How Long Cook Ham?

People love munching on ham at Easter, Christmas, and lots of joyful celebrations.

A well-cooked ham is moist and tender.

It pairs well with various side dishes, making it a perfect holiday dish.

You may be a good cook but yet wondering; how long do I cook ham? 

So, how long cook ham, you ask?

The time will depend on the size of your ham.

For example, a four-pound ham will take about two hours to cook.

If you have a larger ham, you’ll need to cook it for longer.

Moreover, the cooking time will also depend on whether you’re cooking a precooked or raw ham.

The mode of cooking (baked, smoked, or roasted) will also affect the cooking time.

So, how long do you cook ham?

This article will discuss all about it.

We’ll also provide some tips on how long to cook a 9 pound ham so that it turns out perfect every time.

Thus, if you’re looking for information on how long it takes to cook ham, this article is for you.

How Long do you Cook a Ham?

Perhaps you’re wondering how long do you cook a ham?

However, when it comes to cooking ham, there are three main methods: baking, smoking, and roasting.

The cooking time will vary depending on which method you use.

For example, a baked ham will take about two hours to cook, whereas a smoked ham will take about four hours.

Roasting a ham will take the longest, and it can take up to six hours.

How Long do you Bake Ham?

The question of how long to bake ham depends on the size of your ham.

For example, a four-pound ham will take about two hours to cook.

Thus, it takes approximately 10-15 minutes per pound.

If you have a larger ham, you’ll need to cook it for longer.

The cooking time will also depend on whether you cook a precooked or raw ham.

Perhaps, the process of selecting and cooking a ham seems daunting.

However, it’s not that difficult, and the results are worth it.

Can I Use the Slow Cooker to Cook Spiral Sliced Ham?

You can use the slow cooker for cooking spiral sliced ham.

It’s a great way to cook ham because it’s easy and hands-off.

The slow cooker will also keep the ham moist and juicy.

To cook the spiral sliced ham in the slow cooker, you’ll need to place it in the pot with some water or chicken broth.

Then, you’ll need to cook it on low for four to five hours.

Spiral sliced hams are already cooked, so you just reheat them in the slow cooker.

Thus, you don’t need to worry about overcooking the ham.

However, if you want to cook a raw ham in the slow cooker, you’ll need to cook it for longer.

Raw hams must be cooked until they reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do you Choose Ham for Baking

When choosing ham for baking, you can have boneless, spiral-cut ham or bone-in ham.

Bone-in ham is a little more challenging to cook but has more flavor.

Spiral-cut ham is easier to cook because it’s already sliced, but it can be drier than bone-in ham.

Spiral-sliced: The spiral-sliced ham is already cut, making it easier to cook.

Boneless: This doesn’t have any bones, making it easier to slice and serve.

Semi-boneless: This ham has had the hip and shank bones removed but still has the bone that runs through the center. This is a good option if you want some of the flavors that come with cooking on the bone but don’t want to deal with carving around the bone.

Bone-in: This ham has all the bones still intact. This can make carving a little more challenging, but it adds flavor to the meat.

How Long do you Cook a 12 lb Ham?

A 12 lb ham will take about six hours to cook.

It’s essential to cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

To ensure your ham is ready, use a meat thermometer.

A cured ham doesn’t need thorough cooking like other meats.

However, you must still cook it long enough to destroy harmful bacteria.

Cured harm contains sodium nitrate, either immersed in the ham or injected into it.

This prevents botulism, a potentially fatal form of food poisoning.

Moreover, you can rub the ham with spices, honey, or brown sugar before cooking.

This will give the ham a delicious flavor.

The process of cooking a cured 12 lb ham requires low temperature and slow cooking.

For instance, you can cook it at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for about 12-14 minutes per pound.

Ingredients of a 12 Pound Cured Ham

• 12 lb. whole, bone-in ham
• Cinnamon
• Cloves
• Nutmeg
• Honey or brown sugar (optional)
• Meat thermometer.

Directions for cooking a 12 Pound of Cured Ham

• Remove ham from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will take about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Score the ham by making shallow cuts on the surface of the meat; don’t cut too deep. Preferably make crisscross cuts, about one inch apart. This will help the glaze to penetrate the ham.
• Mix spices and honey or brown sugar (if using). Rub this mixture all over the surface of the ham.
• Place ham in a roasting pan and cook for 12-14 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Remove the ham from oven and allow it to rest for about 15 minutes before carving.
• Serve with preferred sides.

Tips on How Long Do I Cook A 9 Pound Ham

• Cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked correctly.
• If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, it will cook more quickly than a bone-in ham.
• To add flavor to the ham, rub it with spices or honey before cooking.
• If you use whole cloves to stud the ham, remove them before serving.
• You shouldn’t eat ham that didn’t attain the proper internal temperature during cooking. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and throw it out.
• Wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
• Thoroughly clean the utensils, cutting boards, and countertops that came into contact with the raw ham. Use hot, soapy water and scrub them for at least 20 seconds.

How do I Reheat Ham in the Oven?

If you have leftovers, you can reheat the ham in the oven.

First, you’ll need to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then, you’ll need to wrap the ham in foil.

Place the ham in the oven and heat it for about 15 minutes per pound or until it’s heated.

If you want to add some extra flavor to the reheated ham, you can brush it with a glaze before placing it in the oven.

When reheating leftovers, check that the ham has reached an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are the Nutritional Benefits of Ham

A 100g serving of baked ham contains approximately:

• Calories: 132kcal
• Fat 5.0g
• Monounsaturated fat: 2.2g
• Polyunsaturated fat: 0.8g
• Iron: 0.8g
• Zinc: 2.1mg
• Selenium: 12mcg
• Saturated fat: 1.7g
• Cholesterol: 97mg
• Sodium: 1690mg
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 36g

Salt content will vary depending on the curing process and how much salt is added.

It also depends on whether the ham is pre-cooked or not.

The Top 5 Health Benefits of Ham

Rich in Protein

Ham is a lean protein that supplies all the nine essential amino acids the body needs.

Protein helps repair and build muscle tissue, skin, hair, and nails.

It also helps to boost the immune system and aids in weight loss by keeping you feeling fuller for longer.

Low in Fat

Beef and lamb have more saturated fat than ham.

Saturated fat can raise cholesterol levels and increase your risk of heart disease.

Ham is a good source of protein and only has about five grams of fat per serving, making it a healthier option than other meats.

Good Source of B Vitamins

Ham is a good source of several B vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B12.

These vitamins are essential for energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and nerve function.

Source of Minerals

Ham contains small amounts of several minerals, including iron, selenium, and zinc.

Iron is important for red blood cell production and oxygen transport.

Selenium is an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.

Zinc is vital for growth and development, immune function, and wound healing.

Contain Energising Nutrients

Ham contains creatine, a compound that helps supply energy to cells.

Creatine is vital for muscle contraction and plays a role in athletic performance.

It can also help improve brain function.

Conclusion

Ham has always been a holiday favorite, but now you know that it’s also a healthy option.

With its high protein and low-fat content, ham is a great choice for a healthy meal.

So, the next time you’re planning a holiday feast, be sure to include ham on your menu.

Remember to cook it properly to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Don’t forget to pair it with some delicious sides.

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