How Long to Cook a Ham Recipe (Baked with Glaze)
Mar 13, 2024, Updated Nov 29, 2024
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How Long to Cook a Ham Baked with Glaze Recipe– the easiest recipe for the perfect baked ham every time! This recipe makes a juicy ham packed with the brown sugar citrus glaze flavor.
Serve with green beans, glazed carrots, and a potato casserole. Follow this recipe for a Fresh (not pre-cooked) Ham Roast.
Best Baked Ham with Glaze
There is something special about a meat roast with perfect slices on a beautiful serving platter at your dinner table. It makes the meal seem a little “extra,” and that is precisely what you will get with this ham roast- don’t worry, the oven does all the hard work for you! All you have to do is keep an eye on the cooking time. This easy recipe is achievable for everyone!
- Delicious Glaze: The combination of brown sugar, maple syrup, and fresh orange juice creates a sweet, rich, and tangy glaze that enhances the flavor of the ham.
- Versatility: This recipe works well with both whole and half ham, giving you flexibility based on your needs and the required servings.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham for Christmas dinner, Easter dinner, or any special occasion. It’s the perfect holiday ham every time. Best paired with asparagus and mashed potatoes.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
This recipe is for a fully cooked ham or smoked ham. You reheat the ham in the oven and add a delicious glaze for extra flavor.
Ham:
- Bone-in whole ham or half ham: Choose an 11–13 lbs. whole ham or a 5–6 lbs. half ham. Also called spiral-sliced ham
- Fresh orange juice and Dijon mustard: add flavor to the ham during the first long bake at a low heat.
- Water: Used for roasting the ham.
- Heavy-duty foil: Used to cover the ham while baking.
Simple Ham Glaze:
- Butter: Serves as a base to help the flavors caramelize and come together.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and caramelization to the glaze.
- Honey or Maple syrup: Imparts a rich and distinct flavor to the glaze.
- Fresh orange juice: Adds a citrusy and tangy element to the glaze.
- Dijon mustard: Gives the glaze a unique taste.
- Thyme: A hint of herby freshness.
- Paprika: A little bit of sweet and spicy kick.
The glaze is a baste for the ham during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Reheat a Smoked Ham
The straightforward instructions and simple ingredients make this recipe accessible for cooks of all levels. It’s a great option for special occasions or family dinners.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan, with the cut side down. If your ham has a skin, score it lightly with a sharp knife (most precooked hams are already scored). Score the ham’s skin in vertical and diagonal rows every two inches, creating a crosshatch pattern, which allows the glaze to soak into the meat.
In a small bowl, mix mustard and orange juice.
Brush this mixture over the surface of the ham.
Cover the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound. Calculate the total cooking time* based on how much your ham weighs. For a 9-lb bone-in ham, it will take about 135 minutes in total.
You will remove the ham 20 minutes before the final finish time and add the glaze for the second bake at a higher temperature (see below).
Twenty minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven and turn the oven temperature up to 425°F. Brush HALF of the prepared glaze on top of the ham; do not cover, and continue baking for 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes- add the remaining glaze and bake another 5-10 minutes or until there is a nice golden brown exterior. Your ham is done reheating when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
Remove the cooked ham from the oven and spoon the glaze on the bottom of the pan over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Serve with the extra pan juices/glaze on the side.
How to Make Brown Sugar Glaze for Ham
Making your glaze provides the best flavor for your ham! It takes a few minutes and is worth the delicious fresh taste. It is much better than the packet of glaze that sometimes comes with smoked ham.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, ginger, thyme, and paprika (if using).
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until it is slightly thickened and the sugar is dissolved; stir occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken even more.
Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken even more.
Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations, this glazed ham is a crowd-pleaser that can easily become a centerpiece for celebrations.
Substitutions
Fruit Infusions: Enhance the glaze by adding fruit infusions. Try pineapple juice, apple cider, or cranberry juice for unique and complementary flavors.
Variations
A great way to vary up the flavor profile is these variations:
- Herb-Infused Glaze: Add a savory twist by incorporating herbs into the glaze. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage can add depth to flavor.
- Spiced Glaze: Experiment with warm spices like cinnamon, whole cloves, or nutmeg in the glaze for a festive and aromatic touch and extra flavor.
Best Equipment for Cooking Ham
- Good Meat Thermometer
- Large Roasting Pan (cheaper option)
- Large Roasting Pan (more expensive option)
How to Store and Reheat
- Cooling:
- Allow the leftover ham to cool to room temperature for about 2 hours after cooking.
- Refrigeration:
- Store the leftover ham in airtight containers or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- Place the containers or wrapped ham in the refrigerator.
- Consume leftover ham within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and quality.
- Freezing (Optional):
- If you have a large amount of leftover ham that you won’t consume within a few days, consider freezing it.
