How Long to Cook a Ham

Ham is the star of so many of our holiday dinners, and the number one question I get is “How long do I cook it?” Pop in your ham’s weight and type below, and my Ham Cooking Time Calculator will tell you. Then scroll down for serving sizes, temperatures, and my favorite tips for a juicy ham every time.

cooked ham on platter with pineapple slices and cheeries this …

Ham Cooking Time Calculator

Ham Cooking Time Calculator

How Much Ham Do I Need Per Person?

A good rule of thumb is to plan by the bone:

  • Bone-in ham: about 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person
  • Boneless ham: about 1/4 to 1/3 pound per person

If you love leftovers (we always do!), buy a little more. Leftover ham turns into my Easy Ham Salad, Leftover Ham and Potato Soup, and Ham and Swiss Quiche.

Quick guide:

  • 5 to 7-pound bone-in half ham: about 10 to 14 people
  • 7 to 9-pound spiral ham: about 14 to 18 people
  • 10 to 14 pound whole bone-in ham: about 20 to 28 people

How Long to Cook a Ham by Weight

🔥 Oven (325°F)

  • Fully cooked spiral ham (7 to 9 lb): 10 to 18 minutes per pound
  • Fully cooked bone-in half ham (5 to 7 lb): 18 to 24 minutes per pound
  • Fully cooked bone-in whole ham (10 to 14 lb): 15 to 18 minutes per pound
  • Fully cooked boneless ham (6 to 12 lb): 10 to 15 minutes per pound
  • Cook-before-eating ham, half (5 to 7 lb): 22 to 25 minutes per pound
  • Fresh, uncooked whole leg (12 to 16 lb): 22 to 26 minutes per pound

🍲 Crockpot A 5- to 6-pound fully cooked spiral ham takes about 4 hours on low. This is how I make my Brown Sugar Pineapple Crockpot Spiral Ham, and it keeps your oven free for all the side dishes.

🍖 Spiral Ham Tip Spiral hams are already sliced, so they can dry out fast. Wrap the ham tightly in foil or cover the pan, and add your glaze in the last 20 to 30 minutes.

Ham Internal Temperature and Resting

A meat thermometer is your best friend here. Check the thickest part, away from the bone.

  • Fully cooked ham (most store hams, including spiral): heat to 140°F
  • Fresh or cook-before-eating ham: cook to 145°F, then let it rest at least 3 minutes

I like to let any ham rest 10 to 15 minutes under a loose foil tent before slicing. The juices settle back into the meat, and you have time to finish the sides.

Ham Cooking FAQ

Is store-bought ham already cooked?

Most are! Check the label for “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.” If it says “cook before eating” or “fresh,” it needs to be cooked to 145°F.

Should I cook ham covered or uncovered?

Covered. Foil keeps the ham moist. Uncover it for the last part of cooking when you add your glaze.

How long does leftover ham last?

Leftover ham keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge, or you can freeze slices for 1 to 2 months.

Can I cook a ham in the crockpot?

es! A 5 to 6 pound fully cooked spiral ham takes about 4 hours on low. If it’s too big for the lid, trim a few slices off first.

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