Can You Cook a Ham in a Glass Pan? A Foolproof Guide for Perfectly Baked Ham

Cooking a delicious glazed ham for a holiday feast or family gathering is a tradition for many. While metal roasting pans are commonly used some cooks may wonder if it’s possible to bake a ham in a glass baking dish instead. The good news is that a glass pan can absolutely be used to cook ham—in fact it offers some advantages over metal pans!

We’ll tell you everything you need to know to make a delicious baked ham in a glass pan, from the best tools to use to the exact steps you need to take.

Benefits of Using Glass Bakeware

Glass pans have been popular bakeware choices for generations, prized for their durability heat distribution and transparency while cooking. Here are some of the biggest benefits of using glass pans

• Even heating Glass pans heat evenly preventing hot or cold spots that can lead to uneven cooking. The ham browns evenly for better flavor.

• Holds in moisture: Glass does a good job of keeping heat in, so the ham stays juicy instead of drying out.

• Easy to check: The clear sides make it easy to see if the ham is done without opening it up.

• Enhances browning: The glass surface accelerates the maillard reaction for delicious browning.

• Nonreactive: Glass won’t react with acidic ingredients in a glaze, maintaining true flavors.

• Safe for storage: Glass pans can go straight from oven to fridge for cooled leftovers.

Suggested Bakeware for Ham

For best results, choose a glass baking dish that fits the size of your ham snugly. Here are some excellent options:

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• 8×12 inch baking pan
• Large casserole or roasting dish with lid
• Broiler pan and rack set

A pan with higher sides will contain juices better. Covering the pan tightly retains moisture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for perfect ham baked in a glass pan:

1. Prepare the Ham

Start with a bone-in or spiral sliced half ham between 8-12 pounds. Leave the ham in its original packaging and place it in the glass baking dish you’ve selected. Pour any juices from the package over the ham.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300°F. Be sure to allow the glass pan to heat gradually to prevent cracking from sudden temperature changes.

3. Cook the Ham

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 135°F.

4. Add a Glaze (Optional)

During the last 30-45 minutes of baking, you can brush the ham with a sweet glaze if desired. Mix brown sugar, honey, and spices for a delicious coating.

5. Finish and Rest

Once the ham reaches the target internal temperature, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute.

FAQs

Get answers to some commonly asked questions about baking ham in glass bakeware:

Is it safe to use glass pans in the oven?

Yes, glass pans are designed for safe use in the oven as long as you allow them to heat up gradually. Never put a cold glass pan into a hot oven.

What temperature should I bake ham at?

Bake ham between 300-325°F for best results. Lower temperatures result in more even cooking.

How long does it take to bake a ham?

Cook ham for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound. A 10 lb ham takes 2-2.5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Should I tent foil over the ham while it cooks?

Yes, tightly covering the pan with foil helps retain moisture and promotes even heating.

Can I use a glass casserole dish to cook ham?

Absolutely! An 8-quart casserole dish with a lid makes a perfect vessel for baked ham.

With this easy recipe, you can serve juicy, flavorful ham from your own glass bakeware. Impress your guests with your culinary skills using this foolproof baking method.