Ham, with its irresistible blend of succulent flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tenderness, has long been the star of festive feasts. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, our step-by-step guide on how to cook a ham will expose the process and turn your ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience.

In this article, we will share a simple step-by-step guide on how to cook a ham in the oven that will have your family and guests coming back for seconds. If you have never cooked ham before, don't worry because, in this article, we will also include some tips about choosing and cooking ham. We collected the recipe and tips from various sources on Tuesday (10/10/2023).

Ingredients:

• Ham (bone-in or boneless)
• Glaze (optional, can be made with brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices)
• Whole cloves (optional)
• Pineapple rings (optional)
• Maraschino cherries (optional)

• Roasting pan with a rack
• Meat thermometer
• Aluminum foil
• Basting brush

1. First, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

2. If your ham has a thick layer of skin or excess fat, you can trim it off, leaving about 1/4 inch of fat for flavor.

3. Score the fat by making shallow diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern all over the surface. This not only adds to the presentation but also allows the glaze to penetrate better.

4. If you want to add a sweet glaze, prepare it by mixing ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices in a bowl.

5. Brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham. You can also insert whole cloves into the ham for extra flavor.

6. Place the ham on a rack inside a roasting pan with the fat side up. If you like, you can add pineapple rings and maraschino cherries around the ham for a classic touch.

7. Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out, but make sure it's not too tight; leave some space for air circulation.

8. Put the ham in the oven and bake it at 325°F (163°C) for around 15-20 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for safety.

9. Every 30 minutes or so, baste the ham with its juices or the glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.

10. In the last 15-30 minutes of cooking, you can remove the foil and apply a final layer of glaze if desired. This will caramelize the glaze and give the ham a beautiful, glossy finish.

2. Bone-In vs. Boneless:

• Bone-in hams often have more flavor and moisture due to the bone. They can also be more challenging to carve.

• Boneless hams are easier to carve and may cook more evenly.

• Consider the number of servings you need when choosing the size of the ham. A general rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/2 pound (8 ounces) of boneless ham per person and 3/4 to 1 pound per person for bone-in ham.

1. Preheat the Oven: Always preheat your oven to the recommended temperature before placing the ham inside.

2. Use a Meat Thermometer: Invest in a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches a safe internal temperature. For most hams, this is 140°F (60°C).

3. Glazing: If you want to add a glaze to your ham, do so during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking. This allows the glaze to caramelize without burning.

4. Basting: Basting your ham with its juices or glaze every 30 minutes helps keep it moist and flavorful.