To cook a fully cooked (pre-cooked) ham, the general guideline is to heat it at 325°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, as recommended by the USDA. Cooking time depends on the size and type of ham:
- For a bone-in pre-cooked ham, plan about 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. For example, a 10-pound bone-in ham will take approximately 2 1/2 hours
- For spiral-sliced pre-cooked ham, heat about 10 minutes per pound
- Using an oven bag, a fully cooked bone-in ham weighing 6 to 8 pounds takes about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, while a 10 to 12 pound ham takes about 2 to 2 1/2 hours
Key tips:
- Cover the ham with foil or place it in an oven bag to retain moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F for pre-cooked ham.
- Remove the ham from the oven when it is 5-10°F below the target temperature, as it will continue to cook while resting
In summary, heating a fully cooked ham generally takes about 10 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F until it reaches 140°F internally. Exact times vary by ham size and cut, so using a thermometer is the most reliable method.
