How long to cook ham

Imagine you’ve just picked up a gorgeous holiday ham, glistening and ready to be the star of your festive dinner table. Excitement fills the air as you plan the perfect meal, but then the age-old question arises: how long should you actually cook this ham to ensure it’s deliciously juicy and falls right off the bone? With many recipes available and various sizes of hams to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Fret not; we’re here to help you navigate the timing so you can enjoy a flawless feast.

Cooking time for ham typically ranges from 10 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F (163°C) for a fully cooked ham. For a fresh ham, it’s about 20 to 25 minutes per pound.

When cooking ham, the timing can vary based on whether it’s precooked or fresh. For a fully cooked ham, which is the most common type found in stores, you should allow approximately 10 to 15 minutes per pound when baking at 325°F (163°C). This means that a 5-pound precooked ham would need roughly 50 to 75 minutes in the oven. If you’re starting with an uncooked or fresh ham, cooking times increase to about 20 to 25 minutes per pound, so a 7-pound fresh ham would take about 2 to 3 hours.

Additionally, remember to allow some resting time after removing the ham from the oven, as this will help the juices redistribute for a more flavorful and tender result. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham or 145°F (63°C) for a fresh ham. With these guidelines, you’ll have everything you need to serve a perfectly cooked ham that’s sure to impress your guests!