How Long To Cook A 17-Pound Ham?
A 17-pound ham typically requires approximately 3 to 3.75 hours of cooking time in a 325°F oven. Remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (fully cooked) or 160°F (reheating).
Understanding Ham Types
Ham, that centerpiece of holiday meals and satisfying sandwiches, comes in various forms, each requiring slightly different preparation. Before calculating cooking time, it’s crucial to understand what kind of ham you’re dealing with. Understanding the type of ham determines whether it is a fully-cooked or cook-before-eating type of ham.
- City Ham: These are the most common type and are typically wet-cured and smoked. They are usually sold fully cooked, so you’re mainly reheating them.
- Country Ham: These hams are dry-cured, often smoked, and require longer cooking times. They tend to be saltier.
- Fresh Ham: This is uncured pork leg. It requires significant cooking, similar to roasting a pork shoulder.
Factors Influencing Cooking Time
Several factors can influence the total cooking time for your 17-pound ham, including:
- Type of Ham: As discussed above, the type of ham is the biggest factor. Fully cooked hams require less time, while fresh hams need considerably more.
- Oven Temperature: Lower temperatures require longer cooking times. Sticking to the recommended 325°F is crucial for even cooking.
- Oven Accuracy: Ovens can vary in temperature. Using an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s accuracy is advisable.
- Starting Temperature: If the ham is ice cold straight from the refrigerator, it will take a little longer to heat through. Allowing it to sit at room temperature for an hour or two before cooking can slightly reduce cooking time.
- Bone-In vs. Boneless: Bone-in hams generally take slightly longer to cook because the bone insulates the meat.
Calculating Cooking Time: A Step-by-Step Guide
Accurately calculating cooking time ensures a perfectly cooked and safe ham. Here’s how to do it:
- Determine Ham Type: Identify whether your ham is fully cooked or cook-before-eating. The packaging should state this clearly.
- Estimate Cooking Time:
- Fully Cooked Ham: Aim for 10-15 minutes per pound at 325°F. For a 17-pound ham, this equates to 2 hours and 50 minutes to 4 hours and 15 minutes.
- Cook-Before-Eating Ham: Aim for 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F. For a 17-pound ham, this equates to 4 hours and 15 minutes to 5 hours and 40 minutes.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: The most accurate way to determine doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
- Target Internal Temperature:
- Fully Cooked Ham: Reheat to 140°F.
- Cook-Before-Eating Ham: Cook to 160°F.
- Resting Time: Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender ham.
Preventing Common Mistakes
Cooking a large ham can be intimidating, but avoiding these common mistakes will help you achieve success:
- Overcooking: This leads to dry and tough ham. Always use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temperature.
- Under-cooking: This can be unsafe. Ensure the ham reaches the required internal temperature.
- Skipping the Rest Period: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, leading to a more flavorful and moist ham.
- Ignoring the Ham Type: Cooking a fully cooked ham for too long is just as bad as not cooking a raw ham enough.
- Incorrect Thermometer Placement: Make sure the thermometer isn’t touching bone or resting in a pocket of fat. This will give you an inaccurate reading.
Temperature Chart
| Ham Type | Target Internal Temp | Minutes Per Pound (325°F) | Estimated Total Time (17 lb Ham) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fully Cooked | 140°F | 10-15 | 2 hrs 50 min – 4 hrs 15 min |
| Cook-Before-Eating | 160°F | 15-20 | 4 hrs 15 min – 5 hrs 40 min |
| Fresh Ham | 145°F | 25-30 | 7 hrs 5 min – 8 hrs 30 min |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I cook a ham at a lower temperature than 325°F?
Yes, you can cook a ham at a lower temperature, such as 300°F. However, it will require a longer cooking time. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the correct internal temperature. The lower temperature can help keep the ham from drying out, but it will take longer to cook.
2. What is the best way to keep a ham moist during cooking?
One method is to cover the ham with foil during the initial cooking period. Basting the ham with its own juices or a glaze every 30-45 minutes also helps. You can also add a cup of water or broth to the bottom of the roasting pan to create steam.
3. Should I score the ham before cooking?
Scoring the ham is optional, but it can enhance the flavor and appearance, especially if you’re using a glaze. Scoring allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat. Use a sharp knife and make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.
4. How do I make a glaze for my ham?
There are countless ham glaze recipes. A simple one involves combining brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and a touch of apple cider vinegar. Apply the glaze during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking.
5. What’s the best way to store leftover ham?
Allow the ham to cool slightly, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. Leftover ham should be consumed within 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it.
6. Can I freeze leftover ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftover ham. Cut it into smaller portions or slices for easier use later. Wrap tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap or place in freezer bags. Frozen ham can last for 1-2 months.
7. What temperature should I use to reheat leftover ham?
Reheat leftover ham in a 325°F oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
8. How do I know if my oven is accurate?
Use an oven thermometer to verify your oven’s temperature. Place the thermometer in the oven and compare its reading to the oven’s setting. If there’s a significant difference, you may need to adjust the temperature accordingly.
9. What is the difference between a spiral-cut ham and a whole ham?
A spiral-cut ham has already been pre-sliced in a spiral pattern, making it easy to serve. This often means it can dry out more easily and requires more careful attention to moisture while reheating. A whole ham is unsliced.
10. Can I cook a ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a smaller ham in a slow cooker. Ensure the ham fits comfortably and add about a cup of liquid to the bottom of the cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F for a fully cooked ham or 160°F for a cook-before-eating ham.
11. Is it safe to eat ham that has a pink color?
Yes, it is perfectly safe for fully cooked ham to have a pink color. This is due to the curing process. It is not an indication of undercooking. Only a fully cook-before-eating ham must reach an internal temperature of 160°F.
12. What are some dishes I can make with leftover ham?
Leftover ham is incredibly versatile. You can use it in sandwiches, casseroles, soups, omelets, and quiches. Dice it and add it to macaroni and cheese or use it as a pizza topping. The possibilities are truly endless.