- Use freezer-safe containers or wrap the ham in heavy-duty foil or plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
- Label the packaging with the date to track its freshness.
- Frozen ham can be stored for 1-2 months.
- Thawing Frozen Leftovers:
- When ready to use frozen ham, transfer it to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw slowly. This may take 24-48 hours depending on the size.
- Reheating:
- Reheat leftover ham by placing it in the oven at a low temperature (around 325°F or 163°C) until warmed through.
- Alternatively, individual slices can be reheated in a microwave, but be cautious not to overheat to avoid drying out the ham.
Leftovers
If you have leftovers, save the ham bone for one of the most delcious soups: 15 bean soup. Make this yummy Ham and Cheese Baked Pasta if you have leftover ham, or a simple Ham Salad.
Top tips for best results
Here are some top tips to ensure the best results when cooking the glazed ham recipe:
- Choose the Right Ham: Select a high-quality bone-in whole ham or half ham for the best flavor and texture.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for safe consumption.
- Score the Ham: If the ham has a skin, lightly score it with a sharp knife to help the glaze penetrate.
- Basting and Glazing: Baste the ham with its own juices during cooking for added moisture. Apply the glaze generously, especially during the last part of baking, for a flavorful and caramelized finish.
Complete your Thanksgiving menu with this recipe and our Thanksgiving dishes collection!
FAQs
City Ham: Wet-cured, smoked, and often pre-cooked. It has a milder flavor and is typically served for holidays.
Country Ham: Dry-cured and aged, resulting in a salty and intense flavor. It’s often uncooked and needs soaking and cooking before consumption.
Fresh Ham: Raw and uncured, similar to a pork roast. It requires cooking and has a porkier flavor compared to cured hams.
Cover the ham with foil during the initial baking to keep it moist. Uncover it for the last part of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
To reheat a smoked ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), place the ham in a roasting pan, cover it with foil, and bake for about 15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). We also add a glaze during reheating for added flavor in this recipe.
As a general rule of thumb, plan on approximately 1/2 to 3/4 pounds of ham per person when serving bone-in ham. You can estimate about 1/4 to 1/3 pounds per person for boneless ham. Adjust based on the size of the ham and your guests’ appetites.
More Recipes
Looking for other recipes? Try these:
Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite dishes to serve with baked glazed ham:
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Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Total Time: ~2 hrs 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
How Long to Cook a Ham Baked with Glaze Recipe– the easiest recipe for the perfect baked ham every time! This recipe makes a juicy ham packed with the brown sugar citrus glaze flavor.
Ingredients
For the ham:
- 1 bone-in ham, approximately 7-9 pounds
- 2 tablespoons grainy mustard, or mustard of choice
- 1/4 cup orange juice freshly is preferred
- strong aluminum foil
Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey (or real maple syrup)
- 1/4 cup orange juice, freshly squeezed is preferred (pineapple juice will also work)
- 1–2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (or whole-grain mustard)
- 1/8 teaspoon powdered ginger
- 1 sprig thyme, stem removed
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
For the Ham (1st bake):
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan, with the cut side down. If your ham has a skin, score it lightly with a sharp knife (most precooked hams are already scored). Score the ham’s skin in vertical and diagonal rows every two inches, creating a crosshatch pattern, which allows the glaze to soak into the meat.
- In a small bowl, mix mustard and orange juice. Brush this mixture over the surface of the ham.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound. Calculate the total cooking time* based on how much your ham weighs. For a 9-lb bone-in ham, it will take about 135 minutes in total. You will remove the ham 20 minutes before the final finish time and add the glaze for the second bake at a higher temperature (see below).
Make the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the butter, brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, ginger, thyme, and paprika (if using). Bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until it is slightly thickened and the sugar is dissolved; stir occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes to thicken even more.
Ham (2nd bake):
- Twenty minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven and turn the oven temperature up to 425°F. Brush HALF of the prepared glaze on top of the ham; do not cover, and continue baking for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes- add the remaining glaze and bake another 5-10 minutes or until there is a nice golden brown exterior. Your ham is done reheating when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F.
- Remove the cooked ham from the oven and spoon the glaze on the bottom of the pan over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- Serve with the extra pan juices/glaze on the side.
Enjoy your delicious ham for any occasion!
Notes
*Precooked hams are reheated when the internal temperature reaches 140ºF with a meat thermometer. Reheating a smoked ham at 325 degrees F takes about 15-22 minutes per pound.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: approximately 150 (depends on size of ham)
- Category: Savory
- Method: American
- Cuisine: American
I thought I didn’t like glazed ham roast until I tried this recipe. 10 out of 10! My mouth drools just thinking about it.
I agree! I am not one for ham glazes, but this one- I love.
I made this ham for Easter, it was amazing! The glaze was perfect!
Thank you for the recipe!!
Yay! It’s so yummy and easy! The only glaze we like!
BEST ham roast I’ve ever had!