How to Bake a Ham

Intro: Baking a ham is great for a family dinner or a holiday such as Christmas. Follow these steps to prepare and bake a ham.

Step 1: Thaw your ham. Thaw your ham in your refrigerator. You should leave it in your fridge for 4-5 hours per pound of ham. You can also use the cold water method of thawing. Place the ham in a leak proof bag and submerge it in cold water. Replace the cold water every 30 minutes for about 2-3 hours. A bigger ham may take longer than 3 hours, just don’t forget to keep replacing the water.

Step 2: To bake ham, line your roasting pan with aluminum foil and cook your ham slowly at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If your ham hasn’t been pre-cooked then allow 20-30 minutes per pound. If your ham is pre-cooked then follow the directions on the label. Always remember to preheat your oven before baking your ham.

Step 3: Start baking your ham with the fat side up and turn the ham over half way through cooking. You should not take your ham out of the oven until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees F.

Step 4: During the last 20-30 minutes of baking your ham you can apply a glaze if desired. Applying a honey glaze can give your ham that honey baked taste which is how restaurants usually cook their ham.

Step 5: Once your ham is done baking in the oven you should let it sit out for 15 minutes before slicing into it. Make sure it is 160 degree and then enjoy!

Tips: Try putting diagonal slices in your whole ham to create diamond shaped slicing which allows the glaze to penetrate the ham.

Store the left over ham in the fridge to have ham sandwich’s the next day.

Warnings: Make sure you use oven mitts when removing your hand from the oven.

Your ham should be at least 160 degree Fahrenheit or you could get sick.

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