Baking Ham: Roaster Time And Temperature Guide

Cooking a ham in a roaster oven is a great way to free up your regular oven for all the side dishes you need to cook for a big holiday meal. The cooking time depends on the size of the ham. A good rule of thumb for bone-in ham is to estimate 18-24 minutes per pound of ham. For a 10-pound ham, this would be approximately 2-2.5 hours. A 15-pound ham will take 3-4 hours. The best way to check for doneness is with a digital meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham. The internal temperature should be 140°F.

How long to bake a 12-pound ham

Baking a ham is a great way to feed a crowd, and it's easier than you might think. A 12-pound ham is a great choice as it will feed a large group with plenty of leftovers. Here's a detailed guide on how long to bake a 12-pound ham in a roaster.

Preheat the Oven

First, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for baking a ham is between 325°F and 350°F. Preheating ensures that your ham cooks evenly.

Prepare the Ham

Place your 12-pound ham in a large roasting pan, preferably with a rack to allow heat circulation. If your ham is uncooked, you may want to score the surface in a diamond pattern, about 1/2 inch deep, to allow the glaze to penetrate and promote even cooking.

Baking Time

For a 12-pound ham, plan on a baking time of approximately 4 to 5 hours. This translates to about 18 to 25 minutes per pound. This timing is based on a preheated oven temperature of 325°F to 350°F.

It's important to note that the baking time may vary slightly depending on your specific oven and the shape of your ham. A larger, rounder ham may require a bit more time, while a flatter ham may cook a bit faster.

Temperature Check

To ensure your ham is fully cooked, use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, making sure it doesn't touch the bone or rest against the roasting pan. For an uncooked ham, the internal temperature should reach 145°F. For a pre-cooked ham, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.

Resting Time

Once your ham has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest. Cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender ham.

Glazing (Optional)

If you wish to add a glaze to your ham, the ideal time to do so is during the final 30 minutes of baking. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F, apply your glaze generously, and bake for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the glaze is caramelized.

Storage

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. You can also freeze cooked ham for later use. Wrap the ham slices in plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag to maintain freshness.

Now you know how long to bake a 12-pound ham in a roaster. Enjoy your delicious, juicy ham!

How to cook a non-spiral ham in a roaster oven

Cooking a non-spiral ham in a roaster oven is a convenient way to prepare a large meal for a group of people. It frees up your regular oven for other dishes and can be done anywhere with an electricity source. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook a non-spiral ham in a roaster oven:

Ingredients and Equipment:

• Non-spiral ham (bone-in or boneless)
• Roaster oven (18-22 quart capacity)
• Wire insert or meat forks
• Silicone finger mitts or thick, moisture-resistant hot pads
• Large cutting board
• Electric or carving knife
• Pineapple juice (optional)
• Water or broth (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide:

• Remove the ham from its packaging and let it rest uncovered on the counter for 30-40 minutes. This helps the ham come to room temperature and ensures more even cooking.
• Preheat your roaster oven to 275°F.
• Place the wire insert at the bottom of the roaster oven, ensuring it is open to help with ham removal later.
• Generously coat the insert with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the ham from sticking.
• If desired, you can score the ham by making diagonal cuts about ½ inch deep. This will allow any glaze or flavours to penetrate the meat.
• Place the ham on the wire insert. If using pineapple juice or water, pour enough liquid into the bottom of the roaster to reach a depth of about ¼ inch. This helps keep the ham moist.
• Cover the roaster oven and cook the ham. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your ham. As a rule of thumb, for a bone-in ham, plan for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
• If using a glaze, brush it on the ham about halfway through the cooking process.
• Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, remove it from the roaster oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

Tips:

• Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham, as cooking times may vary depending on your roaster oven.
• If cooking a boneless ham, you can slice the ham and slather the glaze on each piece. Layer the glazed slices in the roaster oven with a bit of broth or juice to keep them moist.
• If cooking a spiral-cut ham, wrap it tightly in foil to prevent the slices from drying out and falling apart.

How to glaze a ham

Choosing a Ham

Firstly, you'll need to decide whether you want a smoked or baked ham. Both types are cured, cooked, and cooled, but differ in cooking method. If you want a subtle smoke, you can buy a baked ham and warm it in a smoker. For a double-smoked ham, buy a smoked ham and heat it in a smoker or pellet grill. If you want to avoid a smoky flavor, opt for a baked ham and reheat it in the oven.

