How it works
Times come from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service ham timetable for an oven set to 325°F. Each type has a range of minutes per pound, so plan around the longer time and start checking with a thermometer at the shorter one.
Most hams sold in stores are already cooked and only need reheating to 140°F. A ham labeled “cook before eating” and a fresh ham, which is raw pork leg, must reach 145°F and rest for at least 3 minutes.
Spiral-cut hams dry out quickly, so they sit at the low end of the time range. Wrap the ham in foil or cover the pan, and add any glaze in the last 15 to 20 minutes so it does not burn. The oven time works back from when you want to carve and leaves 15 minutes to rest and slice.
Formula
Oven time = weight × USDA minutes per pound for that type of ham, at 325°F.
Questions people ask
How long do you cook a fully cooked ham?
At 325°F, a whole bone-in ham takes about 15 to 18 minutes per pound, or 2½ to 3 hours for a 10 lb ham. A half ham takes 18 to 24 minutes per pound. Heat it to 140°F.
How long do you heat a spiral ham?
About 10 to 18 minutes per pound at 325°F, so an 8 lb spiral ham takes about 1 hr 20 min to 2 hr 24 min. Keep it covered and stop at 140°F, because the slices dry out fast.
How do I know if my ham is already cooked?
Check the label. “Fully cooked”, “ready to eat” or “heat and serve” means it only needs reheating. “Cook before eating” or “cook thoroughly” means it is partly cooked and must reach 145°F. A fresh ham is raw and needs 145°F as well.
How much ham do I need per person?
Plan on about ¾ pound per person for a bone-in ham and about ⅓ pound for boneless. Go a little higher if you want leftovers.