How to Cut a Whole Bone-In Ham in Half

When you’re having a big holiday gathering or feeding a crowd, a whole bone-in ham is a classic centerpiece However, one massive 15-20 pound ham can be intimidating for the home cook Plus, not everyone has an oven big enough to accommodate a ham that size.

The solution? Cutting the whole ham in half prior to cooking. This makes the process much more manageable. With a few simple cuts using your sharpest knife, you can divide a bone-in ham into more reasonable portions for cooking and serving.

In this step-by-step guide, I’ll walk through how to properly cut a whole bone-in ham in half. I’ll also explain why it’s a great idea, provide tips to make cutting easier, and answer some frequently asked questions. Let’s get started!

Why Cut a Whole Ham in Half?

There are several excellent reasons to cut a large whole bone-in ham down to size before cooking

• Cook evenly – Smaller halves cook more evenly from end to end

• Fit in oven – Halves fit better in home ovens vs. gigantic 20 lb ham

• Portion control – Halves are easier to portion and serve

• Freeze extras – Leftover ham halves freeze well for later

Cutting the ham in advance takes a little extra time up front, but pays off in much easier cooking, carving and enjoying your holiday ham.

Step-by-Step Ham Cutting Instructions

To properly cut a whole bone-in ham in half, follow these simple steps:

What You’ll Need:

• Sharp carving or chef’s knife
• Cutting board large enough to hold ham
• Paper towels

Step 1: Position Ham

Place the ham on a cutting board, bone-side up. Have a rimmed sheet pan nearby to catch any juices.

Step 2: Locate Key Points

Identify the hip bone end and the shank end of the ham. Also locate the thigh or aitch bone running horizontally through the middle.

Step 3: Make First Cut

Make the first cut vertically alongside the thigh bone, slicing from the hip end to the shank end.

Step 4: Separate Meat from Bone

Make horizontal cuts to detach the meat from the thigh bone where you made the vertical slice.

Step 5: Finish Cutting in Half

Finish slicing horizontally across the middle of the ham, keeping your knife alongside the exposed thigh bone.

This completes the ham halves – one with the hip bone end and one with the shank end.

Step 6: Clean Up Ham

Trim any ragged edges or excess fat. Pat the ham halves dry with paper towels. Refrigerate or freeze the halves as desired.

Handy Cutting Tips

Follow these tips for easier ham cutting:

• Let ham sit at room temperature 30 minutes before cutting to firm up
• Use a very sharp, long slicing or chef’s knife
• Cut in smooth, firm strokes, don’t saw the knife back and forth
• Work carefully around bones to keep ham halves intact

Common Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cutting bone-in hams:

Should you remove the bone before cutting the ham?

No, cutting around the bone is needed to split the ham in half correctly.

Can you freeze a cut ham half?

Yes, ham halves freeze very well for 3-4 months in a freezer bag.

How long does an uncooked cut ham last in the fridge?

An uncooked fresh ham will keep refrigerated for 4-7 days before it should be cooked.

Is it better to bake a whole ham or halves?

Halves are preferable for more even cooking. Whole hams over 15 lbs can be tricky in home ovens.

What’s the best way to cook a cut ham half?

Baking or glazing in the oven is ideal, uncovered at 325°F until it reaches 130-140°F internally.

Get Perfectly Cooked Ham Every Time

Cutting a whole bone-in ham in half makes cooking so much easier. Now you can tackle any size holiday ham with confidence!

Use this simple step-by-step guide for perfectly halved ham ready to bake, glaze and serve. Enjoy your marvelous ham masterpieces!