People look forward to Honey Baked Ham every holiday season. This copycat recipe tastes just like the original, with sweet and smoky spices that make the meat juicy.
Honey Baked Ham was a centerpiece at many Christmas Eve and Easter dinners growing up. Our parents often purchased it at one of our favorite places, the Honey Baked Ham store. What we didn’t realize at the time was how expensive that ham could be. We’ve learned how to make a good honey baked ham at home now that we’re in charge of our own Christmas Eve and Easter dinners. The price is right, and baking it in our own kitchen makes our house smell absolutely divine!.
Cooking ham at a low 200°F oven temperature may seem unusual, but it can yield incredibly moist tender results. The key is knowing exactly how long to roast the ham to reach safe internal temperatures without drying it out. Follow this guide to learn why 200°F is ideal for ham and how to adjust roasting times for perfect doneness.
Why Cook Ham at 200°F?
Most recipes call for baking ham at 325°F or even 350°F. So why go with just 200°F instead? Here are some benefits of low, slow roasting:
- Gives seasoning and brine time to fully penetrate the meat.
- Allows fat to render slowly for ultimate tenderness.
- Minimizes moisture loss compared to high heat.
- Provides more even, gentle cooking.
- Intensifies ham’s savory umami flavor.
- Yields incredibly succulent texture.
Cooking at 200°F gives you superior flavor and moisture compared to high-temperature roasting. It takes patience but delivers amazing results.
Calculating Roasting Time at 200°F
Cooking ham at 200°F does require carefully calibrating roasting times Here are general guidelines
- Boneless ham: 30 minutes per lb
- Bone-in ham: 35 minutes per lb
- Half ham: 25 minutes per lb
- Cook 15 minutes more for whole ham with bone.
- Convection oven reduces time by 25%.
For example, a 7 lb boneless ham would take about 3 hours 30 minutes at 200°F. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness rather than relying solely on time.
Step-by-Step Roasting Directions
Follow these simple steps for roasting ham at 200°F:
- Preheat oven to 200°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- Place ham fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup liquid if needed.
- Roast at 200°F until thermometer reaches 155°F for ham slices or 145°F for whole ham.
- Remove from oven and tent foil loosely to rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Helpful Roasting Tips
- Choose a uniform, oval-shaped ham for even cooking.
- Resist opening the oven, which drops temperature and slows roasting.
- Add chicken or ham broth to the pan if it looks dry.
- Glaze ham after reaching 100°F for caramelized, sticky exterior.
- Cut across the grain for tender slices.
Troubleshooting Doneness at 200°F
It may take some trial and error to perfect roasting ham at 200°F. Here are some common issues and fixes:
- Pink meat near bone means it needs more time. Bones conduct less heat.
- Dry edges but raw center indicates uneven shape. Choose uniform hams.
- Tough, stringy meat signals overcooking. Stick to recommended times.
- For very salty ham, soak in water for 1 hour before roasting.
Serving Juicy Low-Roasted Ham
Ham cooked low and slow at 200°F deserves to shine at your next dinner. Here are some mouthwatering ways to serve it:
- Pair with cheesy scalloped potatoes and honey glazed carrots.
- Pile on biscuits for the perfect breakfast sandwich.
- Dice for potato salad, mac and cheese, or split pea soup.
- Serve with tangy mustard, pickles, and artisan breads.
With the right roasting times, cooking ham at an ultra-low 200°F yields impressive results. The low heat gently tenderizes and intensifies flavor for the juiciest, most delicious ham possible. My tips help remove the guesswork so you can relax and enjoy time with loved ones while your ham roasts low and slow to perfection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooking Ham at 200°F
Is it really safe to cook ham at just 200°F?
Yes, ham can be safely cooked at 200°F since it is cured meat that just needs reheating. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches safe internal temperatures (145°F whole, 155°F slices).
How long does it take to cook ham at 200 degrees?
Cooking times vary based on size and cut. Allow 30 minutes per pound for boneless ham, 35 minutes per pound for bone-in, and 25 minutes per pound for half ham.
Should you cook ham at 200 degrees all day?
You can cook ham low and slow at 200°F for 4-8 hours depending on the size. But it’s not necessary to go all day. Simply follow recommended roasting times.
Is 200 degrees too low to cook a ham?
While unconventional, 200°F is an ideal temperature for roasting ham. The low heat tenderizes meat and retains moisture for superior texture and flavor.
What temperature kills bacteria in ham?
Ham should reach 145°F internally for whole cuts or 155°F for slices to kill any bacteria. Use a meat thermometer to verify safe finishing temperatures.
How to Cook Honey Baked Ham in the Oven
The best way to get a caramelized crust on a ham and keep it plump and juicy is to bake it. Check out the recipe card below for all the details. But the trick here is low and slow. Since ham is already cooked, all you need to do is heat it up and let the honey and brown sugar mix cover the meat completely. It’s a lengthy process but it’s easy. One heavenly slice of ham is worth all that patience.
What Kind of Ham is Best?
For this recipe we use a cooked spiral cut, bone-in ham. Because it has already been cut into nice, thin slices, spiral cut ham is very easy to use and glaze. Spiral hams are super easy to find at most grocery stores, especially around Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. You can also use a ham without the bones if you’d like, but I like bone-in because the ham slices are more tender, and I love making soups with the ham bone, like split pea soup and ham and bean soup.