Ham is a popular item for cooking, great for special occasions and easy to make. But how long to cook a fully cooked ham? Cook times can vary depending on the size of the ham, whether it’s frozen or pre-cooked, add-on flavors and glazes, oven temperature and more. With all of those variables to consider, coming up with the right cook time can become confusing. In this blog post we will discuss tips and tricks on how to make your favorite holiday dish perfectly every time! So if you are wondering just exactly how long you need to cook your fully cooked ham – keep reading.
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What is a fully cooked ham?
A fully cooked ham has already been processed, cured and smoked. It’s often referred to as a “city ham” and is usually precooked, ready-to-eat or requires heating for serving. Fully cooked hams are basically already done when you purchase them and just require warming before serving.

The healthy benefit of cooking a fully cooked ham
Fully cooked hams require minimal cooking time and can be served in a variety of ways. This makes them a healthier option than traditional uncooked and processed hams, as they are cooked more quickly, reducing their fat content.
Cooking times for fully cooked hams also tend to be shorter than those for raw or cured ham, resulting in less shrinkage and dryness. And when cooked correctly, fully cooked hams are much juicier and tenderer than uncooked ham.
How to cook a fully cooked ham?
The most common way to cook a fully cooked ham is in the oven. Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Cook the ham for 10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you want to add additional flavors, you can glaze the ham with a combination of brown sugar, honey and mustard in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Once your fully cooked ham is done, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will make sure that all the juices are locked in and give you the best tasting results.
How long to cook a fully cooked ham?
The general guideline for how long to cook a fully cooked ham is 15-20 minutes per pound. That said, the exact cooking time depends on how big your ham is and what type of oven you are using. For example, if you have a 3-pound fully cooked ham, it will take about 45 minutes to an hour to cook it.
To get the most accurate cooking time, always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness before serving. The internal temperature of your cooked ham should reach 110-115°F before you take it out of the oven.
How to tell when a fully cooked ham is done?
The easiest way to tell when a fully cooked ham is done is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure that it does not touch any bone, and check for an internal temperature of at least 110-115°F. If your ham is not yet done, continue to cook it for a few more minutes and then check the temperature again.
Once your ham has reached the proper temperature, let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow all of the juices to be reabsorbed into the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender meal.

Can I still glaze a fully cooked ham?
Yes, you can definitely still glaze a fully cooked ham! This adds flavor and helps to lock in moisture, making the ham even more delicious. There are many different types of glazes that can be used on a fully cooked ham, such as honey mustard, brown sugar and maple syrup.
When glazing a fully cooked ham, it is important to apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ensures that the glaze has time to caramelize without burning.
Tips for the perfect fully cooked ham
There are several simple tips you can follow to ensure your fully cooked ham turns out perfectly.
• Cook your ham covered with aluminum foil, but remove it during the last 15 minutes of cooking so that it can brown and crisp up.
• Baste your ham every 30 minutes with a glaze or fat-free broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
• Let your cooked ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing so that the juices can set in.
• To get extra flavor from your fully cooked ham, add herbs and spices like rosemary, thyme, garlic or bay leaves during cooking.
• If you are short on time, warm your fully cooked ham in a slow cooker to speed up the process.
• If you’re not sure how long to cook your ham, use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

How to freeze a fully cooked ham?
If you have cooked too much ham or need to store leftovers, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled cooked ham in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it for up to three months.
Once ready to eat, thaw the frozen fully cooked ham overnight in the refrigerator and then heat it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
Do not refreeze a cooked ham once it has been thawed, as this can cause bacteria to grow and make the food unsafe to eat. If you are unsure how long to cook a fully cooked ham has been in the freezer, it is best to throw it away and cook a new one.
How to store a fully cooked ham?
Once your ham is cooked, it’s important to store the leftovers properly to ensure they stay safe and delicious. Store any leftover cooked ham in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to four days.
If you need to keep the cooked ham longer than that, it’s best to freeze it. Wrap the fully cooked ham tightly with freezer-safe wrap and freeze it for up to two months. To reheat, thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up in the oven or microwave before serving.

