How to Cook a Ham
Step 1: Preheating the oven and preparing the ham
Preheat the oven to 325°F. You do not need to wash a ham before baking. This versatile meat requires no embellishment; however, scoring a diamond pattern in the skin like outer layer and brushing on a glaze during baking makes the ham a showy centerpiece and adds flavour. Use a chef's knife to make diagonal cuts about 1 inch apart on the ham. Cut through the surface of the ham so the glaze can penetrate the ham. If desired, insert whole cloves into the ham for decoration and added flavour. It is easier to poke them in where the cuts intersect (remove the cloves before eating the ham).
Step 2: Baking the ham
Place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Insert an oven-safe thermometer into the center of the ham (it should not touch the bone of a bone-in ham). Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven until ham registers desired temperature (140°F for cooked ham). Since cooking times vary based on the size and type of ham, use the timings below as a guide.
Step 3: Glazing
If using a glaze, the best time to add it to the ham is during the last 20 minutes of baking time. If you glaze the ham sooner, the sugar in the glaze may cause it to burn. Pull the oven rack out, and use a basting brush or spoon to cover the ham with glaze. Continue baking. Reserve any remaining glaze to serve with the ham.
