Ham Cooking Time Calculator: Baking, Curing & Storing

Making the perfect ham is a piece of cake when you follow the correct cooking times. Not sure how long to cook a ham? Use our simple ham cooking time calculator to find the exact baking time for your meat.

To use the calculator, all you have to do is input the type of ham, cut of meat and its weight. You’ll then find out the ham’s temperature and cooking time in minutes.

How do you calculate ham cooking time?

According to the USDA, you calculate ham cooking time by the weight and cut of meat. For example, it takes 15 to 18 minutes per pound of smoked ham to cook fully. Our ham cooking time calculator takes the weight of the meat and converts it into the average number of minutes it will take to reach a safe internal temperature.

Ham cooking time chart [printable]

Our ham cooking time calculator tells you the average time to cook your meat. You can also use our printable ham cooking time chart to ensure you’re using the correct times.

Pro tips for the perfect ham

Cooking the perfect ham takes time, skill and patience (of course). It’s important to know things like how long to cook a precooked ham vs. fresh meat, where to place the thermometer and when to glaze. Here are some useful ham cooking tips and tricks you can put to the test.

• Choose the right cut: Think about how you want to use the ham in your recipe. If you’re looking for the ham to be the main attraction, opt for bone-in for extra juiciness and flavor. Boneless or spiral-cut hams are easier to carve and faster to reheat.

• Combat dryness:Since most hams are fully cooked and only need reheating, preventing moisture loss is key. Place your ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Add about 1/2 inch of liquid (water, broth or cider) to the bottom of the pan and cover the entire ham tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap the steam, effectively basting the ham and preventing the surface from drying out before you add the glaze.

• Score the ham: To help the glaze penetrate and to create a beautiful caramelized crust, use a sharp knife to score a diamond pattern across the fat layer of the ham before baking.

• Don’t overcook it: Ham is lean and dries out easily. Make sure you’re using a ham cooking time calculator and a reliable meat thermometer to track the internal temperature. Never rely solely on time to determine how long to cook ham.

• Check placement: Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, making sure it does not touch the bone or the fat cap.

• Time the glaze: Wait until the final 20-30 minutes of cooking to apply your glaze. Applying it earlier can cause the sugars to burn, resulting in a bitter, hard crust, while basting with the juices when it’s cooking can lend more saltiness.

• Cool it: After removing the ham from the oven, cover it loosely with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moister, more tender slice.

Ham cooking supplies

When it comes to cooking a ham, you need to have the correct tools and supplies on hand. Here are a few ham cooking supplies you may need to invest in.

• Roasting pan and rack: You’ll need a roasting pan that is large enough to cook your ham comfortably. It’s also important to have a roasting rack to ensure the heat is circulating to cook your ham thoroughly.
• Meat thermometer: Avoid the guessing game and use a meat thermometer to measure the exact internal temperature of your ham. Make sure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 160 F.
• Carving tools: Forget the hassle of cutting ham with regular knives and invest in carving tools. Make sure to buy a set that includes a knife and fork to make the process easier.
• Cutting board: Sure, you can carve a ham without a cutting board, but it makes the process much messier. Look for a cutting board that has grooves on the edges to stop the juices from escaping as you carve.

Ham cooking techniques

Knowing how long to cook ham is not enough to create the perfect meat. You should also choose the right cooking method. There are several ways to cook ham, each offering unique flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a slow, tender result or a crispy finish, these methods will help you prepare a delicious ham for any occasion.

• Braising: Braising involves cooking the ham slowly in a covered pan with a small amount of liquid. This technique keeps the ham moist and tender while infusing it with extra flavor from the broth, juice or wine you choose.
• Grilling: Grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor to the ham, perfect for outdoor gatherings. Slice the ham into thick steaks or place the whole ham on the grill, using indirect heat to cook it evenly while achieving that crispy, caramelized glaze on the outside.
• Slow cooker: The slow cooker is ideal for hands-off cooking. Place the ham in the slow cooker with your choice of seasonings and liquids, and let it cook on low heat for several hours. The result is a juicy, fall-apart tender ham that absorbs all the flavors.
• Air fryer: For a quicker option, an air fryer provides a crisp exterior while keeping the ham moist inside. It’s perfect for smaller hams and provides a faster cooking time with a delicious, caramelized glaze.

You can use these methods to prepare a variety of meats and dishes for a wide range of buffet party food ideas.

Ham recipe ideas

Looking to get creative with your ham? From classic Christmas food recipes to non-traditional Thanksgiving dinners, there are endless ways to enjoy this versatile meat. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want a delicious meal, these ham recipe ideas are sure to impress:

• Bone-in ham recipe with honey glaze

• Ham and cheese Hawaiian roll sliders

• Spiral ham with apricot glaze

• Hearty ham and bean soup

• Simple mini ham and cheese pinwheels

• Breakfast egg muffin recipe with ham

• Breakfast stuffed bell pepper rings and ham

• Honey glazed ham sliders with cheddar

• Classic honey baked ham glaze

• Pineapple glazed ham

How to store ham

Now that you know how long to cook a precooked ham and fresh ham, it’s time to learn how to store it. Protect the health of you and your family by storing your ham properly and safely. Check out this chart provided by the USDA to learn more about refrigerating and freezing your specific type of ham.

Cook the perfect ham with the right ingredients

There are many factors to consider when cooking ham — think about the weight and even the cut of the meat. With our ham cooking time calculator, you can find out the exact time and temperature it will take to bake your ham.Not sure what to do with your ham leftovers? Check out our leftover recipe generator for ideas about what you can make with your scraps.

When it comes to prepping your holiday dinner, you need to focus your time and effort on cooking the ultimate meal. Find all the ingredients you need online with Instacart. Place your order today for your ham feast. 

Ham cooking time FAQ

Still unsure about how long to cook a ham? Here are a few answers to commonly asked questions surrounding ham cooking times.

How long does it take to cook a 10-lb ham?

The amount of time it will take to cook a 10-lb ham will depend on the cut of the meat. A 10-lb whole bone-in smoked ham (cooked) will take 15 minutes, whereas a 10-lb boneless whole leg will take 24 minutes to cook. Use a ham cooking time calculator to find the exact time to cook your meat.

What should be the internal temperature of a ham?

The USDA recommends reheating fully cooked hams to an internal temperature of 145°F. However, if you're cooking a fresh, uncooked ham, it should be heated to 160°F for safety.

How do I tell if ham is cooked or uncooked?

Use a meat thermometer to measure the internal ham temperature to tell if it is cooked or uncooked. Freshly cooked ham with an internal temperature lower than 160°F is considered not safe to eat. For reheated or pre-cooked ham, an internal temperature of 145°F is acceptable and safe.

How long does it take to cook smoked ham?

The exact time to cook smoked ham will vary depending on the weight and cut of the meat. A 5-lb half bone-in ham cooks in 18 minutes, whereas a 7-lb spiral-cut ham only needs 10 minutes to cook.

When should I apply the ham glaze? 

Apply the glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Glazing earlier can cause the sugars to caramelize too quickly, resulting in a bitter crust and preventing the glaze from developing its full flavor.

How do I prevent my ham from drying out? 

To keep your ham moist, cover it tightly with foil during reheating or baking and add a small amount of liquid to the pan. Using a meat thermometer ensures you don’t overcook, preserving its juiciness.

Should I score a spiral-cut ham? 

Scoring a spiral-cut ham is optional but helpful. It allows the glaze to penetrate better and enhances caramelization, resulting in a more flavorful and visually appealing crust. Plus, the leftovers make for a delicious addition to a breakfast casserole.