Learn how to cook a whole, boneless ham with the best glaze. It’s an easy option for entertaining because they come pre-cooked. All you do is add flavor.
It’s funny to me that ham can seem daunting to make since it almost always comes pre-cooked. It doesn’t matter if you cook a whole ham with the bones in it or a boneless ham like this recipe calls for. All you’re really doing is heating the ham through and adding flavor.
That’s why ham is so great for entertaining. The meat is already cooked, so you don’t have to worry about whether it’s too rare or too well done. All you have to do is add the finishing touches.
Superior tavern ham holds a special place in my heart. There’s nothing better than the savory, smokey flavor of a nicely glazed ham cooked just right. But achieving ham perfection takes some skill. Undercook it and you’ll get a tough, rubbery texture. Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, stringy slices.
Luckily I’m here to share my foolproof method for cooking a superior tavern ham with a tender interior and crave-worthy crispy exterior. In this guide you’ll learn
- What makes a superior tavern ham so special
- How to calculate cook times based on size
- Step-by-step oven roasting instructions
- Carving and serving tips
- Troubleshooting common ham cooking mistakes
Let’s dive in so you can start cooking impressive hams!
What is a Superior Tavern Ham?
Superior tavern ham refers to a high-quality cured and smoked bone-in ham sold cooked and fully cooked. They’re called “tavern ham” because they were commonly served in taverns back in the 18th and 19th centuries.
These hams have deep robust flavor thanks to the curing and smoking process. The bone also enriches the meat during cooking. Superior tavern hams tend to weigh between 12 to 18 pounds.
Compared to a basic grocery store ham, superior tavern ham has darker meat with prominent smoky notes and usually less added water for a richer taste.
Calculating Cook Time by Weight
The first step to roasting ham perfection is calculating the right cook time for your size ham. Superior tavern hams need to bake approximately 15 minutes per pound.
So for example:
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12 lb ham = bake for 180 minutes total (12 lbs x 15 minutes per lb)
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15 lb ham = bake for 225 minutes total
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18 lb ham = bake for 270 minutes total
This ensures the ham reaches the safe internal temperature of 130°F needed to kill any harmful bacteria.
Always rely on a meat thermometer over cook times for accuracy. Ovens can vary. Cook a little longer if the center hasn’t hit 130°F yet.
Step-By-Step Roasting Method
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Here are the simple ham roasting steps:
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Start with a fully cooked, bone-in superior tavern ham. Calculate total cook time based on weight.
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Place ham flat side down in a foil-lined roasting pan. Tent with foil to prevent drying out.
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Bake ham at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound. Check temperature after minimum time.
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Remove foil tent and apply glaze during last 30 minutes if desired.
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Roast until center of ham reaches 130°F on a meat thermometer for food safety.
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Let ham rest 15-30 minutes before slicing into it.
And that’s it! Low and slow roasting brings out the naturally delicious flavor of the ham.
Adding a Sweet Glaze
For special occasions, I love finishing the ham with a maple brown sugar or honey glaze. Brush it on during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
The sugars will caramelize and develop into a crispy, candied exterior that perfectly complements the salty, savory ham.
If you want to get fancy, you can stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing for an extra pop of flavor.
Carving and Serving the Ham
Let the ham rest for 15-30 minutes before carving so the juices can redistribute. There are a few carved ham serving options:
- Carve crosswise into circular slices across the bone.
- Slice the meat parallel to the bone to remove whole muscle sections.
- Cut chunks of meat off the bone into smaller portions.
I prefer the second method of taking off the whole muscles. It gives you beautiful portioned slices ready for plating!
Arrange carved ham on a serving platter with some mustard, pickles and biscuits on the side. Dig in while it’s hot!
Troubleshooting Common Superior Ham Cooking Problems
It may take a couple tries before you nail superior tavern ham perfection. Here are some common issues and fixes:
Problem: Ham is still pink when cut into.
Solution: Double check internal temperature with meat thermometer. Cook longer if under 130°F.
Problem: Ham is dry and tough.
Solution: Don’t overcook. Remove from oven at 130°F max temp. Also check your oven is calibrated.
Problem: Ham tastes too salty.
Solution: Opt for less salty glazes and serve with sweet side dishes to balance the flavors.
Problem: Fat isn’t rendering at edges.
Solution: Start ham fat side down in the pan and slow roast uncovered to render out fat.
I hope these troubleshooting tips help you solve any ham cooking struggles! Just take your time and rely on a thermometer for perfect results.
Key Takeaways for Roasted Superior Tavern Ham
Here’s a quick summary of my tips for roasted ham success:
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Calculate 15 minutes per pound cook time at 325°F.
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Cook until internal temperature reaches 130°F minimum.
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Let the ham rest before slicing for tender and juicy meat.
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Add a sweet glaze during the last 30 minutes for crispy, candied exterior.
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Carve across the bone or into whole muscles for attractive slices.
Now that you’re a superior tavern ham expert, you can impress guests at your next holiday dinner or Sunday supper. The smoky, tender slices are sure to please a crowd.
Ways To Use Leftover Ham
A big part of the reason I bake a ham is so I can use the tasty meat in other recipes. Here are some of my favorite ham recipes that would be perfect for your leftovers:
Have a great day! -Christine xo
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How to Cook a Small Fully Cooked Ham
FAQ
How long to heat a tavern ham?
How long to cook a 10 lb fully cooked ham?
What is different about a tavern ham?
How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?
How to cook a tavern ham?
Place in the oven: Put the baking dish with the wrapped ham in the preheated oven. Bake according to the recommended cooking time based on the weight of the tavern ham. 10. Baste the ham: Every 30 minutes, open the oven and baste the tavern ham with its own juices or glaze. This will help keep it moist and add flavor. 11.
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.
How long does it take to cook a ham?
Cook the ham for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) on a meat thermometer. 4. While the ham is cooking, you can baste it every 30 minutes with any glaze or sauce you prefer.
How do I choose a tavern ham?
Before you start cooking, it’s important to choose the right tavern ham. You can find tavern hams at your local butcher shop or grocery store. Look for a ham that is fresh, well-marbled, and has a good amount of fat. A boneless tavern ham is easier to cook and carve, but a bone-in ham will give you a richer and more flavorful result.