With its smoky flavor and rich consistency, ham is ideal for holidays as well as for quick weekday dinners. Cooking ham in a bag will keep it moist and make cleaning a breeze. If youre on a diet, opt for low-fat, low-sodium varieties so you can enjoy your meal without guilt.
Cooking ham in a bag will seal in the flavor and keep the meat moist. Feel free to add citrus fruits, apple slices, sweet or hot peppers, potatoes and other delicious, healthy ingredients for a perfect holiday meal.
With the holidays right around the corner, you may be wondering if you can cook a ham in a turkey bag This convenient cooking method seals in moisture and flavor for a delicious ham. But does it actually work? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cooking ham in a turkey bag.
What is a Turkey Bag?
A turkey bag, also known as an oven cooking bag or roast bag, is a thick plastic bag designed for roasting meats and poultry. Turkey bags create a closed environment that locks in steam and natural juices. This keeps food incredibly moist and tender as it cooks.
Turkey bags were originally created for baking turkeys hence the name. But they work equally well for other cuts of meat like ham. The sealed bag also makes cleanup much easier since it contains all the fat drippings. Simply throw away the bag when finished cooking.
Benefits of Cooking Ham in a Turkey Bag
There are several advantages to using a turkey bag when baking ham:
-
Seals in moisture and flavor – Ham cooked in an oven bag stays incredibly juicy, tender and flavorful. The bag traps steam and prevents moisture loss.
-
Minimizes prep and monitoring – No basting or turning needed since the bag keeps the ham moist. Set it and forget it!
-
Easy, mess-free cleanup – Turkey bags contain all the drippings and mess. Just toss the bag after baking.
-
Cooks ham more quickly – The sealed environment circulates heat more efficiently, reducing bake times.
-
Intensifies flavor – Seasonings and glazes really permeate and absorb into the meat.
How to Cook a Ham in a Turkey Bag
Cooking ham in a turkey bag is simple. Just follow these easy steps:
-
Choose a fully cooked, boneless ham between 5-7 pounds. Rinse and pat dry.
-
Score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts across the surface. This helps the glaze absorb better.
-
Apply your favorite glaze or seasoning like brown sugar, honey, cloves, pineapple juice, etc.
-
Place the glazed ham in a large Reynolds oven bag on a rimmed baking sheet.
-
Thoroughly seal the bag per package directions. Leave some air space so the bag doesn’t burst.
-
Bake at 325°F for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
-
Carefully remove the hot ham from the bag and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Pro Tip: Add apple juice, pineapple slices or other flavor boosters in the bag for even more moisture and taste.
Cooking Time and Temperature for Oven Bag Ham
Exact bake times will vary based on the size, shape and thickness of your particular ham. To ensure it cooks through without drying out, always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness instead of solely relying on time.
Here are general guidelines for cooking bone-in and boneless hams in a turkey bag:
-
Boneless (5-8 lbs): Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes per lb until internal temp reaches 140°F
-
Bone-in (6-12 lbs): Bake at 325°F for 18-24 minutes per lb until internal temp reaches 140°F
-
Spiral Cut (8-10 lbs): Bake at 325°F for 10-18 minutes per lb until internal temp reaches 140°F
Monitor the temperature early and often to prevent overcooking. The bag traps in heat, so ham can dry out quickly if baked too long.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Ham in a Turkey Bag
Follow these tips for the best results when baking ham in an oven bag:
-
Use high-quality, oven-safe bags to prevent leaks or bursting. Cheap bags can be risky.
-
Seal the bag carefully and thoroughly to lock in moisture. Follow package instructions.
-
Place the bag on a rimmed baking sheet in case of leaks or drips.
-
Add a glaze, sauce or fruit juice inside the bag for enhanced flavor.
-
Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor temp without opening bag.
-
Let the ham rest 10-15 minutes before removing from the hot bag and slicing.
Potential Downsides to Consider
While turkey bags offer some benefits for baking ham, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
-
Opening the bag releases steam, moisture and heat. Avoid peeking until fully cooked.
-
You lose the nice caramelized exterior glaze and browning. The ham may look less appealing.
-
Cheap bags can sometimes leak or burst, creating a big mess in the oven.
