You’re pretty excited about cooking ham, but you’re unsure how long to cook it or what temperature to cook it at. Maybe you are wondering if the size of the ham affects the cooking time or what internal temperature the ham should be at the end.
You might have many questions about the cooking process. I found all the answers and have them below.
Table of contents
What Temperature Should You Smoke A Ham At?
We recommend smoking ham between 225°F-250°F. The low and slow method is good for many reasons.
- Lower temperatures are less likely to dry out the meat.
- They also keep the glaze from drying out.
- The longer cooking time allows more smoky flavoring to permeate the finished product.
- Using indirect heat can also lower the chances of drying out the meat. A smoked ham is cooked without direct heat, which means it’s easier to end up with a juicier piece of meat.
How Long to Smoke A Ham?
You should smoke the ham at 225-250°F for 30 minutes per pound. But you need to go by internal temperature, so smoke your ham until a meat thermometer shows 145° before you remove it from the heat. The safe temperature for pork is 145°F. For pre-cooked ham, cook it until it’s warm enough to eat.
The cook time varies depending on the heat source and the size of the ham. The important thing is that it reaches a safe internal temperature.
What Internal Temperature for Smoked Ham?
Smoked ham should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F before it’s removed from the heat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature; do not let the food thermometer touch the bone, which could result in an inaccurate temperature reading.
If your ham is ready before your guest arrives, you can keep it warm in the oven; just use your thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
If the ham has already been cooked, you can serve it straight from the fridge. The only reason to heat it is if you think it tastes better that way.
Ham Cooking Temperature Chart
The ham cooking temperature chart below will help you estimate cook times and oven temperatures. Whether you’re dealing with raw meat or pre-cooked ham, you mustn’t overcook it.
| Type of Ham | Temperature of Oven or Smoker | Minutes per Pound |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-cooked bone-in | 325°F | 15-25 |
| 275°F | 15-18 | |
| 225°F | 20-30 | |
| Pre-cooked boneless | 325°F | 15-24 |
| 275°F | 12-20 | |
| 225°F | 20-30 | |
| Uncooked bone-in | 325°F | 22-40 |
| 275°F | 30-40 | |
| 225°F | 35-45 | |
| Uncooked boneless | 325°F | 30-40 |
| 275°F | 15-20 | |
| 225°F | 45-60 |
Smoked Ham Recipes
I have quite a collection of smoked ham recipes, which I have listed below. My favorite is the smoked spiral ham. Let me know which one you enjoy most.
Do You Need To Cook Ham?
Most ham is ready to eat. If your ham is cured and cooked, you don’t need to cook the ham.
You may want to cook the ham for10 minutes per pound to warm the internal temperature. This is for personal preference and not food safety.
Some hams are not pre-cooked. If you buy fresh ham, you will need to cook it. The internal temperature of pork should reach 145°F. This is a safe temperature that kills harmful bacteria.
Why Is Ham-Cured?
Curing ham can add flavors and extend its shelf life. It is the process of adding salt, preservatives, or flavors to the ham.
Dry curing takes a long time because the ham ages for several months, sometimes over a year. This type of curing results in salty meat.
How Do You Smoke Ham?
Many hams at the supermarket come already smoked, which adds a delicious layer of flavor to the pork. However, you can smoke a ham at home if you prefer. I love smoking a ham for Christmas its always the centrepiece of the table.
I have put a very brief overview of smoking ham below, but if you prefer, you can see my different recipes for ham above.
Make your seasoning rub for the crust for maximum flavor. Use brown sugar for sweetness or black pepper for a more savory taste.
Find a glaze recipe to add rich flavor and extra moisture. Smoke the ham for the recommended length using indirect heat.
Use a digital meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer without touching the bone. If the meat is 145°F, you can remove it from the heat.
Let the meat rest for a few minutes before carving and serving.
How Do You Reheat Ham Leftovers?
You can reheat ham leftovers the same way you reheat pre-cooked ham. Cover it in aluminum foil and add liquid to prevent the meat from drying.
If you only want to reheat a few slices of ham, you could use the microwave.
How Do You Store Ham Leftovers?
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, covered to prevent direct air contamination, or frozen for a few months. If you freeze leftover ham, you may want to divide it into smaller portions. This will decrease the defrost times when you remove it from the freezer.
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
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