Next, you'll need to decide whether to buy a precooked or uncooked ham. Precooked hams are easy to prepare as you're simply reheating them. Uncooked hams are raw pork thighs that need to be cooked and will have a greyish inside appearance with a roast crust. If you want the signature pinkish hue of ham, choose a cooked or cured ham.

Glaze Ingredients

There are many different types of glazes you can use for your ham, from a simple honey glaze to a brown sugar and honey glaze, or even a Mexican-inspired savory caramel glaze. You can also make a classic ham glaze with just three ingredients: brown sugar, orange juice, and honey.

Glazing Technique

If you're using a store-bought glaze, follow the instructions on the packaging. If you're making your own glaze, brush it over the ham before and during baking. Begin heating the ham while you prepare the glaze on the stovetop. This thickens the glaze and allows the flavors to blend.

Apply the glaze to the ham toward the end of cooking, when there are about 20-30 minutes remaining. Use a pastry brush to apply the glaze, making sure to drip some between the slices for extra flavor. Then, return the ham to the oven, uncovered, to finish cooking. Keep the ham uncovered during the final 30 minutes of cooking.

Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature will depend on the type of ham you have chosen. As a rule of thumb, cook your ham for 15-20 minutes per pound. For example, a 6-pound ham will need to cook for at least an hour and a half. If your ham begins to brown too much, rotate it to account for any hot spots and lower the heat.

The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the center of the ham without touching the bone.

Serving and Storing

Let the ham rest for about 20 minutes before carving. Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to two months.

How to store leftover ham

To store leftover ham, it's important to act quickly. According to the NSW Food Authority, food that's been left out at room temperature for more than two hours may be unsafe to eat and should be discarded.

If you plan to eat your leftover ham within three to five days, it's best to store it in the refrigerator. Use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers to prevent moisture loss and bacteria growth. Keep your refrigerator temperature between 34°F and 40°F (or 1°C-4°C).

For longer storage, you can freeze leftover ham. Wrap the ham in freezer-safe plastic wrap or heavy-duty aluminium foil and place it in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen ham can be safely stored for up to two months, and it's best to consume it within four months for the best quality.

Storing Ham on the Bone

If you have leftover ham on the bone, you can keep it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Wrap the ham in a seasoned cloth, such as a clean tea towel, pillowcase, large piece of calico fabric, or a purpose-made ham bag. Before wrapping the ham, rinse the cloth in a solution of two cups of white vinegar and two litres of water, then let it dry. Store the wrapped ham in the coolest part of your refrigerator, usually the bottom. Re-wrap the ham every two to three days or whenever the cloth dries out.

Storing Carved Ham

If you've removed the meat from the bone, wrap the ham slices in plastic and then foil. You can store these packages in the refrigerator or freezer. In the fridge, carved ham will stay fresh for up to two weeks. In the freezer, it can last for up to a month. Remember to defrost frozen ham in the refrigerator for one to two days before consuming it.

Storing in the Freezer

If you have a large ham and want to store it in the freezer, it's best to slice the ham into smaller portions. Wrap the slices in foil, followed by a layer of cling film, and place them in a freezer bag or sealable container. Label and date the packages. Frozen ham is best consumed within four months. When you're ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.

What to serve with roaster oven ham

When it comes to serving up a delicious roaster oven ham, there are plenty of side dishes that will complement your juicy, tender meat. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Cheesy orzo pasta
• Mac and cheese
• Sweet potato crumble
• Sweet potato au gratin
• Sweet corn in a velvety cream sauce
• Maple bacon Brussels sprouts
• Mashed potatoes
• Green beans
• Dinner rolls
• Scalloped potatoes
• Twice-baked potato casserole
• Buttery dinner rolls
• Spinach salad with hard-boiled eggs, mushrooms, and a tangy vinaigrette
• Ham and creamy potato casserole
• Cabbage soup
• Ham salad
• Ham and corn chowder
• Ham steaks with pineapple
• Hash browns
• Ham sandwiches
• Ham and bean soup

And there you have it! A delicious array of side dishes to accompany your mouth-watering roaster oven ham.

Frequently asked questions