-
The bag can cause meats to cook faster than expected. Carefully follow recommended times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size turkey bag do I need for ham?
Choose an extra-large turkey bag with plenty of room for a 5-8 pound ham. Reynolds and other brands make oven bags up to 24 inches long to accommodate hams.
Can I use an oven bag more than once?
No, turkey bags are designed for single use only. The bags can rip, melt or release chemicals if reused. Always use new oven bags each time you cook.
Is it safe to cook ham from frozen in a turkey bag?
Yes, as long as the ham is completely thawed first. Ensure no ice crystals remain before putting the ham in the oven bag. Partially frozen meats can burst the bag.
Do I need to baste or flip the ham while cooking in the bag?
No basting or flipping required! The turkey bag seals in natural juices, so the ham stays moist without any monitoring or rotation. Just bake until done.
Can I use stuffing or aromatics in the turkey bag?
Absolutely! Feel free to add apples, pineapple, onions, herbs, broth, etc. inside the bag to impart flavor into the ham as it cooks.
The Bottom Line
Cooking ham in a turkey bag delivers big results with much less effort. The bags seal in moisture, speed up cooking, contain mess, and boost flavor intensity. Just be sure to use high-quality bags, thoroughly seal them, and follow recommended cook times and temperature guidelines. A turkey bag lets you enjoy juicy, tender holiday ham without the fuss or hassle!
Cooking Ham in a Bag
Oven bags make cooking and cleaning a lot easier while enhancing food flavor. Choose among several brands, including the popular Reynolds bag. Manufacturers recommend choosing one in a larger size for fresh ham.
Season the meat with herbs and spices, put it inside the bag and add 1 tablespoon of flour. Bake it in an preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145 F.
For extra flavor, marinate the ham before you cook it. Mix low-sodium soy sauce, hot sauce, Dijon mustard, ground black pepper and herbs like cilantro or rosemary in a small bowl. You may also add brown sugar or honey, but these ingredients will increase the calorie count. Stir well, pour the mixture into an oven bag and then add the ham.
If youre trying to slim down, cook with fresh lean pork instead of ham. This type of meat may help improve body composition and cardiovascular health, according to a July 2012 study published in Nutrients.
Make sure the bag is fully sealed. Place it in the refrigerator and marinate for a few hours or overnight. When youre ready to cook the ham, transfer it to a new oven bag and follow the manufacturers instructions. Feel free to add sweet potatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, apples and other ingredients to your Reynolds bag for a meal thats bursting with flavor.
Choose the Best Ham
A perfectly baked ham can be a spectacular centerpiece on any holiday table. However, this doesnt mean you cant cook ham after a long day or on a busy weekend. This type of meat requires minimal prep and goes well with mashed or roasted potatoes, steamed asparagus, salads, brown rice and other quick and easy side dishes. Plus, its relatively low in calories and has zero carbs.
Video of the Day
Lean roasted ham, for instance, has only 179 calories per 3-ounce serving. Youll also get a whopping 25 grams of quality protein, 8 grams of fat and 25 percent of the daily recommended zinc intake. Regular roasted ham boasts 232 calories, 22.8 grams of protein and 15 grams of fat per serving, according to the USDA. Cured ham is lean but high in sodium, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Depending on your preferences, you may opt for fresh, cured, country-style or cooked ham. Fresh varieties are the least processed and typically include the pork leg. If the label states “cook thoroughly,” make sure you bake the ham until its internal temperature reaches at least 160 Fahrenheit, advise the experts at Michigan State University Extension.
Choose a half-ham if you expect 10 or more guests. The butt half is tender and easy to cook but difficult to carve because it contains the hip bone. The shank half, on the other hand, is easier to carve but tougher, so it takes longer to cook. Another option is boneless ham, which requires no carving.
If youre planning to bake the ham, select one with water or natural juices, advises Kansas Farm Food Connections. Both options are suitable for roasting. A pound of boneless ham is enough for four or five servings, while the same amount of bone-in ham yields up to three servings, making it ideal for family meals.
Country-style ham is dry-cured, so it contains more salt than other varieties and should be served in small portions.
When consumed in excess, sodium may raise your blood pressure and put you at risk for kidney stones, heart failure and osteoporosis, warns the American Heart Association. To stay safe, try not to exceed 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.