Preparation
A mainstay of many Easter dinners, a large burnished roast of savory ham is a beautiful and low-effort way to anchor just about any holiday menu. It’s an all-around crowd-pleaser, everyone will want to scoop a slice or two of this classic onto their plate. What’s more, hams typically come in larger weights, so you won’t need to worry if there will be enough to feed your crew. You’re more likely to have generous leftovers for everyone to take home.
The best part of all? Ham is a very forgiving protein and the perfect project for beginners, as well as seasoned cooks who would rather focus on the side dishes. Even so, there are ideal times and temperatures at which to cook ham so it comes out moist and juicy every time.
Wondering how long to cook that 10-pound ham for? Read on for cooking tips that are tailored for the different types of ham you will find at the grocery store.
Pre-cooked hams are the most common type of ham you’ll find at a supermarket. Often imbued with a pleasant smoke flavor, these hams are an excellent candidate for an easy glaze to brush on top, and are the easiest and most convenient way to a special holiday meal.
To make things even easier, opt for the spiral-cut ham so you won’t need to bother with carving it before the meal. Plan on baking your pre-cooked ham at an oven temperature of 325°F, covered with foil, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F, as recommended by the USDA.
Pre-Cooked Ham
Weight
Cook Time
Oven Temp
Internal Temp
Whole, bone In
10-14 lbs
15-18 min/lb
325°F
140°F
Half, bone in
5-7 lbs
18-24 min/lb
325°F
140°F
Spiral cut, whole or half
7-9 lbs
10-18 min/lb
325°F
140°F
How do you know if a ham is uncooked? Check the label on the ham at the grocery store and it will usually read “cook before eating.” Often smoked, these hams need a little extra time in the oven to reach a safe temperature for eating. Bake an uncooked ham at an oven temperature of 325°F, covered, until it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
Uncooked Ham
Weight
Cook Time
Oven Temp
Internal Temp
Whole, bone in
10-14 lbs
18-20 min/lb
325°F
145°F
Half, bone in
5-7 lbs
22-25 min/lb
325°F
145°F
Arm picnic shoulder, boneless
5-8 lb
30-35 min/lb
325°F
145°F
Shoulder roll (butt), boneless
2-4 lb
35-40 min/lb
325°F
145°F
Try these recipes for cooked whole, half, and spiral hams, plus our favorite recipe for an uncooked whole ham.
