How Long Do You Cook a 25 LB Ham?
To cook a 25 lb ham, the recommended cooking time is about 22-25 minutes per pound if it is bone-in and pre-cooked.
If the ham is boneless and pre-cooked, the cooking time is approximately 15-24 minutes per pound.
For bone-in and uncooked ham, cook it for 35-40 minutes per pound for a half ham weighing five to eight pounds, and 22-26 minutes per pound for a whole bone-in ham weighing 12 to 16 pounds.
If the ham is boneless and uncooked, the cooking time varies with the weight, ranging from 35-40 minutes per pound for a Shoulder Roll cut weighing two to four pounds, to 30-35 minutes per pound for a boneless ham shoulder weighing five to eight pounds.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Did you know that hams have been enjoyed for centuries? The oldest known recipe for cooking a ham dates back to ancient Rome, where they would slow-cook hams in a mixture of wine and herbs.
2. In the United States, ham is such a beloved food that there is even a National Ham Day celebrated every year on July 27th!
3. If you’re planning to cook a 25 lb ham, a general rule of thumb is to allow approximately 15-20 minutes of cooking time for every pound of meat. So, for a 25 lb ham, you should cook it for around 6 to 8 hours.
4. To help ensure your ham stays moist and delicious, some people like to add a glaze during the last hour of cooking. Popular ham glazes include mixtures of brown sugar, honey, mustard, or even cola!
5. If you’re worried about your ham drying out during the cooking process, a handy trick is to place the ham on a rack in the roasting pan and add some water or broth to the bottom of the pan. This will help create a moist cooking environment and prevent the ham from becoming too dry.
Cooking Time For Pre-Cooked And Bone-In Hams Of Various Weights
When cooking a pre-cooked and bone-in ham, the weight of the ham is important in determining the cooking time. For hams weighing between five to seven pounds, it is recommended to cook them at 325°F for 22-25 minutes per pound. For example, a six-pound ham should be cooked for approximately 132-150 minutes or 2 hours and 12-2 hours and 30 minutes.
For a whole ham weighing between 10 to 14 pounds, the cooking time decreases to 18-20 minutes per pound. So, a 12-pound ham would be cooked for approximately 216-240 minutes or 3 hours and 36-4 hours.
Cooking Time For Pre-Cooked And Boneless Hams Of Different Sizes
If you have a pre-cooked and boneless ham, the cooking time will be determined by its weight. For hams weighing between six and 12 pounds, it is recommended to cook them for 15-24 minutes per pound at a temperature of 325°F. So, for an eight-pound ham, you should cook it for about 120-192 minutes, which is approximately 2 hours and 60 minutes to 3 hours and 12 minutes.
Cooking Time For Uncooked And Bone-In Hams Of Different Weights
Uncooked and bone-in hams require a longer cooking time compared to pre-cooked hams.
- For a half ham weighing between five to eight pounds, it is recommended to roast it for 35-40 minutes per pound at 325°F.
- So, if you have a seven-pound half ham, you should cook it for approximately 245-280 minutes, or 4 hours and 5 minutes to 4 hours and 40 minutes.
- For whole bone-in hams weighing between 12 to 16 pounds, the cooking time is slightly shorter, at 22-26 minutes per pound.
- For a 14-pound ham, you would cook it for approximately 308-364 minutes, or 5 hours and 8 minutes to 6 hours and 4 minutes.
Remember to adjust cooking times based on your oven and desired level of doneness.
- For uncooked hams: 35-40 minutes per pound at 325°F
- For bone-in half hams (5-8 pounds): 245-280 minutes, or 4 hours and 5 minutes to 4 hours and 40 minutes
- For bone-in whole hams (12-16 pounds): 22-26 minutes per pound
- For bone-in 14-pound hams: 308-364 minutes, or 5 hours and 8 minutes to 6 hours and 4 minutes
Cooking Time For Uncooked And Boneless Hams Of Various Sizes
Similarly, the cooking time for uncooked and boneless hams varies depending on the weight. A Shoulder Roll cut weighing between two to four pounds should be cooked at 325°F for 35-40 minutes per pound. This means that a three-pound shoulder roll would take approximately 105-120 minutes, or 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. If you have a boneless ham shoulder weighing between five to eight pounds, the recommended cooking time is 30-35 minutes per pound. So, for a seven-pound ham shoulder, you would cook it for approximately 210-245 minutes, or 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours and 5 minutes.
Tips For Glazing And Roasting Ham
To enhance the flavor of your ham, add a glaze during the cooking process. A popular glaze option is a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and honey. Before applying the glaze, score the ham’s skin in a diamond pattern to allow the flavors and glaze to penetrate the meat properly. This will also help the ham cook more evenly.
While roasting, baste the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes to create a sweet and caramelized crust. Cover the ham loosely with foil during the initial cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
- Score the ham’s skin in a diamond pattern
- Baste the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes
- Cover the ham loosely with foil during the initial cooking time
Alternative Cooking Methods For Ham, Including Grilling And Using A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot
While the oven is the most traditional way to cook ham, there are alternative methods you can consider. Grilling is a popular option, especially for ham steaks. To grill a ham steak, preheat the grill to medium heat and cook each side for 2-4 minutes. The ham steak is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Another alternative cooking method is using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, place the ham in the cooker with enough liquid (such as water, stock, or juice) to cover the bottom. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
If you prefer to use an Instant Pot, place the ham on a trivet in the pot and add 1 cup of liquid (such as water or juice). Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes per pound, then allow for natural pressure release. Again, check the internal temperature to ensure the ham is fully cooked.
Regardless of the cooking method, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it has reached the recommended temperature for both safety and taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to bake a 25 pound ham?
To bake a 25-pound ham, place it flat-side down on a rack in a roasting pan and add water to the pan. Roast in the oven until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham reads 130˚F, which typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes. With an estimated cooking time of 15 minutes per pound, you can enjoy a deliciously cooked ham.
How long to cook a 25 lb precooked ham?
To cook a 25 lb precooked ham, it is recommended to reheat it for approximately 18 minutes per pound. This method helps to reach an internal temperature of 140°F, ensuring it is thoroughly heated. Opting for bone-in ham not only adds more flavor to the dish but also reduces the cost per pound compared to boneless ham. Another advantage is that you can freeze the ham bone afterwards, utilizing it to create flavorful stocks or adding it to various recipes like beans or braised greens.
How long to cook a 20 lb fully cooked ham?
To cook a 20 lb fully cooked ham, it is recommended to bake it in a preheated 325F oven for approximately 3 hours to 3 hours and 40 minutes. This cooking time allows for a slower, more even heat distribution, ensuring the ham is heated through to a safe temperature of 135F. Once out of the oven, it is crucial to let the ham rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful final product.
How long to heat a 25 lb ham?
To heat a 25 lb ham, place it on a rack in a roasting pan, adding water to the bottom and covering it tightly. Bake the ham at 325 F for approximately 375 to 450 minutes, keeping an eye on the meat thermometer until it reaches 140 F. Remember to baste the ham during the heating process to enhance its moisture and flavor.