How To Cook A Ham

Cooking a delicious holiday ham is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying dishes you can make. It’s perfect for a festive meal, and it’s also a great way to use up leftovers or store in the freezer for easy meals all year round. Here is how to cook the perfect ham.

1. Choose your ham – Select a ham that is all natural, ideally pasture-raised. Whether you choose a spiral cut or a traditional half or whole ham, look for a ham that has been smoked for flavor but not overly salted.

2. Prep the ham – Unwrap the ham, rinse it with cold water, and pat dry. If you have a larger ham, bring it up to room temperature before roasting.

3. Make your glaze -Making your own glaze is easy and can give your ham a rich, complex flavor. Try combining honey, brown sugar, mustard, and various spices to create a flavorful glaze. Rub the glaze over the ham and into any slices and crevices.

4. Preheat – Preheat your oven to 325°F.

5. Roast – Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover it with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes per pound or until lightly browned. Baste the ham occasionally with the glaze while roasting.

6. Test – Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding any bones). When reaching 140°F, the ham is done.

7. Let rest – Once it’s done, transfer the ham to a cutting board and let it rest 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham! To store any leftovers for later, cover with aluminum foil and store in the refrigerator. Leftover cooked ham can be refrigerated for up to four days.