Ham Cooking Time Calculator: Baking, Curing & Storing Explained

Making the perfect piece of 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 piece of 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 cooking time in minutes.

Ham cooking time calculator

1. Ham type

Select the type of ham

Smoked, cook before eating Smoked and cooked Fresh and uncooked Country ham

2. Ham cut

Select the cut of ham

Whole leg, bone in Half leg, bone in Shank or butt, bone in Arm picnic shoulder, boneless Shoulder roll, boneless

3. Ham size

Insert weight of ham (whole numbers only) and select unit of weight

lbs Kg

Calculate

Cooking time estimated:

Recipes listing cook times are approximate. Use food thermometers to ensure safe cooked food temperatures. Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish or eggs may increase the risk of foodborne illness. Please refer to the USDA Safe Minimum Food Temperature Chart for further information.

Any allergen claim is assumed. Read all food ingredient labels for allergy concerns.

You can learn more about how to stay healthy with these easy and safe meal preparation steps.

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.

How to store ham

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.

Tips for baking ham

Cooking the perfect ham takes time, skill and patience (of course). Put these ham cooking tips and tricks 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.
• Don’t overcook it: Make sure you’re using a ham cooking time calculator or a time chart to ensure your meat is cooked to perfection.
• Cool it: The easiest way to carve ham is by letting it cool for a few minutes first.
• Glazing and basting: Wait until the end of the cooking process to glaze your ham to add more flavor. Basting with the juices while it’s cooking can lend more saltiness.

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.

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Ham cooking techniques

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.

Ham recipe ideas

Looking to get creative with your ham? From classic holiday dishes to unique flavor combinations, 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:

• Classic honey-baked ham glaze
• Pineapple brown sugar ham
• Ham salad sandwich
• 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

Ham cooking time FAQ

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

Final ham cooking thoughts to soak in

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 it will take to bake.

When it comes to prepping for a feast, 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. 

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.

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