Ham is a classic main dish for Easter, Christmas, and other special occasions. If you’re planning to cook a 12-pound ham, you may be wondering how long it will take to cook it to perfection. The cooking time for a ham of this size may vary depending on how you plan to prepare it, but there are some general guidelines you can follow to ensure that your ham is juicy, tender, and flavorful. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with all the information for the question How to Cook a 12 Pound Ham? so you can impress your guests with your culinary skills.

Choose your cooking method:

There are different ways to cook a ham and the time it takes may depend on the method you use. For instance, if you’re cooking a spiral ham, it may require less cooking time than a traditional ham. You can cook your ham in an oven, a slow cooker, a smoker, or a grill, depending on your set up and preference. Regardless of the method you choose, make sure to use an accurate meat thermometer to check the doneness of your ham.

Calculate the cooking time:

The cooking time for a 12-pound ham typically ranges between 2 to 3 hours, How to Cook a 12 Pound Ham depending on the method you choose. You can calculate the cooking time by allowing 15 to 20 minutes per pound of ham. For example, if you have a 12-pound ham, the estimated cooking time would be 2 hours and 24 minutes, or 3 hours and 36 minutes, depending on how well-done you want your ham to be. However, it’s always better to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ham is fully cooked, rather than relying solely on the time.

Preheat the oven:

Before You begin to cook, preheat your oven to 325 degrees. This temperature is perfect for cooking ham, and it will help your ham cook evenly and retain its moisture.

Check Internal Temperature

Using a meat thermometer is essential while cooking a ham. Insert the thermometer near the center of the ham to check the internal temperature. For a fully cooked ham, the internal temperature should be 140°F, while a partially cooked ham should reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Add Flavor

You can enhance the flavor of your ham by adding your preferred spices or glaze. For instance, brown sugar, honey, mustard, or maple syrup can add a sweet kick to the ham. You can also use herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves to add more flavor.

Baste your ham:

Basting is a great way to add flavor and moisture to your ham. You can use any liquid of your choice, but apple juice or maple syrup works great with ham. To baste your ham, use a pastry brush or a spoon to coat the ham with the liquid while it cooks. You can also use the juices that accumulate at the bottom of the pan.

Let the ham rest:

Once you’re done cooking the ham, take it out of the oven or grill and let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes before you carve it. This will allow the juices to distribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful. Read more at naanonbroughton.com

Conclusion: How long to cook a 12 pound ham?

How to Cook a 12 Pound Ham? Cooking a 12-pound ham doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can cook a succulent and delicious ham that will wow your guests. Remember to calculate the cooking time, preheat the oven, choose your cooking method, baste your ham, and let it rest before carving. With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a meal that will be remembered for years to come.

FAQ cook 12 pound ham

Is it better to boil or bake a ham?

“Get the Best of Both Worlds: The Perfect Ham with This Cooking Method”

When it comes to cooking ham, the debate of boiling vs baking is a common one. But why settle for one method when you can have both? Here’s the trick: start by boiling for half of the cooking time to lock in moisture, then finish off in the oven for a crispy outer layer. While it’s possible to boil ham entirely, we suggest serving it cold for best results. Follow this method and impress your guests with a ham that’s tender, juicy, and delicious.

How many hours does it take to cook a ham?

Discover the perfect way to cook a ham! Begin by placing the ham, flat-side down, on a roasting rack within a pan. Add 1/4 inch of water to the pan and begin roasting in the oven. After about 2 hours 30 minutes, or approximately 15 minutes per pound, check the temperature at the thickest part of the ham with a thermometer. Once it reaches 130˚ F, your delicious ham is ready to serve.

Do you need to soak ham before boiling?

Want to know how to prepare ham before cooking? Depending on how it was cured, you may need to soak it for 24 hours before baking. Fortunately, boiling a ham negates the need for soaking since the process removes excess salt. However, if you plan to bake a salt-cured ham without soaking, don’t make that mistake – give it a good soak first.

Why do you cook ham in water?

