How to Cook a Ham

Whether you're looking for a wow-worthy centerpiece or just need to feed an army, a big 'ol glazed ham is always going to be the answer. Over the years, I've made ham every which way: slow-cooker ham, root beer glazed ham, a retro glazed ham adorned with pineapple and cherries, and the list goes on. I love serving it for something like a Christmas dinner because it doesn't take a lot of effort—plus, it's so darn tasty. Once you know how to cook one, the possibilities are endless!

Here you'll find everything you need to know about shopping for and cooking a glorious holiday ham. You'll even find my go-to ham recipe with the most scrumptious mustard, brown sugar, and Dr Pepper glaze. With just a few basic ingredients and a little time, you can transform a basic ham into something special. All that will be left to do is carve the ham, but don't worry—it's easier than it looks!

What's the best way to cook a ham?

You can cook a ham in a slow cooker for a hands-off experience, but heating one in the oven is plenty easy, too! This classic ham gets scored, studded with cloves, and slowly heated beneath foil so it stays plenty juicy. But what makes good ham great? A sticky, tangy, sweet glaze, of course! Make with soda, brown sugar, spicy brown mustard, and apple cider vinegar, this glaze gets brushed on the ham and forms into a glossy, slightly caramelized crust on the ham. One bite, and you'll never make ham any other way!

What kind of ham should I buy?

From shank end, butt-end, and spiral-cut, to bone-in or boneless, there are quite a few hams to choose from at most markets. For this recipe, a shank-end ham (the pretty "centerpiece hams" you're used to seeing on the holidays) is the perfect pick. It comes unsliced so it's less likely to dry out and bone-in so it's even more moist and flavorful. (Plus, you can use the bone to make ham stock later in the week.) And since it's pre-cooked, there's not a lot of room to mess up—you just want to warm the ham in the oven and add a sticky-sweet glaze!

How long should it take to cook a ham?

For a fully cooked bone-in ham (like the one in this recipe), all you need to do is heat the ham all the way through. Easy, right? With the oven at 325 degrees, you can expect the cook time to be about 15 to 18 minutes per pound.

How much ham should I plan on per person?

Before ordering, you should calculate how much ham per person is needed. Here's our rule of thumb: Plan on 1/2 to 3/4 pound of ham per person. It's better to have too much than not enough, plus everyone loves leftovers!

How do I keep ham from drying out?

Nobody likes a dry ham. Choose a bone-in ham for the best flavor and go for a whole ham rather than a spiral-cut one—pre-cut ham tends to dry out in the oven.

Do you ham with foil on or off?

To help it stay nice and moist, cover the ham with foil to bake it. You'll cook it low and slow for several hours, then remove the foil, slather on that delicious glaze, and cook it for a little longer until the glaze has a chance to caramelize.

Do I need to glaze ham?

A glaze is not necessary, but it takes minimal effort and really makes a big difference in flavor. Just make sure to choose a glaze with something sweet like sugar, honey, or maple syrup to give the meat a shiny, lacquered finish. Brush the glaze on the ham every 20 minutes or so during the last 40 minutes of cooking.

What should I serve with my ham?

The best sides for ham are the ones that are equally impressive. Since it's already pretty filling all on its own, you might want to opt for lighter fare—say, a platter of roasted asparagus or candied carrots for the perfect Easter sides. But you might also choose to double down on all that comfort food goodness by serving up skillet cornbread, mac and cheese, or potatoes au gratin.

How long does leftover ham last in the fridge?

Leftover ham will stay good for up to three days in the refrigerator. Wrap the whole ham tightly or transfer slices to an airtight container.

Can you freeze leftover ham?

Yes! If you have more ham than you're able to eat immediately, just freeze it for later. Remove the ham from the bone and store slices in a zip-top plastic bag or airtight freezer-safer container for up to three months. I like to portion it out into multiple bags or containers so I can pull out a little a time!

How can I use leftover ham?

Look beyond the ham sandwich! From split pea soup and scalloped potatoes to morning favorites like cheesy breakfast casserole and a delightful ham and cheese quiche, the options are endless for using holiday ham leftovers! Leftover ham is also a delicious addition to a hearty meat lovers pizza or 30-minute pasta meal.