Ham Cooking Guide, Calculator, and Free Printable

If you're an entertainer and love to have friends and family over for gatherings around a bustling dinner table, a fancy ham dinner filled with side dishes like baked asparagus is probably on your list. Whether you're getting people together for the holidays or just because you feel like it, you might be wondering where to start when it comes to cooking a ham for your guests. 

 

 

 
Since there are several different types of ham to choose from, this guide will help you calculate the cooking time for your ham, inform you about the best storing methods for ham before and after you cook it, and the tips for baking it to have a successful gathering with friends and family.

 

How To Calculate Ham Cooking Time

You may choose to take the easy route and check out a ham cooking time calculator, or you can follow a few simple and easy-to-remember tips.

The USDA recommends that you always cook ham based on the weight and cut of the meat. Since it usually takes 15 to 18 minutes for just one pound of ham to cook thoroughly, you should factor that into how long you'll bake it in the oven. It's important that your ham always reaches a safe internal temperature, so always double-check with a thermometer after making the calculation.

Certain cuts of meat will change your cooking time. Check out this free printable for an easy reference guide the next time you cook a ham.

How To Store Ham Before and After Cooking

Storing a ham is easier said than done — there's a lot of science behind it! Storing your ham correctly can ensure you keep yourself, your family, and your friends safe from any foodborne illnesses. Check out a cheat sheet below with safe storing times according to the USDA.

• Fresh, uncured ham (uncooked): Refrigerate for 3–5 days, and freeze for up to 6 months.
• Fresh, uncured ham (cooked): Refrigerate for 3–4 days, and freeze for 3–4 months
• Cured ham (uncooked): Refrigerate for 5–7 days, and freeze for 3–4 months.
• Cured ham (cooked): Refrigerate for 3–5 days, and freeze for 1–2 months.
• Vacuum-sealed cooked ham: Refrigerate until the "use by" date, and freeze for 1–2 months.
• Spiral-cut ham: Refrigerate for 3–5 days, and freeze for 1–2 months.
• Country ham (uncooked): Refrigerate for 2–3 months, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Country ham (cooked): Refrigerate for 7 days, and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Canned ham (keep refrigerated): Refrigerate for 7 days, and freeze for 1–2 months.
• Lunch meat ham (sealed, unopened): Refrigerate until the "use by" date, and freeze for 1–2 months.

Tips for Baking Ham

 

Cooking the picture-perfect ham can make somebody rip their hair out with stress. But don't fret — these tips can help you make an otherwise scary process simple.

1. Pick your favorite cut: Whether you want a full ham or enjoy a boneless picnic ham, determining the right cut for your dinner gathering is the essential first step.
2. Don't overcook it: This may sound like a no-brainer, but overcooking your ham can lead to dryness and unsatisfied guests. Use a cooking calculator and constantly check the internal temperature to ensure you're cooking it right.
3. Make sure it cools: You will always want to cool your ham a bit before serving. Letting your meat rest allows all the flavorful juices to reabsorb into the meat and create more flavor.
4. Glaze and baste to add flavor: Want even more flavor? Basting and glazing your ham while it cooks can add the sweet, spicy, or savory flavor you desire.

Now that you have all the information you need to create the dinner party of your dreams, you can put it into action. While you eat your delicious ham, take in the look on your guests' faces as they enjoy each other's company around a good meal.

 

Happy Wednesday!

 

This post was written in partnership with Siege Media. Printables and images were supplied by them and as such are not owned by me.

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