The cooking time for a smoked ham depends on whether it is pre-cooked or needs to be cooked before eating, as well as the weight of the ham and the cooking temperature. Here are the general guidelines:
- For a pre-cooked smoked ham, reheat it in the oven at 250°F to 325°F. A common rule of thumb is about 15 to 20 minutes per pound at 250°F, removing the ham when the internal temperature reaches around 100-110°F and then letting it rest for 30 minutes
. Another source suggests cooking for 20 to 25 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, followed by resting for 15 to 20 minutes
- For smoked hams that are not pre-cooked (labeled "cook before eating"), cook at 325°F for about 18 to 20 minutes per pound for a whole bone-in ham, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, then allow it to rest for at least 3 minutes
- Some recipes recommend starting at a lower temperature (250°F) for smoking or slow cooking, then finishing at a higher temperature (325°F to 450°F) to glaze and caramelize the ham surface
- When smoking a ham on a grill or smoker, a typical approach is to smoke at 250°F for about 1.5 hours, then cover and cook at 325°F for another 1.5 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F
In summary, the most common guideline is to cook a smoked ham for about 15 to 25 minutes per pound, depending on the temperature and whether it is pre- cooked, aiming for an internal temperature between 140°F and 145°F before resting and serving
