Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. While turkey may be the star of the show, many families also enjoy a succulent ham as part of their holiday feast.
But with so many different sizes and types of ham available, it can be difficult to know exactly how long to cook it for. In this article, we’ll break down the cooking times and temperatures for various types of ham, as well as provide some tips for glazing and serving your ham to perfection.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to impress your guests with a perfectly cooked Thanksgiving ham.
How Long To Cook Thanksgiving Ham?
The cooking time for a Thanksgiving ham will depend on its size and whether it is fully cooked or not. For a fully cooked ham, you should plan to cook it for 15-18 minutes per pound. If you have a half ham weighing between 5-7 pounds, it should cook at 325°F for 20 minutes per pound. If you have a whole ham weighing between 10-14 pounds, it should cook at 325°F for 18-20 minutes per pound.
If you have an uncooked ham, you will need to cook it for longer. For a shank or butt portion weighing 3-4 pounds, cook it for about 35 minutes per pound. For a whole ham weighing between 10-15 pounds, cook it for 18-20 minutes per pound.
It’s important to note that the internal temperature of the ham should reach at least 140°F before serving. To ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat.
Different Types Of Ham For Thanksgiving
When it comes to choosing the right ham for your Thanksgiving dinner, there are several types to consider. The most common types of ham are city, country, and fresh.
City hams are readily available at most grocery stores and are often fully cooked and cured by brining. They are the easiest to prepare and have a moist texture due to their high water content.
Country hams, on the other hand, are dry-cured and uncooked. They are cured with a dry rub, hung to dry, and sold uncooked. Country hams can be very salty and have an intense flavor that is an acquired taste. They are typically served in very thin slices or soaked for 24 hours before cooking.
Fresh hams are uncured and uncooked, making them a rare find at most grocery stores. They can be found at specialty butcher shops or directly from the source. Fresh hams have a more mild flavor compared to city or country hams.
When buying a ham for Thanksgiving, it’s important to consider the size and whether it is bone-in or boneless. Bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and are ideal for slow cooking. A general rule of thumb is to aim for between a half pound and three-quarters of a pound per person for bone-in hams, and a half pound or less for boneless hams.
No matter what type of ham you choose for your Thanksgiving dinner, be sure to follow proper cooking techniques and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the appropriate internal temperature before serving.
Preparing Your Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Thanksgiving ham, it’s important to properly prepare it. The first step is to thaw the ham if it is frozen. This can be done by placing the ham in the refrigerator for several days, depending on its size. It’s important to allow enough time for the ham to completely thaw before cooking.
Once the ham is thawed, remove any packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat the ham dry with paper towels. If the ham has a plastic disk on the bone, remove and discard it.
Next, prepare the ham for cooking by scoring the skin in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor. If desired, trim any excess fat from the ham.
If you are baking your ham in the oven, preheat it to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down, and cover tightly with foil. If desired, add a cup of water to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist during cooking.
If you are using a glaze, apply half of it to the ham before covering with foil. Save the other half of the glaze for later use.
If you are cooking your ham in a slow cooker, place it cut side down in the crockpot and pour the glaze over the top.
Once your ham is prepared for cooking, follow the appropriate cooking time based on its size and whether it is fully cooked or not. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached at least 140°F before serving.
By properly preparing your Thanksgiving ham for cooking, you can ensure that it will be flavorful and moist for your holiday meal.
Cooking Times And Temperatures For Ham
When it comes to cooking ham, it’s important to know the proper cooking times and temperatures to ensure that it’s safe to eat and delicious. For a fully cooked ham, the recommended cooking temperature is 325°F. The cooking time will vary depending on the weight of the ham. For a whole ham weighing between 10-14 pounds, cook it for 18-20 minutes per pound. For a half ham weighing between 5-7 pounds, cook it for 20 minutes per pound.
If you have an uncooked ham, you will need to cook it for longer at the same temperature of 325°F. For a shank or butt portion weighing 3-4 pounds, cook it for about 35 minutes per pound. For a whole ham weighing between 10-15 pounds, cook it for 18-20 minutes per pound.
It’s important to note that the internal temperature of the ham should reach at least 140°F before serving. To ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the meat. Once the ham reaches the recommended internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
Always check the label of your ham for specific cooking instructions and whether it is labeled as “fully cooked” or “cook before eating.” By following these guidelines, you can confidently cook a delicious Thanksgiving ham that will be enjoyed by all.
Glazing Your Thanksgiving Ham
Glazing your Thanksgiving ham can take it from ordinary to extraordinary. A delicious glaze can add a sweet and savory flavor to your ham and make it the star of your holiday table. One of the most popular glazes for a ham is a brown sugar and honey glaze. To make this glaze, combine brown sugar, orange juice, honey, and spices in a bowl. Mix well until the sugar has dissolved.
To apply the glaze, remove the ham from the oven 30 minutes before it’s done cooking. Brush the glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham. Return the ham to the oven and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Another option for glazing your ham is to use a fruit-based glaze. For example, you can mix apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar to create a tangy and sweet glaze. Apply it to the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
When glazing your ham, it’s important to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. If the glaze starts to darken too much, cover the ham with foil to protect it from further browning.
Serving Your Perfectly Cooked Ham
Once your ham is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! A fully cooked ham can be served cold or at room temperature, making it a great option for easy entertaining. Simply slice the ham and arrange it on a platter with your favorite sides and condiments.
If you prefer to serve your ham warm, you can reheat it using one of several methods. One popular method is to wrap the ham in heavy-duty aluminum foil and bake it in a preheated 325°F oven for 10-14 minutes per pound. For added flavor, you can brush the ham with a glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
Another option is to use a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker with some liquid (such as ginger ale, cola, stock, or water) and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F for a fully cooked ham or 145°F for an uncooked ham.
When serving your ham, be sure to slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. And don’t forget to save any leftovers for sandwiches or other dishes! Just be sure to reheat them to an internal temperature of at least 165°F before serving.