Discover the Secret to Perfectly Cooked Ham: Simmering in Water! Wondering why ham should be cooked in water? The answer is simple: it preserves its flavor, juiciness, and tenderness. A gentle simmering process is the key to achieving optimal results. Meanwhile, boiling is the ideal method to use when it comes to dry-cured country hams. This approach not only enhances the taste but also extracts more flavor from the meat and bones as it cooks. Get ready to savor the most succulent and flavorful ham ever.

Do you cook or fry ham?

Get the best out of your ham by frying it! Whether you’re dealing with city hams, country hams, or ham slices, frying is a great option. The secret lies in the hot oil, which works its magic to give you a deliciously crispy brown outside and juicy, flavorful meat inside. So, do you cook or fry ham? Fry it for an unforgettable meal.

Is cooked ham already cooked?

The answer is yes, but with a catch. If the ham has been cured, smoked, or baked, then it is considered to be “pre-cooked” and does not require further cooking. This includes deli-bought ham, as well as most ham sold in supermarkets. Get the facts on cooked ham to help guide your meal prep decisions.”

How long to heat a 1KG ham?

Reheating a 1KG ham without making it dry can be a challenge. But fear not, here’s the best method: place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, add water to the bottom, and cover it tightly with foil. Then, bake at 325F for 16-20 minutes per pound until a meat thermometer shows 135F. Voila – succulent ham without the fuss.

How long to cook a fully cooked ham per kg?

Cooking a fully cooked ham? Here’s how long it takes per kg: 15-18 minutes for a whole ham, 18-24 minutes for a half-ham. And, remember not to baste it with drippings – try a glaze in the final 30 minutes of cooking for the perfect finish.

How many minutes should ham be cooked?

Perfectly Cooked Ham: A Quick Guide

Cooking ham can be tricky, but not anymore! Follow these simple guidelines for guaranteed success:

For boneless arm picnic shoulder, weighing 5-8 lbs, cook for 30-35 min/lb.

For other varieties, cook for 35-40 min/lb.

When reheating cooked hams, ensure the internal temperature reaches 140 °F or 165 °F for all others, packaged in USDA-inspected plants. Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham with ease.

What liquid is best for cooking ham?

Discover the secret to perfectly cooked ham! While some experts debate using water in the pan, many top chefs suggest adding a blend of liquid, like wine, fruit juice, or stock, to keep your ham from sticking. Try it out with just ½ cup and watch your cooking skills soar.

How do I make sure my 12 pound ham is cooked properly?

Achieve perfect doneness for your roast by baking it in a preheated 325F oven for 10-14 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 135F before taking it out. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving, and impress your guests with your perfectly cooked creation.

What temperature should I cook my 12 pound ham?

Perfectly Cooked Ham: Whether you’re roasting a half ham or a whole bone-in ham, we’ve got the cooking time and temperature for you! For a half ham weighing 5-8 pounds, roast at 325°F for 35-40 minutes per pound. For whole bone-in hams weighing 12-16 pounds, cook at 325°F for 22-26 minutes per pound. And don’t forget to check the internal temperature – it should reach 145°F for optimal deliciousness.

How do I know when my 12 pound ham is done?

Achieve a succulent ham by baking it in a preheated 325F oven for 10-14 minutes per pound until it reads 135F on a meat thermometer. Give it 10 minutes to rest before serving for ultimate tenderness. Follow the package directions for extra glaze, if included.

Can I cook my 12 pound ham in the oven?

Delicious ham is only a few hours away! Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and let your 12-pound ham cook for 4.5 to 5 hours. To ensure proper doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the center (not touching the bone) and make sure it reads at least 160 degrees F. Tip: If you are using a pre-cooked ham, just follow the baking time instructions on the package. Easy, right?

Bill Dawers

Bill Dawers is the CEO of naan on broughton, a contemporary Indian restaurant in Savannah, GA. The restaurant opened a few weeks ago and has already found a fan in City Talk columnist Bill Dawers. The restaurant sits right across the street from the Marshall House on Broughton Street, joining the large number of hot spots on the shopping street.