Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal for your next family gathering or holiday celebration? Look no further than a fully cooked ham!
With just a few simple steps, you can have a mouth-watering ham that is sure to impress your guests. In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking a fully cooked ham in the oven, including tips on glazing and reheating.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will help you create a perfect ham every time. So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook A Fully Cooked Ham In Oven?
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to note that there are two types of fully cooked hams: those that require heating and those that do not. Be sure to check the label on your ham to determine which type you have and follow the cooking instructions accordingly.
Assuming you have a ham that requires heating, preheat your 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. This will help keep the ham moist while it cooks.
If your ham is spiral-sliced, place it on a sheet of heavy-duty foil, cut-side down. Wrap the ham tightly with the foil and bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 140°F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone.
For a whole or half ham, bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F, basting every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of your preferred glaze. Remove the ham from the oven, and spoon the pan drippings over it. Let the glazed ham stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Choosing The Right Ham
When it comes to choosing the right fully cooked ham for your meal, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of your gathering and how much ham you will need. Hams can range in size from a few pounds to over 20 pounds, so be sure to choose one that will provide enough servings for your guests.
Next, think about the type of ham you prefer. Most hams sold at the grocery store are city hams, which are fully cooked and require reheating. However, there are other types of hams available such as country hams, which are dry-cured and require soaking before cooking.
Finally, consider any dietary restrictions or preferences of your guests. Some hams may contain added sugars or preservatives, so be sure to read the label carefully if you or your guests have any dietary concerns.
By taking these factors into account, you can choose a fully cooked ham that will be delicious and satisfying for all of your guests.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your fully cooked ham, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by removing the ham from the packaging and rinsing it under cold water. Pat the ham dry with paper towels and place it on a cutting board.
If your ham has a rind, use a sharp knife to score the rind in a diamond pattern. Be sure to only cut through the rind and not into the meat. This will help the glaze penetrate the ham and add flavor.
Next, place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan. If you don’t have a rack, you can create one by crumpling up some foil and placing it in the bottom of the pan. This will help prevent the ham from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensure even cooking.
Add about 1/4- to 1/2-inch of water to the pan. This will help keep the ham moist while it cooks. If you prefer, you can also use chicken broth or apple cider instead of water for added flavor.
If you plan on using a glaze, now is the time to apply it. Use a pastry brush to apply a generous amount of glaze all over the ham. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies created by the scoring.
Once your ham is properly prepared, it’s ready to be cooked in the oven. Follow the cooking instructions provided above based on whether you have a spiral-sliced or whole/half ham. Remember to baste your ham every 30 minutes for optimal flavor and moisture.
Adding Flavor With Glaze
A baked ham is delicious on its own, but adding a glaze can take it to the next level. A good ham glaze should be a balance of sweet and tangy to complement the savory and salty flavors of the ham. Some popular ingredients for a glaze include honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, and fruit juices.
One great option for a brown sugar glaze is to combine brown sugar with pineapple juice or orange juice. This glaze is flavorful without being too sweet and adds a delicious sticky coating to the outside of the ham. To thicken the glaze and make it adhere better to the ham, simply simmer it for a minute or two on the stove.
Another option is to use a citrus-based glaze with an orange juice-flavored soft drink, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and cloves. This sweet and salty flavoring can be garnished with apple slices, orange rind, or salad greens.
For a classic old-fashioned ham glaze, combine mustard and vinegar with brown sugar for a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the ham. This glaze gives the ham a pretty golden brown coating that is sure to impress your guests.
When using a glaze on your baked ham, it’s important to keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Glazes should be added during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking and can be brushed on multiple times for maximum flavor. Once the ham is finished cooking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to help keep it juicy.
Cooking The Ham In The Oven
To cook a fully cooked ham in the oven, you’ll need to preheat your 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. This will help keep the ham moist while it cooks.
If your ham is spiral-sliced, place it on a sheet of heavy-duty foil, cut-side down. Wrap the ham tightly with the foil and bake at 300°F for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 140°F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone.
For a whole or half ham, bake in the preheated oven, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F, basting every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of your preferred glaze.
It’s important to remember that overcooking can lead to dryness, so using a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the ham is crucial. Also, make sure to let the glazed ham stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum flavor.
Checking For Doneness
When cooking a fully cooked ham, it’s important to check for doneness to ensure that it’s safe to eat and has the desired texture and flavor. There are several methods that can be used to check for doneness, but some are more accurate than others.
Using a thermometer is the most accurate method for testing doneness. A regular meat thermometer is inserted before placing the ham in the oven or exposing it to the heat source that will be used. It remains there throughout the cooking time. An instant-read thermometer is used to check for the proper temperature once the ham has been cooked. The ham is taken away from the heat source, and the instant-read thermometer is immediately inserted into the thickest part of the ham, and it will give a temperature reading in approximately 15 seconds. When inserting a thermometer, care must be taken that the thermometer is not touching a bone or area of fat to ensure an accurate reading.
Ham slices, because of their thickness, are more difficult to check for doneness using a thermometer. If the slice is thick enough, it can be inserted from the side into the middle of the slice to get an internal reading.
Another method for testing doneness is to pierce the ham with a meat fork or the tip of a knife. The meat should show little resistance by easily sliding in and out of the ham if it is done properly.
Bone-in hams can be checked for doneness by visually looking at it as it is being cooked. The meat will begin to separate from the bones, and the large bones will move easily as the ham gets done.
When using a regular meat thermometer, check the temperature when it is getting towards the end of the cooking time. Remove the ham from the heat source when it reaches an internal temperature that is 5 degrees lower than the desired doneness temperature. If using an instant-read thermometer, remove the ham from the heat source when it is getting close to the end of the cooking time and check the temperature. If it is within 5 degrees of the desired internal temperature, do not return it to the heat source. If it is not within 5 degrees, return it to the heat source, wait 10 minutes, and then check the temperature again. Repeat this process until the ham is 5 degrees or less from the desired internal temperature.
The ham should be left standing for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. During this standing time, it will continue to cook, and its temperature should rise to the appropriate internal temperature. This will ensure that the ham will not be overcooked. Ham slices can be left to stand for a shorter period of time, approximately 5 minutes.
When cooking a fully cooked ham, you should aim for an internal temperature of 140°F if your ham does not require heating or 145°F if your ham does require heating. To make sure that your baked ham is ready to eat, you should take its temperature with a meat thermometer. Stick the probe into the thickest part of the meat, making sure that it doesn’t touch bone, and check that it has reached the proper temperature before serving.
Resting And Serving The Ham
After removing the ham from the oven, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
While the ham is resting, you can prepare any additional glaze or sauce to serve alongside it. Some popular options include a honey mustard glaze or a pineapple sauce.
When it’s time to slice the ham, use a sharp carving knife and make thin, even slices. If your ham has a bone, start by cutting along the bone to release the slices. Arrange the slices on a serving platter and drizzle with any remaining glaze or sauce.
A fully cooked ham makes for an easy and delicious main dish for any holiday meal or special occasion. With these simple cooking and serving tips, you can ensure that your ham is perfectly cooked and ready to impress your guests.