How to enjoy your fully cooked ham?
Once you’ve cooked your fully cooked ham, it’s time to enjoy! Slice the ham and serve with your favorite sides. A classic pairing is scalloped potatoes, but you can also mix things up by serving roasted vegetables or a seasonal salad.
For an extra special touch, use the leftover drippings from the pan to make a delicious gravy to serve over the ham. You can also use the leftover meat for sandwiches, omelets, stir-fries and other dishes throughout the week.
Some recipe ideas for fully cooked ham include
• Ham and Potato Frittata: Combine cubed potatoes, diced ham and spinach for an easy, delicious meal.
• Ham and Cheese Baked Penne: Mix cooked penne pasta with creamy cheese sauce, diced ham and top with a crunchy breadcrumb topping.
• Cheesy Ham Casserole: Layer potatoes, ham and cheese in a baking dish and bake until golden and bubbly.
• Ham and Lentil Soup: Simmer lentils, diced ham, carrots and potatoes in a flavorful broth for a cozy meal.
• Ham and Cheese French Toast: Dip thick slices of bread in an egg and milk mixture, top with ham and cheese, then fry for a tasty breakfast.
• Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Leeks: Layer cooked macaroni, ham and leeks in a buttered baking dish and top with cheese.

Conclusion: How long to cook a fully cooked ham
Cooking a fully cooked ham is easy and can be done in the oven, slow cooker or microwave. Before serving, always make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer. Once your cooked ham is ready, serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy! Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly so they stay safe and delicious for up to four days. With these tips, you can be sure that your fully cooked ham will turn out perfectly every time.
FAQs Ham
How many minutes per pound do you cook a fully cooked ham?
Reheating your pre-cooked ham to its optimal temperature is simple – just remember that USDA inspected hams need 30 to 35 minutes per pound of cooking time, and should be heated up until the internal temp reaches 140°F. All other types of cooked hams must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
Do you still cook a fully cooked ham?
Enjoy a tasty and safe meal with pre-cooked hams! From federally inspected plants come delicious canned ham, vacuum-packaged varieties, or even succulent spiral cuts–all of which are ready to dig in straight from the package. If you’re looking for something warm though, simply heat your chosen cut until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for optimum flavor.
Can you overcook a cooked ham?
For a succulent and juicy ham, time it right! Remove the meat from your oven at 135 or 140 degrees to ensure perfect flavor. The carryover heat will continue cooking until you hit that ideal 145-degree mark – don’t let your masterpiece go beyond this point.
Is it possible to overcook ham?
A well-made ham can be a delight to the taste buds, but make sure not to overdo it! You don’t want your holiday centerpiece turning into an overcooked and stringy mess; all you need is gentle heat until its time for that special dinner.
At what temperature do you heat a fully cooked ham?
Reheat fully cooked hams to 140°F before serving and make sure leftovers are heated all the way up to 165°F. Allow three minutes for them both rest – this will ensure safe, restaurant-quality meals.
Do you cover ham with foil when baking?
Enjoy the perfect oven-baked ham with minimal effort! Wrap it in aluminum foil and nestle inside an oven bag before placing it cut side down into a roasting pan. This simple trick helps keep your succulent, juicyham moist while adding delicious flavor to every single bite.
How many minutes per kilo do you cook a ham?
For a perfectly cooked ham, simmer between 45 and 55 minutes per kilogram (20 to 25 minutes per pound). Enjoy the delicious results of your culinary creation.
How long do you cook a 1.5 kg cooked ham?
Satisfy your guests’ tummies with a delicious and perfectly cooked ham! The anticipated cooking time for this 1.5kg holiday delight is 67 to 83 minutes, or around 27-33 minutes per pound. Make sure all of the juicy goodness reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F before you serve it up – then let the succulent meat rest for just three more blissful minutes so everyone can savor its flavor fully.
How long do I cook a 3 kg ham?
Unlock deliciousness by roasting a succulent ham! Begin by placing the delectable meat flat-side down in a rack, and then pour in just enough water to create an alluring glaze. Pop it into the oven for about 2 hours 30 minutes (or 15 minutes per pound), until your thermometer reads 130˚ F or higher – you’ll be met with mouthwatering perfection.
How do you keep a fully cooked ham moist?
For the most juicy and succulent ham, make sure to pull it out of the oven when its internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees. This will allow for those extra couple degrees as you let it rest – a must do with any piece of meat! Let your delicious creation sit in peace for at least 20 minutes before slicing into perfection.
Do you cook a ham with the thermometer in it?
Before baking your juicy ham, insert a regular meat thermometer to ensure it cooks properly. Then use an instant read thermometer for the final check – that way you can be certain of succulent perfection.
How long do you cook a 4kg ham?
Whether you’re cooking a 9 kilogram ham or 10 pounder, your mouth-watering holiday feast is only minutes away! For hams in between these sizes (4.5 to 6.4 kg), follow the rule of 22 to 25 mins per pound for perfectly cooked results every time.
Susan Muskat is a professional chef with over 25 years of experience in the culinary industry. After working in some of the most prestigious restaurants in the world, she opened her own restaurant, Moose and Sadie’s, which quickly became a local favorite. Susan is also the author of a blog all about recipes, guidelines, cooking tips, and knowledge from professional chefs. She loves nothing more than sharing her passion for food with others.