If you are wondering how long it takes it takes to cook a bone-in ham per pound, then you are in the right place. Most people end up with a dry or uncooked bone in ham because they are uncertain about the cooking time and the correct temperatures for every pound.
This guide is everything you need to understand how much time you need to cook your bone-in ham to perfection.
Contents
How Long to Cook a Bone in Ham Per Pound?
It takes about 18-20 minutes per pound to cook a whole ham of about 10-14lbs but it increases to 22-25 minutes for a half ham of about 5-7lbs.
The cooking time for the smaller sections running from the shank to the butt around 3-4 lbs requires about 35-40 minutes for each pound. Regularly check the internal temperature of your ham to ensure it reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here is a comprehensive table that shows exactly the cooking times for bone in ham per pound:
| Type of Bone-In Ham | Cooking Time per Pound |
| Smoked Ham – Whole | 18 to 20 min/lb |
| Smoked Ham – Half | 22 to 25 min/lb |
| Smoked Ham – Shank or Butt Portion | 35 to 40 min/lb |
| Smoked Ham (Fully Cooked – Reheating) – Whole | 15 to 18 min/lb |
| Smoked Ham (Fully Cooked – Reheating) – Half | 18 to 24 min/lb |
| Fresh Ham (Uncooked) – Whole Leg | 22 to 26 min/lb |
| Fresh Ham (Uncooked) – Half Leg | 35 to 40 min/lb |
| Country Ham (Boil then Bake) – Whole or Half | Boil 20-25 min/lb, then bake at 400°F for 15 min |
Source: Food Safety.
Additional tip:
- Before cooking your bone-in ham, make sure to preheat your oven to 365 degrees Fahrenheit.
- To boost both taste and increase moisture, pour the juices over the ham every 10 minutes. This guarantees a very rich and flavorful bone-in ham.
- After removing your ham from the oven, allow it to sit for 10 -15 minutes before serving. This will enhance its tenderness and develop better flavor, as the ham’s juices distribute evenly.
How Do You Know When a Bone in Ham is Cooked
There are different ways to determine when your ham is ready:
- Use a meat thermometer -Reinsert your cooking thermometer into the deepest section of the ham away from the bone to check the internal temperature of the ham as it cooks. For pre-cooked ham or smoked hams it should be 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and for uncooked ham, it should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The texture of the ham: Observe the texture regularly to ensure that the ham is firm while remaining moist, which will ensure that it is juicy.
- Be on the lookout for visual changes for example uncooked ham should gradually change from its original pink color to a light brown color to indicate that it is fully cooked.
- A properly cooked ham releases an intense savory aroma that is very inviting.
- Another indication of a well-cooked ham is the bone separation. In most cases, a well-done bone in the ham, upon touch will feel slightly loose.
Preparing a bone in ham is easier than it sounds, you just need to strike a balance between proper timing and the correct degrees of temperature to have a very moist and flavorful ham that serves as the main dish. Using these simple guidelines enables the safe preparation of your bone in ham whether it’s uncooked or pre-cooked.
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