Are you planning to cook a delicious butt ham for your next family gathering or holiday feast?
Knowing how long to cook it can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re not an experienced cook.
But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
In this article, we’ll explore the best ways to cook a butt ham and provide you with some helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your ham turns out perfectly juicy and flavorful every time.
So, grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How Long To Cook A Butt Ham?
According to the USDA, the best way to cook a smoked or unsmoked ham butt portion is in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow 35 to 40 minutes per pound to roast a bone-in ham butt and make sure the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of cooking.
For a pre-cooked ham, it should cook for about 18-20 minutes per pound. For example, an 8-pound ham should take around 2 to 2 1/2 hours, a 9-pound ham should take around 2 1/2 to 3 hours, and a 10-pound ham should take around 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
It’s important to note that the ham is already cooked when you buy it, so all you’re trying to do is heat it up for eating.
Understanding Butt Ham
Butt ham is a type of ham that comes from the upper portion of the pig’s leg. It is a more tender and flavorful cut of meat compared to the shank ham, which comes from the lower half of the leg. The butt ham is also smaller in size and can be more expensive due to its higher quality.
When purchasing a butt ham, it’s important to consider whether it’s bone-in or boneless. Bone-in hams have better flavor and texture, but can be harder to carve. The shank end of a bone-in ham has one long bone and tends to be leaner, while the butt end has more tender and fattier meat, lending a richer flavor. However, the butt end also has a T-shaped bone inside that can be tricky to carve around.
When cooking a butt ham, the USDA recommends roasting it in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 35 to 40 minutes per pound for a bone-in ham. For pre-cooked hams, it should cook for about 18-20 minutes per pound. It’s important to make sure that the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of cooking.
Preparing Butt Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your butt ham, it’s important to make sure it’s at room temperature. If it’s not, allow it to sit out for a bit until it reaches room temperature. This will help ensure even cooking throughout the ham.
Once the ham is at room temperature, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove all packaging materials from the ham and place it on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. If desired, you can score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate better.
Cover the ham with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re glazing the ham, begin applying the glaze about 30 minutes before it’s completely cooked.
If you’re using a pre-cooked ham, cook it for about 18-20 minutes per pound. For example, an 8-pound ham should take around 2 to 2 1/2 hours, a 9-pound ham should take around 2 1/2 to 3 hours, and a 10-pound ham should take around 3 to 3 1/2 hours.
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about three minutes before carving. This will help ensure that the juices distribute evenly throughout the ham.
Cooking Methods For Butt Ham
When cooking a butt ham, there are a few different methods you can use. One popular method is to preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and place the ham on a rack in a shallow baking pan, fat side up. If necessary, trim the skin and fat before placing it in the oven. Add about one cup of water to the roasting pan and cover the ham with foil.
Cook the ham for about 35 to 40 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s important to check the ham with a meat thermometer, as cooking times can vary depending on the size and type of ham.
Another method for cooking a butt ham is to preheat your oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit and remove all packaging materials from the ham. Place the ham face down in a baking dish or roasting pan and cover tightly with a lid or foil. Cook for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound of ham. If glazing, apply glaze when there is 30 minutes left of cooking time and continue to cook uncovered.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the internal temperature to rise and ensures that the ham is juicy and flavorful. Additionally, if using a glaze, make sure to apply it during the last 30 minutes of cooking for optimal flavor.
How Long To Cook Butt Ham In The Oven
To cook a butt ham in the oven, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the ham from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. Trim off any skin from the ham and use a sharp paring knife to score through the fat in a diagonal crosshatch pattern without cutting through to the meat. Insert cloves into the ham (if using), placing them at the intersections of the cuts.
Place the ham, flat-side down, on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour 1/4 inch water into the bottom of the pan. Transfer to the oven and roast until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which should take about 2 hours and 30 minutes or approximately 15 minutes per pound.
Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Pour half of your chosen glaze over the ham and brush to coat. If the water in the bottom of the pan has evaporated, add more. Return the ham to the oven and roast, basting every 10 minutes with the remaining glaze, until glossy and well browned, which should take about 45 more minutes.
For pre-cooked hams, cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound at 300 degrees Fahrenheit. No matter the size of the ham and temperature of the oven, it should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Covering with foil throughout the cooking process keeps it moist. If applying a glaze, do so in the last 30 minutes of baking so it will caramelize and not burn.
Rest ham for 15 minutes before slicing. A half a ham will serve approximately 20 people. Remember to check that internal temperature reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of cooking for safety reasons.
How Long To Cook Butt Ham In A Slow Cooker
Cooking a butt ham in a slow cooker is an easy and convenient way to prepare this delicious cut of meat. The cooking time will depend on the size of the ham and the temperature setting of your slow cooker.
For a bone-in ham, it is recommended to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a smaller ham (4-5 pounds), you can reduce the cooking time to about 4 hours.
If you prefer to use a high heat setting, cook the ham for 3-4 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
For an uncooked ham, it is recommended to cook on high heat for 1 hour, then reduce the heat to low and cook for an additional 6-7 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Always make sure to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer before serving to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
How Long To Cook Butt Ham On The Grill
Cooking a butt ham on the grill can be a delicious and flavorful alternative to cooking in the oven. However, it’s important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size of the ham and the type of grill being used.
For a gas grill, set the outer burners to medium-low heat (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) and leave the middle burner off. For a charcoal grill, arrange the coals on one side of the grill and place the ham on the opposite side for indirect heat.
The general rule of thumb for cooking a butt ham on the grill is to allow for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound ham should take around 2 1/2 to 3 hours to cook.
It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving. During the last half hour of cooking, brush on a glaze if desired, and continue to monitor the temperature.
Remember to rotate the ham during cooking to ensure even heating and browning. Once cooked, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.
