Introduction
Ham is a popular centerpiece for holiday dinners, but figuring out how long to cook it in the oven can be a daunting task. Cooking time and temperature can make or break your ham’s flavor and texture. In this article, we’ll explore the perfect oven-baked ham, offering tips and tricks for cooking it to perfection every time. Read on to become a ham-cooking expert!
The Perfect Oven-Baked Ham: A Guide to Cooking Times and Temperatures
The key to cooking a perfect ham is to understand the science behind it. The recommended cooking time and temperature are based on the weight of the ham, but a few other factors can affect the outcome. When cooking a ham, it’s essential to keep it moist and tender while also making sure it’s heated all the way through.
Here is a chart with recommended cooking times and temperatures for ham:
| Ham Weight | Cooking Time | Oven Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| 5-7 lbs. | 22-25 minutes per pound | 325°F |
| 7-9 lbs. | 18-20 minutes per pound | 325°F |
| 9-11 lbs. | 15-18 minutes per pound | 325°F |
| 11-14 lbs. | 13-16 minutes per pound | 325°F |
5 Tips for Cooking a Ham to Perfection Every Time
Now that you know the recommended cooking times and temperatures let’s discuss a few tips and tricks to make your ham turn out perfectly:
1. Choose the Right Size Ham
Choosing the right size ham is crucial to ensure that it cooks evenly. Be sure to measure the weight of the ham before purchasing it and make adjustments to the cooking time according to the chart we provided in the previous section.
2. Prepare the Ham Properly
Before cooking your ham, be sure to prepare it properly. Remove any excess fat, skin, or bone. If your ham comes with skin, you can remove it by gently loosening it around the edges with a knife or your hands and peeling it off. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
3. Baste the Ham Regularly
To keep your ham moist and tender, baste it with its own juices or a glaze throughout the cooking process. Basting should be done every 15-20 minutes, so the meat doesn’t dry out.
4. Test for Doneness
To test if your ham is done cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the ham, without touching the bone. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F. If you’re glazing your ham, wait until the internal temperature has reached 135°F before applying the glaze.
5. Let Your Ham Rest Before Serving
After your ham has cooked, remove it from the oven, and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making for more flavorful and tender meat.
Glaze it Up: Delicious Ways to Flavor Your Oven-Baked Ham
A delicious glaze can add complexity and sweetness to your ham. Here are some recipes for glazes made with honey, mustard, brown sugar, and fruit jams:
Honey-Glazed Ham
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil and place ham in the center. Mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. Brush the ham with the glaze and bake for 15-20 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the glaze every 20 minutes.
Mustard and Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp. melted butter
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil and place ham in the center. In a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and melted butter. Brush the ham with the glaze and bake for 15-20 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the glaze every 20 minutes.
The Best Sides to Serve with Your Oven-Baked Ham
Looking for some side dishes to pair with your ham? Here are some ideas:
Roasted Vegetables
Roasting vegetables in the oven is a great way to add some healthy and colorful sides to your ham dinner. Try roasting carrots, parsnips, and butternut squash, drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are another great side dish that complement the sweetness of ham. For a simple side dish, roast or bake sweet potatoes with some butter and cinnamon until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
Savory Stuffing
Savory stuffing is an excellent and classic side dish to serve with ham. You can use bread, sausage, celery, onions, and carrots, seasoned with sage, thyme, and rosemary.
Don’t Forget the Leftovers: Creative Ways to Use Your Ham in Other Dishes
Leftover ham is versatile and can be used in many other dishes. Here are some ideas:
Ham Quiche
Make a ham quiche by adding cubed ham to a mixture of eggs, cheese, and vegetables. Pour into a pie crust and bake until the filling is set.
Ham Salad
Add diced ham to a fresh green salad with crumbled cheese, nuts, and a tangy dressing for a protein-packed and delicious lunch.
Ham Soup
Use leftover ham to make a satisfying soup by sauteeing onions, garlic, and carrots in some olive oil. Add the ham, some chicken stock, and some veggies. Season with herbs and spices of your liking. Simmer until veggies are tender, and the ham is heated through.
Conclusion
Cooking a ham in the oven can seem like a daunting task, but it’s easier than you might think. Remember to choose the right size ham, prepare it properly, and cook it according to the recommended times and temperatures. If you still have some questions, the tips we provided will guide you in the right direction. Don’t forget to try some of the delicious glaze recipes and side dishes we offered.