To cook a 10-pound ham, the general guideline is to bake it for about 10 to 15 minutes per pound at an oven temperature around 325°F to 350°F. This means:
- At 325°F, cook for approximately 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes.
- At 350°F, cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours.
For example, one method suggests roasting a ham at 325°F for 10 minutes per pound, then increasing the oven to 425°F for the last 30 minutes while glazing it twice
. Another common recommendation is baking the ham covered for 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 250°F to 325°F, then glazing and baking uncovered for the last 30 minutes
. Key points to ensure a moist and properly heated ham:
- Cover the ham tightly with foil during most of the cooking to retain moisture
- Add some water or ham juices to the roasting pan to keep the ham moist
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F for pre-cooked hams (or 145°F with a 3-minute rest for fresh hams)
- Glaze the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking at a higher temperature for a flavorful crust
In summary, for a 10-pound fully cooked ham, plan for about 2 to 2.5 hours of baking at 325°F to 350°F, with glazing during the final 30 minutes, and ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F before serving
