People look forward to Honey Baked Ham every holiday season. This copycat recipe tastes just like the original, with sweet and smoky spices that make the meat juicy.
Honey Baked Ham was a centerpiece at many Christmas Eve and Easter dinners growing up. Our parents often purchased it at one of our favorite places, the Honey Baked Ham store. What we didn’t realize at the time was how expensive that ham could be. We’ve learned how to make a good honey baked ham at home now that we’re in charge of our own Christmas Eve and Easter dinners. The price is right, and baking it in our own kitchen makes our house smell absolutely divine!.
Cooking ham can seem intimidating to many home cooks. Hams are usually quite large and they require precise control of temperature and time to turn out juicy, tender and full of flavor. While most recipes call for high oven temperatures around 325°F cooking a ham low and slow at 200°F creates phenomenally moist and tender results.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about cooking ham at a low 200°F oven temperature. From preparation tips to timing guidelines, you’ll learn the secrets of “low and slow” ham perfection.
Benefits of Cooking Ham at 200°F
There are several advantages to cooking ham at a low oven temp of 200°F versus the standard 325°F
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Enhanced moisture – The low heat gently warms the ham without drying it out, This leaves the meat remarkably juicy and tender
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Better fat rendering – The lengthy cooking time allows the ham’s fat to render slowly, basting the meat and adding rich flavor.
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Easier timing – At 200°F, cooking times are much more forgiving than high-heat roasting. There’s less risk of overcooking.
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More hands-off time – You won’t have to check a 200°F ham nearly as often. Set it and relax until ready to glaze and brown.
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Deeper flavor development – The long cooking time allows subtle flavors in the meat to emerge and deepen fully.
For cooks wanting incredibly moist, tender ham with the best possible texture and flavor, 200°F is the magic number.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Ham at 200°F?
Cooking times for ham at 200°F are quite lengthy, but well worth the wait for superior texture. The timing guidelines are:
- Bone-in ham: 30 minutes per pound
- Boneless ham: 20 minutes per pound
So for example, a 10 lb bone-in ham would take about 5 hours at 200°F (10 lbs x 30 minutes per lb = 300 minutes total).
These times are simply estimates, however, as the shape and thickness of each ham can vary. Always rely on a meat thermometer to assess doneness rather thancooking times.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect 200°F Ham
Follow these simple steps for ham that is moist, tender and full of flavor.
1. Select and Prepare the Ham
- Choose a cured, fully-cooked bone-in or boneless ham. The bone adds flavor and moisture.
- Leave thick skin and fat layers intact, trimming any loose edges. This helps keep the meat juicy.
- Score the ham fat in a diamond pattern. This allows the fat to render and baste the meat.
- Rub the outside of the ham all over with a glaze. Brown sugar, honey or maple syrup work well.
2. Preheat Oven to 200°F
- There’s no need for high heat here! Preheating to just 200°F is perfect.
- Position a rack in the lower third of the oven. This puts the ham in the most stable heat zone.
3. Place Ham Fat Side Up on a Rack
- Place the ham fat side up on a roasting rack in a foil-lined pan.
- The rack elevates the ham above collected drippings for even cooking.
4. Cook Ham According to Size Guidelines
- For a bone-in ham, cook 30 minutes per pound at 200°F.
- For a boneless ham, cook 20 minutes per pound.
- Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to check internal temp.
5. Glaze and Brown the Ham
- After the estimated cook time, brush ham with another layer of glaze.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F. Cook until the glaze is browned and bubbly, about 10-15 minutes.
6. Allow Ham to Rest Before Carving
- Once glazing is complete, remove the ham from oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes.
- This allows juices to redistribute evenly for better moisture when sliced.
7. Check for Proper Internal Temperature
- To ensure safety and doneness, check internal temp with a meat thermometer.
- For cooked hams, the safe minimum temp is 140°F. Ideal is 160°F for best texture.
