How Long Do You Boil a Ham: A Complete Guide

Boiling a ham is a classic and timeless way to prepare this delicious cut of pork. When done properly, boiling yields incredibly moist, tender and flavorful meat that is perfect for serving hot at a holiday feast or chilled for sandwiches and appetizers. However, boiling a ham does require some technique and knowledge to get it just right. One of the most common questions is how long do you boil a ham? Read on for a complete guide to boiling ham, including step-by-step instructions, tips and recommended cooking times

What is Boiled Ham?

Boiled ham refers to a cured, fully-cooked ham that is simmered in liquid, usually water, before being served Cured ham has already been cooked during processing, so boiling just warms it up and imparts extra moisture and flavor The ham can be left whole or cut into smaller portions before boiling.

Boiling is a moist-heat cooking method that gently simmers the ham until heated through. Unlike baking or roasting, boiling does not add color or crispiness to the exterior. However, it does tenderize the meat and infuse it with subtle flavors from the cooking liquid.

Benefits of Boiling Ham

There are several advantages to boiling ham rather than roasting or baking it:

• Infuses the ham with moisture, keeping it juicy and tender
• Allows seasoning and aromatics to permeate the meat
• Gently warms the ham without drying it out
• No risk of overcooking since ham is already cooked
• Simple method requiring only a pot, water and heat source
• Ham can be served hot immediately after boiling or chilled for later
• Imparts a lovely subtle flavor from the cooking liquid
• Provides delicious broth that can be used to make soups, beans and more

Overall, boiling is one of the easiest, most foolproof ways to prepare cooked ham. It’s especially popular for holiday hams where maximum moisture and flavor are desired.

How Long to Boil Ham

The exact boiling time depends on a few factors:

Size of the Ham

Ham should be boiled for 15 to 20 minutes per pound as a general rule. So for a 10-pound bone-in ham, you would boil for 150-200 minutes total. Smaller hams under 5 pounds may only need 10-15 minutes per pound.

If you can, use a whole ham with or without bones instead of a steak or slice. The bigger cuts hold up better when they’re boiled.

Bone-In or Boneless

Bone-in hams take longer to heat through so allow 15-20 minutes per pound. For boneless hams, shorten the time to 12-15 minutes per pound. The bone helps retain heat and moisture so boneless hams tend to cook faster.

Temperature of Water

Starting with cold water that gradually comes to a boil will draw out more flavor from the ham. However, this extends the total cooking time. If you want to shorten the process, begin with hot or even boiling water and reduce the cooking time by about 10 minutes per pound.

Cooked Level of the Ham

Fully-cooked hams just need to be heated through, so boiling time is minimal. But soak raw cured hams like country hams longer to soften the salty meat. Give raw hams 25-30 minutes per pound.

Step-by-Step Guide to Boiling Ham

Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked boiled ham:

1. Prepare the Ham

Select a fully cooked, bone-in ham and rinse it under cold water. Using a knife, carefully slice off the tough rind covering the fat cap. Score the fat in a diamond pattern. Stud with whole cloves, if desired, for flavor and decoration.

2. Fill Pot with Water

Place the ham in a large pot or Dutch oven and fill with enough cold water to cover by 1-2 inches. The water should not completely submerge the ham. For extra flavor, add aromatics like halved onions, garlic cloves, peppercorns, bay leaves and whole allspice or cloves.

3. Bring to a Boil

Set pot over high heat and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat to low, cover and simmer.

4. Simmer Ham

Let the ham simmer gently, maintaining a low boil. Count 15-20 minutes per pound, less for boneless hams. Add more boiling water if needed to keep ham half-submerged.

5. Check for Doneness

Test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of ham, without touching the bone. It should reach an internal temperature of 140°F.

6. Remove and Drain

Once boiled to proper doneness, use sturdy tongs to transfer ham to a cutting board. Tent with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. Reserve broth for another use.

And that’s it! Your boiled ham is ready to enjoy hot, room temperature or chilled. Slice thickly and serve with classic accompaniments like mustard, fruit sauce and scalloped potatoes.

Tips for the Best Boiled Ham

• For ease, boil ham a day or two before serving. Chill in fridge until ready to reheat and slice.

• Add aromatics to the boiling water like halved onions, garlic, peppercorns, bay leaves and whole cloves or allspice. This adds extra flavor.

• Boil ham in fruit juices, wine, cider or ginger ale instead of plain water for more complexity.

• Glaze the boiled ham with a sweet glaze, if desired. Apply during last 15 minutes so it sets.

• Carve ham across the grain for tender slices. Cut thick for main plates or thin for sandwiches.

• Use leftover ham broth as the base for pea soup, bean soup, potato soup or lentils.

• Store boiled ham refrigerated for up to 5 days or freeze sliced ham up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size pot do you need to boil ham?

Use a tall stockpot or Dutch oven that’s large enough to easily fit the ham with 2-3 inches of headspace. Avoid crowding the pot.

Can you boil a ham in a crockpot?

It’s best not to boil ham in a slow cooker. The low heat can’t properly penetrate a whole ham. But you can boil ham on the stovetop then switch to a crockpot to keep warm.

How long can you store boiled ham?

Refrigerate leftover boiled ham for 3-5 days. Store longer by freezing slices or chunks of ham for 1-2 months.

What’s the minimum boil time for ham?

For boneless cuts under 3 pounds, boil for at least 45-60 minutes. Bone-in hams over 8 pounds need a minimum 2-3 hours at a low simmer.

Why soak ham before boiling?

Soaking a raw country ham in water for 4-12 hours before boiling removes excess salt and softens the meat so it’s not overly salty. Fully cooked hams don’t need soaking.

Can you over boil a ham?

It is possible to over boil ham, causing it to dry out. Always stay within the recommended boil times and use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

Delicious Ways to Use Boiled Ham

Boiled ham is endlessly versatile and can be used in all sorts of tempting recipes:

• Pile slices of ham on sandwiches and top with cheese, pickles and mustard.

• Dice and add to scrambled eggs, omelets, egg bakes and stratas.

• Toss chopped ham into pasta salads, potato salads, grain bowls and more.

• Stuff boiled ham into baked potatoes along with cheese, scallions and bacon.

• Fold diced ham into biscuit doughs before baking for a savory twist.

• Slice boiled ham thin and enjoy on crackers and little toasts for easy apps.

• Mash boiled ham with cream cheese or mayo for quick ham salad sandwiches.

• Make a classic split pea and ham soup using the salty boiling liquid.

• Stuff boiled ham slices into savory crepes with Gruyere and spinach for an elegant entree.

• Mix shredded ham with barbecue sauce for amazing barbecue ham sandwiches or pizza.

Conclusion

Mastering the boil time is the key to flawless boiled ham. While ham is fairly forgiving, sticking to general guidelines will prevent over or undercooking. Bone-in hams need 15-20 minutes per pound, while boneless require less time at 12-15 minutes per pound. Monitoring temperature and allowing the ham to rest before slicing are also vital. With the simple boiling method and proper technique, you can enjoy the very best hot or cold ham for any occasion.