How Long Should You Cook a Ham for Thanksgiving Dinner?

Baking a ham with a brown sugar glaze is easy. The glaze is made of brandy and brown sugar, which tastes great. It’s the perfect main dish for celebrating Thanksgiving or any occasion!.

Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be complete without a beautiful, juicy ham as the centerpiece of the holiday table However, knowing exactly how long to cook a ham can be tricky Undercook it and you’ll have dry, tough meat. Cook it too long and it will be overly dry and lose its flavor. Follow this guide for tips on determining the perfect cook time so your Thanksgiving ham turns out moist and delicious.

Choosing the Right Ham

The first step is selecting the right size and type of ham for your Thanksgiving meal. Here are some tips:

Plan for about 1⁄2 pound of ham per person. An 8 to 12 pound bone-in smoked ham is ideal for most gatherings.
Opt for a precooked or “cook before eating” ham. These require less time in the oven than a fresh, uncooked ham.
Go for a bone-in ham for the best flavor The bone helps keep the meat moist during cooking.
Look for a ham with natural juices instead of added water which can dilute flavor

Prepare Your Ham

Before cooking, you’ll need to get your ham ready for the oven:

Remove all packaging and discard any plastic wrap or netting. Rinse if needed.
Place the ham fat side up on a roasting rack in a pan. This allows the fat to baste the ham as it cooks.
Score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts across the surface. This helps the ham absorb any glaze.
For a spiral cut ham, simply unwrap and place flat side down in the pan.

Determining Cook Time

Cooking times can vary widely depending on the specific type, size, and shape of your Thanksgiving ham. Here are some general guidelines:

Smoked Precooked Ham

8 to 12 lbs – Approximately 18-24 minutes per lb
12 to 16 lbs – Approximately 22-26 minutes per lb
Plan for around 15-18 minutes per pound for whole hams and 18-24 minutes per pound for halves.

Fresh Ham

8 to 12 lbs – Approximately 22-28 minutes per lb
12 to 16 lbs – Approximately 30-34 minutes per lb
Cook fresh hams longer, estimating about 25-30 minutes per pound.

Spiral Sliced Ham

8 to 10 lbs – Approximately 10-14 minutes per lb
10 to 14 lbs – Approximately 14-18 minutes per lb
Since it’s already sliced, a spiral ham cooks faster. Plan for 10-15 minutes per pound.

Use a Meat Thermometer

While these time ranges give a good estimate, the best way to ensure your ham reaches a safe internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, making sure it does not touch the bone.

For whole, bone-in hams, cook until the thermometer reaches 140°F.
For ham slices or halves, cook until it reaches 130°F.
If reheating a cooked spiral ham, heat to 140°F.

Cooking to these precise internal temperatures kills any potential bacteria and ensures your ham is perfectly cooked but still tender and juicy.

Let It Rest Before Carving

Be sure to let your Thanksgiving ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat. Simply tent it loosely with foil and let it sit. The ham will continue cooking a bit more as it rests, reaching the ideal serving temperature.

Add a Sweet Glaze

For the best flavor, brush your ham occasionally with a glaze during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking time. This adds sweetness and helps form an appetizing crust. An easy brown sugar glaze is perfect, but get creative with ingredients like honey, jams, ginger or bourbon for a unique taste.

Cook Low and Slow

Cooking your ham low and slow is the secret to keeping it tender and moist. Set your oven to 325°F and use a roasting rack so air can circulate completely around the ham as it cooks. Higher temperatures cause the outside to overcook before the inside is done.

Let Your Ham Shine

With these simple tips, your Thanksgiving ham will turn out juicy, flavorful and delicious every time. Don’t overcomplicate it with extra sauces or ingredients. Let the natural smoky ham flavor take center stage by cooking it properly and adding a light, complementary glaze.

This Thanksgiving, wow your family and friends with the perfect centerpiece ham. Now that you know exactly how long to cook a ham, you can relax and enjoy the big meal. Here’s to a very happy and tasty holiday!

how long to cook thanksgiving ham

What kind of ham should I pick?

There are so many types of ham: bone-in ham, boneless ham, spiral-cut ham, ham butt, and whole ham. I chose to use a smoked ham, uncut, then scored a diamond pattern on top.

How long does this baked ham last in the fridge?

Leftover glazed ham will stay fresh in the fridge for three to five days if stored in a container that doesn’t let air in.

Honey Glazed Ham – The Perfect Thanksgiving Feast

FAQ

How long does it take to cook a fully cooked ham?

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan and add about 1/4- to 1/2 inch of water to the pan. If the ham is labeled “fully cooked” (does not require heating), heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 140 F.

How long do you cook a 3 pound ham for at 350?

Heat oven to 350°F. Place ham, flat side down, on rack in shallow roasting pan; cover tightly with aluminum foil. Bake approximately 13 to 18 minutes per pound until heated through.

Is 2 hours long enough to cook a ham?

Oven Temperature and Internal Temperature Bake an uncooked ham at an oven temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit, covered, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145 degrees. An uncooked 10-pound ham, bone-in will need about 3 hours.

How long do I bake a 10 lb spiral ham?

Cover the spiral ham tightly with foil and bake for 12-15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140f (about 90 minutes). While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze.