How to Bake a Fresh Ham

11 Responses for "How to Bake a Fresh Ham"

1. susie December 20th, 2007 at 5:07 pm

   I am cooking a 22 lb. fresh ham for Christmas Eve. I’ve read different temps. and roasting times. What do you suggest?
   Thank you.

2. Chef Kevin December 21st, 2007 at 1:42 pm

   Given the size, I’m assuming it’s a bone-in ham. I’d figure about 22 minutes per pound at 350 degrees which works out to 8 hours total. But hams and ovens vary, so the way to be sure it’s done is to cook it to an internal temperature of 160 degrees (it will climb another 10 degrees after you take it out of the oven).

   I’d start checking the temperature at 6 1/2 hours — and keep in mind that the longer it cooks the faster it cooks.

3. Sean January 7th, 2008 at 10:04 pm

   I am making a spanish style fresh ham/shoulder butt that 10.93lbs. bone in. I am curious as to what temperature I should cook it on and how long. Any suggestions? Gracias!

4. Chef Kevin January 8th, 2008 at 10:39 am

   Sean,
   Cook at 350 degrees Farenheit for about 22 minutes per pound - so around 4 hours. Please let us know if you have more questions.

5. Ellen December 21st, 2008 at 3:12 pm

   I have a 22 lb. whole fresh ham. How long do I cook it for? Do I brown first at about 400 deg. for 20 min. ?
   It doesn’t fit in my large roasting pan, any suggestions on what to cook it in? I guess I could have the end bond cut off by the butcher, but it is still tight.

6. Chef Kevin December 22nd, 2008 at 12:05 pm

   Ellen,
   Given the size, I’m assuming it’s a bone-in ham. I’d figure about 22 minutes per pound at 350 degrees which works out to 8 hours total. But hams and ovens vary, so the way to be sure it’s done is to cook it to an internal temperature of 160 degrees (it will climb another 10 degrees after you take it out of the oven).

   I’d start checking the temperature at 6 1/2 hours — and keep in mind that the longer it cooks the faster it cooks.

   As for the pan, if you have a large, heavy, baking sheet use it and a wire cookie rack or two to elevate the ham.

7. Margaret December 24th, 2008 at 10:02 am

   I am cooking a fresh ham 19lbs, it has been deboned. How many min per lb should I cook it. Thank you and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, Margaret

8. Jim Gray December 24th, 2008 at 11:38 am

   By my reckoning, that’ll take between 5 and 5 1/2 hours at 350. Follow the instructions from Chef Kevin above for additional information regarding preparation, cooking and internal temperature. The most important number is 160 on your meat thermometer and then a rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before slicing.

9. sue December 24th, 2008 at 11:45 pm

   I have a 19lb fresh ham with bone. I also would like to use my convection oven. I have a probe thermoter that I am going to use. How long should I cook this ham?

   Thanking you in advance…. Merry Christmas

10. Chef Kevin December 25th, 2008 at 11:21 am

    Hi Sue,

    Figure 20 minutes per pound total - so estimate 6 hours and 20 minutes at 325. (Because you’re using a convection oven, reduce the cooking temperature to 325) However, rely on your thermometer and pull the ham from the oven when the internal temp is 160 degrees (it will rise another 8 - 10 degrees while it rests). Please be sure your probe doesn’t touch the bone! Merry Christmas to you too.

11. Nicole Sims December 30th, 2008 at 4:45 pm

    This will be my first time baking a ham for new years day. Please give me some advice on how to bake a ham and make a glaze.