My kids love baked ham more than any other meal. They would choose ham over turkey dinner any day of the week or on any holiday.
This simple baked ham is juicy, tender, and tasty on the inside. The outside has a brown sugar glaze that caramelizes for a hint of sweetness. We only eat this baked ham on holidays like Christmas and Easter, but it’s easy enough to make any time!
I’m not going to lie—I really only like stuffing with turkey dinner, but everyone else here votes for ham. Even though I make Crock Pot Ham a lot because it’s so easy, I really love the roasted flavor that comes from baking a ham with a tasty glaze!
It’s not hard to bake a ham; just keep an eye on the temperature to make sure it heats all the way through without getting too done. Adding a brown sugar glaze to baked ham takes it to the next level without being overly sweet.
Cooking a fully cooked ham in the oven is an easy way to prepare a delicious and impressive main dish. With just a few simple steps you can have a tender juicy ham with wonderful flavors ready for your next holiday meal or gathering.
What is a Fully Cooked Ham?
A fully cooked ham refers to a ham that has already been cured smoked, and cooked prior to being sold. This means the ham is safe to eat as is without any further cooking. However fully cooked hams still benefit greatly from being heated through in the oven, which enhances their flavor and makes them easier to slice and serve.
Fully cooked hams are convenient since they eliminate the work of having to cook a fresh ham for long hours. They also allow you to easily prepare a ham dinner with just a short time in the oven.
Benefits of Baking a Fully Cooked Ham
While you can technically eat a fully cooked ham cold, baking it provides some major advantages:
-
Enhances flavor – Heating the ham allows the smoky, salty flavors to fully develop The ham will be more aromatic and taste more well-rounded after baking
-
Makes it easier to slice – A cold fully cooked ham will be quite firm and difficult to carve. Baking makes the meat more tender.
-
Warms it up – A piping hot baked ham is much more appetizing than a cold one. Baking warms up the ham so it’s ready to enjoy immediately.
-
Lets you add a glaze – Heating the ham in the oven allows you to brush on a sweet glaze, adding another layer of flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking a Fully Cooked Ham
Follow these simple steps for baking a juicy, delicious fully cooked ham in the oven:
1. Remove any packaging and trim off skin/fat.
Unwrap the ham and discard any plastic, netting, or paper. Use a knife to trim off any tough outer skin or thick layers of fat, leaving about a 1/4 inch layer of fat.
2. Score the fat in a diamond pattern.
Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal intersecting lines across the surface fat, about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the fat to render and the glaze to seep into the meat.
3. Place ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan.
Position the ham with the cut face (the meatiest side) down on a roasting rack inside a foil-lined pan. Add 1/2 inch of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.
4. Bake according to size, until warmed through.
For a 6-8 lb ham, bake at 325°F for about 18-20 minutes per lb. For a 10-14 lb ham, bake for about 15 minutes per lb. Test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part – it should reach 140°F.
5. Glaze ham and broil to caramelize.
Apply your glaze of choice during the last 30 minutes of baking. For a nice caramelized finish, switch the oven to broil for 3-5 minutes once glazed.
6. Let rest before slicing and serving.
Once the ham reaches the target internal temperature, remove it from the oven, loosely tent with foil, and allow to rest for 15-20 minutes. This helps retain moisture. Then slice and serve!
Choosing the Right Size Ham
When selecting a fully cooked ham for baking, the size you choose depends on how many people you need to serve:
-
A 4 to 6 pound ham feeds about 6 to 8 people.
-
An 8 to 10 pound ham feeds 10 to 14 people.
-
A 12 to 16 pound ham feeds around 16 to 24 people.
Allow about 3/4 pound of ham per person if bone-in, or 1/2 pound per person for a boneless ham.
Testing for Doneness
The best way to test a fully cooked ham for doneness is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Simply insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
For fully cooked hams, the target internal temperature is 140°F. If it registers below 140°F, return to the oven for additional baking time until it reaches this safe temperature.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test for doneness by inserting a fork. The ham should be very hot throughout and the meat should easily flake and pull away.
Glazing a Baked Ham
One of the keys to incredible baked ham flavor is applying a sweet and sticky glaze. Brush it on during the last 30 minutes of baking so it has time to caramelize.
Some easy glaze ideas include:
- Brown sugar & honey with ginger
- Orange marmalade with cloves
- Maple syrup, mustard & chili powder
- Cherry preserves with bourbon
Make sure to brush the glaze over any scored areas to help it seep into the meat.
Letting the Ham Rest
Never skip letting the baked ham rest before slicing into it! Resting allows the juices to re-distribute so they don’t run out when you carve.
After removing the ham from the oven, tent it loosely with foil and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. The temperature will equalize and the meat will relax.
Carving Tips for Baked Ham
To cleanly carve a whole baked ham:
- Place ham on a cutting board with a well to catch juices.
- Locate the major muscle groups and slice between them.
- Cut across the grain of the meat for tenderness.
- For spiral cut hams, simply slice through the existing cuts.
- Use a carving fork to hold ham in place as you slice.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Leftover baked ham will keep for 3-4 days refrigerated. Slice and wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil for storage. Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Slices of ham also work great in omelets, sandwiches, casseroles, or soup. Freeze diced ham for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to bake a fully cooked ham?
Most fully cooked hams take 15-20 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven. So a 10 lb ham bakes for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness.
Can you bake a fully cooked ham without foil?
It’s best to cover the ham with foil while baking to prevent it from drying out. You can glaze and brown it uncovered at the end.
What if my ham comes with a flavor packet?
For hams packaged with a dry rub or flavor packet, simply apply it per the instructions before baking. Adjust any added glazes or seasonings accordingly.
What flavors go well with baked ham?
Brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, orange juice, maple syrup, mustard, cloves, and cherries all make great baked ham glaze ingredients.
Enjoy Your Perfectly Baked Ham
Baking a fully cooked ham is one of the easiest ways to prepare an impressive entree for a crowd. With this simple method, your ham will turn out juicy, tender, and full of flavor every time. Experiment with different glazes and serve it with classic side dishes for a comforting meal.
What to Serve With Glazed Ham
We usually have this beautiful brown sugar ham for Christmas or Easter dinner at our house. It goes well with our favorite sides and makes the perfect meal.
How long to Cook a Ham
A bone-in ham is used in this recipe because it has the best flavor and the meat is very tender. Plus, we like to have a ham bone left over to make our favorite Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup.
For this recipe, it takes about 12 to 14 minutes per pound for a bone-in ham to be fully cooked. A 9-pound ham will take about 2 1/4 hours to cook.
It is easy to overcook ham so to really make a perfect baked ham, I suggest using a thermometer like this one.
For perfect results, I just leave the ham in mine while it cooks and keep an eye on the temperature. (I use if for everything from steaks to perfectly cooked Pork Tenderloin). They’re less than $20, and I think it’s a small price to pay to get perfect results every time (and never have overcooked meat again)! The ham package should have cooking times written on it, but a thermometer is the most accurate way to tell.