8. Carve and Serve the Tender, Juicy Ham
- After resting, carefully carve ham into thin slices, cutting across the grain.
- The meat should be juicy, tender and infused with the glaze flavors. Enjoy!
Tips for Maximizing Flavor
In addition to the glaze, here are some easy ways to pack extra flavor into your low-temperature ham:
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Inject with broth or cider – Injections add moisture and flavor right into the meat. Apple cider or chicken broth work well.
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Coat with mustard and herbs – For a flavorful crust, brush on Dijon mustard and press on chopped rosemary, thyme or garlic before cooking.
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Smoke the ham – If you have a smoker, add delicate hickory smoke flavor for 1-2 hours before roasting at 200°F.
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Simmer in rum or cola – For a sweet, tropical twist, simmer ham in a mixture of rum and pineapple juice or cola before roasting.
Troubleshooting Low-Temp Ham
Cooking ham low and slow can take some trial and error. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
Dry, tough meat – Increase cooking time, cook to a higher internal temp, or wrap ham in foil to retain moisture.
Not enough flavor – Try injecting, smoking, or simmering ham in liquid to boost flavor. Use a bolder glaze.
Ham seems undercooked – Always check internal temp, not just cooking time. Cook ham to at least 160°F before removing from oven.
Fat isn’t rendering – Ensure ham is placed fat side up on a rack. Score fat deeply to allow rendering. Cook longer if needed.
Burned or dried glaze – When browning glaze, watch ham closely. Lower oven temp if glaze browns too quickly.
With the proper time and temperature, cooking ham low and slow at 200°F delivers incredibly moist, fall-apart meat with rich, complex flavor. Ditch the high heat and embrace the “low and slow” method for your best ham yet.
How to Cook Honey Baked Ham in the Crock Pot
You can cook your ham in the crock pot if you want to save time. Just make sure to line the pot with foil because all that tasty sauce will make it messy. For 5 to 6 hours on low, then put it in the oven and broil it to make the top crispy. Try our Slow Cooker Ham with Maple and Brown Sugar too. It’s so delicious!.
Honey Baked Ham Glaze
I actually love the process of glazing this Honey Baked Ham. It’s easy to make the rich sauce, and I love how it seeps into the cracks in the ham and turns them a little crispy and golden. Here’s what you do:
- In a saucepan, mix together the butter, brown sugar, honey, and all the tasty spices.
- Make it boil for just long enough for the sugar to melt.
- Spread most of the rich sauce over the ham with a basting brush, being sure to get inside each slice.
- Then, baste the ham again about halfway through the cooking time. Pour any remaining glaze evenly over the ham if desired.
- Finally, broil the ham’s top in the oven to make the sauce bubble and caramelize. It’s SO delicious!.
How long and at what temperature do you cook a fully cooked ham?
FAQ
Can you cook ham at a lower temperature for a longer time?
What is the best temperature to cook fully cooked ham?
How long to heat ham at 225?
How long to cook a ham at 275 degrees?
How long do you cook a Ham at 400 degrees?
After soaking and boiling, cook your ham at 400 degrees F to an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. 1. Soak for 4 to 12 hours in the refrigerator. 2. Cover with water, then boil 20 to 25 minutes per pound. 3. Drain the ham and cook at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes to brown.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
What temperature should a ham be cooked at?
If I am heating a fully cooked ham that directs me to cook at 325 degrees F for 20 minutes per pound (ham is 3.38#) and I want to heat it through at a 200 degree F temp. How long should I put the ham in the oven for? Why do you want to heat it at 200?
How long does it take to cook a 2 lb Ham?
Take note of the ham’s weight, type, and cut. Calculate the cooking time by multiplying the weight with the recommended minutes per pound or kilogram of cooking time. For example, a 2 lb (0.9 kg) ham that’s smoked, cooked, and spiral-cut requires 10-18 minutes per pound to cook, which means it will take approximately 62 minutes to cook.