Cooking ham in a Nesco roaster allows you to make this delicious centerpiece dish with ease. By using a countertop roaster like the Nesco, you can infuse your ham with incredible flavor and moisture without heating up the whole kitchen
As a busy mom who loves to cook for my family, I’m always looking for ways to prepare holiday meals that are fuss-free. I received a Nesco roaster as a gift a few years ago and I use it all the time to cook hams for Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The results are always fantastic – with a beautifully glazed exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. In this article, I’ll share my simple step-by-step method for cooking ham in a Nesco roaster appliance so you can enjoy the same success.
Why Use a Nesco Roaster for Cooking Ham?
Nesco roasters have been around since the 1930s and remain popular for good reason. Here are some of the benefits of using one for ham:
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Requires little prep or effort – just season set and forget.
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Infuses the ham all over with flavor from spices, glazes and juices.
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Cooks the ham evenly with circulated hot air. No rotating pans or worrying about hot/cold spots.
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Keeps meat incredibly moist and tender thanks to the self-basting lid
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Doesn’t heat up the kitchen like using the oven does.
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Frees up oven space for cooking side dishes.
With my simple process, your Nesco-roasted ham will turn out perfect every single time. Let’s get started!
Pick the Right Size Nesco Roaster
Nesco roasters come in 18, 22 and 25-quart capacities. For most hams, I recommend the 18-quart size. Here are some size guidelines:
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For a 4-6 lb bone-in half ham, use an 18-qt roaster.
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For a 10-12 lb bone-in half ham, go with a 22-qt size.
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For a 15-18 lb whole bone-in ham, use a 25-qt roaster.
Make sure you have at least 2 inches clearance on all sides for proper air circulation. Now you’re ready to prep the ham for the roaster.
Prepare the Ham
Prepping the ham involves just a few simple steps:
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Trim off excess fat and skin. Leave about 1⁄4 inch of fat for moisture.
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Score the fat by making shallow diagonal cuts. This helps the glaze seep in.
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Stud with whole cloves, if desired, for extra flavor. Place them in the scored fat.
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Coat with a spice rub. I like using brown sugar, garlic and pepper for great flavor.
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Apply a glaze, if using. Brush some glaze over the ham now and reserve the rest for basting later.
That’s all you need to do to prep the ham! Now it’s ready for the roaster.
Place Ham in Roaster and Add Liquid
Now simply place the ham in Nesco roaster:
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Place ham fat side up on the rack provided with the roaster.
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Add liquid to the bottom of the roaster – this keeps the ham moist while cooking. Use juice, soda, broth or water. I love using pineapple or orange juice for flavor. Use about 1 cup of liquid.
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Make sure the ham sits above the liquid, not touching it.
The ham is now all set for the roasting process!
Cook Ham for 2-3 Hours
With the ham prepped and in the roaster, it’s time to let it cook:
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Set your Nesco to cook at 350°F. This is the ideal temperature for ham.
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Cook for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound. So a 10 lb ham will take 2.5-3 hours.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness – cook until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
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Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
As it cooks, check it periodically and baste with more glaze for added flavor and moisture. That’s all there is to it!
Baste Ham Every 30 Minutes for Moisture
Basting the ham as it cooks is a simple but important step. Here’s how to do it:
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Every 30 minutes, lift the lid and use a basting bulb or large spoon to scoop up the juices pooling in the bottom.
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Generously brush the juices all over the ham. This self-basting action helps keep the ham incredibly moist.
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If using a glaze, baste with some of the glaze each time too. The sugar will caramelize nicely.
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Close the lid immediately after basting to lock in heat and moisture.
Basting only takes a minute but makes a huge difference in the end result. Be sure not to skip this step!
Let Ham Rest Before Slicing and Serving
Once the Nesco timer goes off, there is one last crucial step – letting the ham rest:
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Carefully remove the roaster pan and rack and transfer the ham to a cutting board.
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Loosely tent foil over the ham. Never wrap it tightly or it will steam.
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Let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to reabsorb back into the meat.
Skipping this resting time can cause the ham to be dry. Be patient – your patience will be rewarded with juicy flavor!
Make an Easy Glaze for Your Ham
Glazing a ham adds a lovely glossy sheen, caramelized flavor and extra moisture. You can buy pre-made glazes or whip up your own. I love using this easy brown sugar glaze recipe:
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In a small saucepan, mix 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons butter and spices like cinnamon and ginger.
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Cook over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until bubbling.
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Brush over ham during the last 30 minutes of roasting.
The glaze will bubble and caramelize beautifully for finger-licking flavor. Feel free to get creative with your own signature glaze too!
Carve the Ham and Serve
Now the moment we’ve all been waiting for – slicing into the perfectly roasted ham! Here are a few carving tips:
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Place ham on a large cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice along the bone to remove whole slices.
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Cut across the grain for tender, easy-to-chew pieces.
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Arrange slices on a platter and spoon over any pan juices for added moisture.
