that turns out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time. With simple step-by-step instructions, cooking times, temperatures, and glaze options, it’s perfect for holidays or family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course Main Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • fully cooked ham bone-in, boneless, or spiral-cut
  • 1 cup water, broth, orange juice, or pineapple juice
  • glaze or rub optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325°F.
  • Place ham cut-side down, shank end up, in a shallow roasting pan.
  • Add a little liquid (water, broth, orange juice, or pineapple juice) to the bottom of the pan.
  • Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
  • Bake for 10–15 minutes per pound.
  • Remove foil and add glaze during the last 20–30 minutes.
  • Let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

* Nutrition information based on a 12 lb bone-in ham.

Optional Binder & Spice Rub

Binders:
  • Dijon mustard
  • Yellow mustard
  • Honey
  • Maple syrup

Simple Spice Rub for Ham

  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Optional: pinch of cinnamon or cloves for a holiday vibe

How to Apply the Binder and Rub

  1. Pat the ham dry with paper towels.
  2. Lightly coat the outside with your binder.
  3. Sprinkle the spice rub evenly over the surface.
  4. Gently press it in so it sticks.
From there, cook your ham as directed.

3 Easy Ham Glaze Recipes

Brown Sugar Glaze

  • 1/4 cup Brown sugar
  • 1 stick of Butter
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

Bourbon Honey Mustard Glaze

  • 1/2 cup Honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup Brown sugar, lightly packed
  • 2 tbsp grainy mustard
  • 1/8 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/4 cup bourbon

Pineapple Brown Sugar Glaze

  • 1/2 cup Pineapple juice
  • 1 cup Brown sugar, firmly packed
  • 1 tbsp Soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp grainy mustard
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Cloves (optional)

Step-by-Step Glaze Instructions

  1. Add all glaze ingredients to a small saucepan.
  2. Cook on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently for 5-8 minutes or until all the sugar is dissolved.
  3. During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, carefully remove the foil from the ham and brush the glaze all over the outside of the ham. For spiral-sliced hams, work the glaze between cuts in the ham.
  4. Roast uncovered for the last 20-30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
  5. Let rest 15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 12lbCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 38gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 129mgSodium: 2100mg
Keyword How To Cook a Ham
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