The cooking time for ham depends on the type of ham (fresh, precooked, bone- in, boneless) and the cooking method. Here are general guidelines for baking ham in the oven:
- For a fully cooked bone-in ham, bake at 325°F for about 15 to 18 minutes per pound until heated through, aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F
- A half ham weighing 5 to 7 pounds typically requires 22 to 25 minutes per pound at 325°F
- Whole bone-in hams weighing 10 to 14 pounds usually take about 15 to 18 minutes per pound at 325°F
- For fresh (uncooked) ham, cook until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, which can take about 22 to 26 minutes per pound at 325°F for a whole leg bone-in ham
Some recipes suggest roasting ham covered with foil in a roasting pan with a bit of water, then glazing and increasing oven temperature at the end for browning
. For example, one method is to cook the ham for 10 minutes per pound at 325°F, then increase to 425°F for the last 30 minutes while glazing
. Slow cooker times are longer; an 8 to 10-pound bone-in ham takes about 4 to 6 hours on low heat
. Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness:
- Fresh ham and cook-before-eating hams: 145°F internal temperature with a 3-minute rest
- Reheating precooked hams: 140°F internal temperature
- Reheating leftovers: 165°F internal temperature
In summary, for oven baking a fully cooked bone-in ham, plan on about 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F until it reaches 140°F internally, then rest before carving. Adjust times for ham size and type accordingly.