Your marvelously juicy and glazed Nesco-roasted ham is ready to wow family and friends! It makes an impressive centrepiece for any occasion.
More Tips for Ham Perfection
Here are a few more tips to ensure your Nesco-roasted ham turns out perfect:
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Choose bone-in hams for the most flavor and moisture. The bone conducts heat nicely.
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Let the ham sit out for 30-60 minutes before cooking if starting from refrigerated.
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Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
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Add apple juice or cider, ginger ale or pineapple juice to the roaster for delicious flavor.
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Reheat leftover ham in the Nesco by adding broth and cooking at 250°F until heated through.
Cooking holiday ham has never been easier thanks to the Nesco roaster! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have juicy, tender and flavorful ham the whole family will love.
Mastering the Art of Cooking a Mouthwatering Ham in Your Nesco
No need to look any further than your trusty Nesco roaster oven to make a delicious ham that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Many home chefs’ secret weapon is this versatile kitchen appliance, which makes cooking easy and quick while keeping all the delicious flavors of your ham. This article will show you how to cook a ham in a Nesco so that you always get great results.
Choosing the Perfect Ham
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to select the right ham for your Nesco. Here’s what you need to consider:
- Size: Choose the right ham size based on how many people you want to serve. About ½ pound of ham should be enough for each person as a general rule.
- Type: Ham comes in different forms, such as bone-in, boneless, fully cooked, and partially cooked. Choose the one that suits your preferences and cooking style.
- Taste: Ham comes in a variety of tastes, such as honey-glazed, smoked, or seasoned. Choose the flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Before cooking your ham in the Nesco, a few simple steps will ensure that it turns out divine:
- When your ham is frozen, let it thaw in the fridge for the time that is suggested. This will ensure even cooking.
- Trimming: If you want, you can cut off any extra fat from the ham’s surface, leaving a thin layer to make it taste better and stay moist.
- Cut the skin: Cut the skin in a diamond shape with a sharp knife. This will make it easier for the flavors to get into the meat.
Now it’s time to put your Nesco to work and cook that tantalizing ham:
- Warm up the Nesco: Adjust the oven’s temperature to 325°F (165°C) and heat it up for about 15 minutes.
- The ham can be put in the Nesco by putting it on the rack or in a shallow roasting pan.
- Basting and flavoring: You can brush the ham with your favorite glaze or seasonings to make it look and taste better if you want to.
- Cover and cook: Put the lid on the Nesco and let the ham cook for about 20 minutes per pound of ham. To get accurate cooking times, look at the package or a good cooking chart.
- Using a meat thermometer to make sure the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked hams or 160°F (71°C) for raw hams is how you know if the ham is done. For accurate readings, put the thermometer into the meat without touching the bone.
- Resting: When the ham is done cooking, take it out of the Nesco and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before carving. This lets the juices move around, making the ham moister and more delicious.
Now that your ham is beautifully cooked, it’s time to serve and savor the fruits of your labor:
- How to Carve: Cut the ham across the grain into thin or thick slices, as you like.
- Add-ons: Roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a tangy cranberry sauce are just a few of the tasty sides that go well with ham.
- Leftovers: If you have food left over, put it in the fridge right away in a container that won’t let air in. You can make many different meals with leftover ham, such as sandwiches, omelets, salads, and more.
Now that you know how to cook a ham in your Nesco, it’s time to show off your cooking skills and make meals your family will never forget. Happy cooking! Do you know how to cook a ham in a Nesco roaster oven? Share your ideas in the
How to Cook a Ham with a Rival Roaster Oven
FAQ
How long to cook a 10 lb ham in an electric roaster?
How long to warm up a precooked ham in a roaster?
How long to cook a pre-cooked ham?
How do you cook a Ham in a NESCo oven?
Preheat the Nesco: Set the temperature to 325°F (165°C) and preheat the roaster oven for approximately 15 minutes. Place the ham in the Nesco: Position the ham on the Nesco rack or in a shallow roasting pan. Basting and flavoring: If desired, brush the ham with your preferred glaze or seasonings to enhance its taste and appearance.
How do you cook a clove stud Ham in a NESCo roaster?
Put the clove-studded ham onto the rack in the NESCO roaster. Pour 1 cup of water over the ham. Turn the roaster to 325 degrees, cover the ham and cook for 1 hour. Combine the honey, brown sugar and dry mustard in a bowl. Use the basting brush to cover the outside of the ham with this mixture.
How long to cook a Ham in a NESCo roaster?
For a moist and juicy ham, it is recommended to cook it at a temperature of 325°F. Generally, the cooking time for ham in a Nesco Roaster ranges from 15 to 20 minutes per pound, depending on the size and type of ham.
How do I choose a ham for my NESCo roaster?
When selecting a ham for your Nesco roaster, it’s important to consider the type and size of the ham. Choose between bone-in and boneless hams based on your preference for flavor and ease of carving. Bone-in hams are known for their rich taste, while boneless hams offer convenience in slicing and serving.