Holiday Baked Ham is one of the best main dishes on the table! If you’re stumped about how long it takes to cook big hams, I’ve got an easy process that is the best way to get a holiday dinner on the table!

Imagine this: it’s the holiday season, the air is filled with joy, and you’re in charge of the feast.

A 9-lb ham, waiting to be transformed into a succulent centerpiece, is at the heart of your holiday meal.

Now, I understand the pressure of perfecting this holiday staple.

It’s not just about the ham; it’s about creating memories around the dining table. And it’s also about getting that perfect Norman Rockwell feeling, right?!

That’s why knowing the best way to cook your ham, whether it’s bone-in, smoked, or spiral-cut, is crucial.

We’ll discuss the importance of selecting the right ham for your celebration. Whatever the special occasion, you’ll enjoy a classic holiday ham.

The goal? To achieve that perfect balance of a moist, tender, and flavorful ham that will have your guests talking until next year.

Key Takeaways:

Selecting the Right Ham: Understanding the difference between bone-in, smoked, and spiral-cut hams to find the best fit for your holiday feast.
Cooking to Perfection: The significance of cooking time and temperature to ensure your ham is moist, tender, and bursting with flavor.
The Holiday Table Centerpiece: Making your holiday baked ham the unforgettable highlight of your holiday meals, creating lasting memories.

Choosing the Right Ham

Walking into a grocery store, you’re met with various options for hams — from country hams to city hams and everything in between.

But when it comes to selecting the perfect centerpiece for your holiday meal, understanding the differences is key.

If you’re aiming for the best flavor and tender meat, a bone-in ham beats boneless every time.

The bone helps the meat stay moist during the cooking process, infusing it with extra flavor. Plus, it allows you to make Pinto Beans or Split Pea Soup with the leftover ham bone! Yum!

Smoked or precooked hams offer convenience, especially for first-time chefs, as they cut down on cooking time.

For an extra special occasion, consider a spiral-cut ham; it’s easy to serve and marries well with a simple glaze, enhancing the smoked or fresh ham’s natural juiciness.

I love cooking a spiral-cut ham because the glaze gets down into the ham and makes each slice much more delicious!

Don’t get the package that says “country ham.” That’s a very different item, and not what you are wanting for your holiday baked ham!

Preparation Before Cooking

Before we cook that succulent 9lb ham for our holiday feast, I always follow a few essential steps to ensure perfection.

First off, I do something fairly unorthodox.

I take my ham from the refrigerator, cut away the wrapping, and place it in a large roasting pan. At an angle where it sits upright and doesn’t topple over. You might have to finagle it, but the ham will let you know!

Then, I pour about a cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan, cover it with foil, and place it in a COLD oven.

That’s right! A cold oven.

Once your cold ham is in the cold oven, turn the temperature to 325 degrees and let the oven work its magic.

First, it allows you to bypass having it sit out and come to room temperature. Most of the time, I do not have time for that.

Secondly, it lets the ham start cooking from the inside out. When you’re cooking a big 9+ pound ham, it will take a couple of hours to cook through. This is an easy way to remove the chill in the first hour, giving you the best ham you’ve ever eaten!

Calculating Cooking Time

The one question I often get asked is, “How long do I cook it?”

Well, through years of holiday gatherings and countless hams, I’ve found a simple answer that works like a charm every time.

For a beautifully moist and tender outcome, the general rule I swear by is to cook your ham for about 12-14 minutes per pound. This means, for our lovely 9lb ham, you’re looking at approximately 108 to 126 minutes, or simply, 1 hour and 48 minutes to 2 hours and 6 minutes of cooking time.

For a 9-pound ham, I go for 2 hours. During the last 45 minutes, you’ll be opening and closing the door a lot to baste it, so it needs longer cooking time.

However, adjustments may be necessary based on your specific oven temperature and whether you’ve chosen a bone-in ham, spiral-sliced ham, or perhaps even a smoked variety.

Each type brings its own little twist to the cooking process, but sticking to this timeframe will ensure your ham is the star of the holiday feast.

Using a Meat Thermometer

My secret weapon is none other than my trusty instant-read thermometer. You see, the inner artist in me loves a bit of improvisation, but I’ve learned through experience that the perfect holiday ham requires precision.

Using an instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure your ham reaches the ideal internal temperature of 140°F for a fully cooked ham or 145°F if you’re starting with an uncooked ham.

Here’s a little tip I’ve discovered: insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding any bones or the ham bone, for the most accurate reading.

This simple step transforms the often daunting task of holiday cooking into a stress-free affair, leaving you confident that your ham is perfectly cooked through, juicy, and ready for your holiday table.

Creating a Brown Sugar Glaze

Let’s talk about making that ham unforgettable with a simple yet irresistible brown sugar glaze. Imagine blending rich brown sugar with the subtle tartness of pineapple juice, and then, if you’re feeling adventurous, stirring in a few optional spices for that extra flair.

This concoction isn’t just a glaze; it’s a ticket to a beautifully caramelized masterpiece that’ll steal the spotlight on your holiday table.

Now, the real magic happens in the final stages of your ham’s cooking journey. Picture this: your ham, already imbued with flavors, nearing completion.

That’s when you brush it generously with your homemade glazing mix.

With the oven cranked up, those final minutes transform the glaze into a glistening coat of perfection, achieving that perfect balance of sweetness and caramelization we’re all after.

Trust me, it’s a game-changer for your festive feast.

Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve mastered the art of cooking your holiday baked ham perfectly, creating a holiday meal that will wow your guests is all about the sides and presentation.

Think of your ham as the shining star of the show, and everything else should be supporting to complement its rich, smoky flavor. A great way to round off your feast is with side dishes that echo the warmth and comfort of this centerpiece.

Here’s what I’d put on my menu:

Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Thanksgiving Mashed Potatoes

Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles

For presentation, consider placing your beautifully glazed ham in the center of a large platter, surrounded by whatever you used to glaze your ham.

Orange slices if you use orange juice, and big pineapple slices if you use pineapple juice.

This makes serving easier and turns your table into a festive visual feast. Adding a few sprigs of fresh herbs around the platter can elevate the overall look with minimal effort.

Remember, a well-rounded holiday meal is about creating a memorable experience for your family and friends, so don’t hesitate to get creative and add your personal touch!

Storing Leftover Ham

After our holiday feast is wrapped up and the table is cleared, I often have more leftover ham than I know what to do with.

But, fear not! Storing your leftover holiday baked ham properly means you can continue to enjoy this delicious holiday staple well into the future.

First, let’s talk about keeping it in the fridge. Make sure your leftover ham is snug in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and juicy for your next ham sandwich or breakfast omelet.

If you’re thinking longer term, freezing is your best bet. Wrap your ham slices or chunks tightly in aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container or zip-lock bag.

This extra step prevents freezer burn and keeps your ham tasting as good as it did on the holiday table.

Easy Split Pea Soup Recipe Using Leftover Ham

I like to freeze the ham bone separately for a big pot of Split Pea Soup with Leftover Ham! It’s my reason for making a ham. I love that soup, y’all!