The best way to cook your holiday ham is in a roaster oven. The sticky glaze gives the ham great flavor and keeps it moist—no dry ham here! Plus, you can make all those tasty side dishes in the oven while the ham is cooking.
If you want to make a ham for a holiday or special occasion, this Ham in a Roaster recipe is the answer. It costs less than half as much as a Honey Baked Ham and is easier to make. We have tested, perfected, and used this method many times with great success!.
Do more than just cook the ham. Use a roaster oven to cook the turkey breast as well for a juicy bird that frees up your oven.
Cooking a delicious ham shank in a roaster oven is an easy way to prepare this flavorful cut of meat When done right, the ham shank turns out incredibly moist, tender and full of flavor.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know to cook a perfect ham shank in a roaster oven every time.
What is a Ham Shank?
The ham shank refers to the lower portion of a pig’s hind leg above the hock. It contains part of the leg bone surrounded by high-quality meat.
Ham shanks are available fresh (uncooked) or fully cooked and smoked. Fresh ham shanks require longer cooking while pre-cooked ones just need reheating.
Benefits of Roasting Ham Shanks
There are many advantages to cooking ham shanks in a roaster oven:
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Inexpensive cut – Ham shanks cost much less than other ham roasts or slices, Great budget-friendly option
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Tender and juicy – The slow roasting makes the meat incredibly moist and tender, It falls off the bone when done
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Big ham flavor – Ham shanks have a delicious salty, smoky ham taste from curing and smoking.
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Lots of meat – A 5-10 lb shank can feed a crowd and provides tasty leftover meat.
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Bone for soup – Use the bone to make bean, pea or lentil soup for extra value.
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Easy to prep – Just rub with spices and pop it in the oven. Minimal work required.
Choosing the Right Ham Shank
When selecting a ham shank for roasting, look for:
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Pre-cooked vs fresh – Pre-cooked only needs reheating while fresh requires full cooking. Check the label.
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Good meat distribution – Pick one with plenty of meat, not mostly bone. Avoid skinny shanks.
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Thin fat cap – Some fat helps keep it moist. Opt for a thin layer of fat on top.
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Reputable brand – Choose a trusted brand for best quality, texture and flavor.
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Sell-by date – For safety, only buy fresh ham shanks with a distant expiration date.
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Weight – Get a size to suit your needs, from 2 to 10+ lbs. Allow 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 lb per serving.
Seasoning and Preparing the Ham Shank
Just a few easy steps are needed to prep your ham shank before roasting:
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Remove packaging – Unwrap completely and discard any netting or string. Rinse if desired.
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Trim – Trim off any unappetizing fat or skin with a knife. Leave a thin layer for moisture.
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Score – Lightly score fat cap and meat in a crisscross pattern to help seasonings adhere.
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Coat and season – Brush all over with oil or mustard and season as desired. Go light on salt since it’s cured.
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Sit – Let the seasoned ham shank rest for 30 minutes up to 2 hours before roasting.
The ham shank is now ready to cook!
How to Cook a Ham Shank in a Roaster Oven
Follow these simple steps for perfectly roasting your ham shank:
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Prep roaster – Place ham shank in roaster pan and add 1 cup broth, juice or water to the bottom.
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Cover and roast – Seal pan tightly with foil. Roast at 300°F allowing 15-20 minutes per lb until fully cooked.
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Uncover and glaze – Remove foil, glaze ham shank and increase temperature to 425°F. Roast 15 more minutes to caramelize glaze.
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Check temperature – Internal temp should reach 135°F for pre-cooked or 160°F for fresh. Use a meat thermometer.
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Rest – Allow roast to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
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Carve and serve – Carve into thin slices across the grain. Serve warm or refrigerate leftovers.
The bone can be used for soups. Chill leftovers within 2 hours.
Cooking Times for Ham Shanks
Ham shank sizes and roast times can vary. Follow these estimates:
- 2-3 lb pre-cooked – Bake covered at 300°F for 30-45 minutes total
- 5 lb pre-cooked – Bake covered at 300°F for 60-75 minutes total
- 7-8 lb pre-cooked – Bake covered at 300°F for 105-120 minutes total
- 10 lb fresh – Bake covered at 300°F for 180-240 minutes total
Always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness, not just time.
Tips for Roasting Juicy Ham Shanks
- Choose high-quality ham shanks for best texture and flavor
- Allow roast to rest 15-20 minutes before slicing
- Slice across the grain for tender, easy-to-chew meat
- Use the bone to make bean, pea or lentil soup
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days
- Reheat ham shank slices in the oven or microwave
Glazing and Seasoning Ideas
- Black pepper
- Garlic cloves
- Brown sugar
- Mustard
- Balsamic vinegar
- Honey
- Molasses
- Orange marmalade
Side Dishes
- Mashed potatoes
- Green beans
- Dinner rolls
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- Corn on the cob
With this easy roasting method, you’ll get fork-tender ham shanks with incredible flavor every time. Enjoy tasty leftovers in sandwiches, pastas and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you cook a pre-cooked ham shank?
For a fully cooked, pre-smoked ham shank, roast covered at 300°F allowing 15-20 minutes per pound until heated through. Let stand covered for 20 minutes before serving.
Do you cook a ham shank fat-side up or down?
Place the ham shank cut-side down in the roasting pan to help prevent it from drying out during cooking. The fat cap on top will baste the meat as it renders.
Should you soak a ham shank before cooking?
Soaking is not necessary for pre-cooked ham shanks as they are already cured and fully cooked. For very salty shanks, you can soak in cold water for 1 hour to reduce saltiness.
What is a good ham shank cooking time?
Cooking time can vary based on size. Follow these general roasting guidelines:
- 2-3 lbs: 30-45 minutes at 300°F
- 5 lbs: 60-75 minutes at 300°F
- 7-8 lbs: 105-120 minutes at 300°F
What are good ham shank internal temperatures?
Cook to an internal temp of 135°F for pre-cooked or 160°F for fresh. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
How long does cooked ham shank last?
Store cooked ham shank leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
So for delicious, fall-off-the-bone ham shanks, just rub with your favorite glaze and spices and pop in the roaster oven! In just a few easy steps, you’ll have perfect ham shanks ready for any occasion.
Why use an electric roaster oven?
- An electric roaster will free up space in your oven, so you should use it. It’s kind of like having a second (or third) oven.
- The ham stays moist. It’s better than cooking it on the stove or baking it in the oven.
- It takes very little hands-on time for a fantastic result.
- The process is SO EASY, and you don’t even have to wrap the ham in foil first.
- The cost is half (or less) than the name brand.
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ “I made this ham for Easter, the best ham I have ever made. Moist and flavor beyond my expectations. Everyone enjoyed and the leftovers are just as good. Will make again. ” – Glennie.
- Ham: The easiest hams to cook and serve are spiral cut hams. However this method will work for any pre-cooked ham. Read the notes below to learn how to pick a spiral-cut ham if you have never done it before.
- For the glaze, you can use the sweet glaze that comes with your ham or make your own. This simple Pineapple Glaze for Ham is made with pineapple juice and only needs 10 minutes to make. The pineapple and brown sugar give it a deep flavor. We think its better than Honey Baked Ham!.
*Note: This recipe only requires two ingredients, but you will also need a disposable large roasting pan. I use a half size steam tray. Its dimensions are 13x11x2.5 inches.
What to serve with roaster oven ham
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