Cooking a ham in a roaster oven is a fantastic way to free up your main oven while ensuring a moist, tender, and delicious ham that will impress your family and guests. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special Sunday dinner, using a roaster oven can make the process easier and more flavorful. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you cook a perfect ham in your roaster.
What You’ll Need
– A roaster oven (electric or standard)
– A fully cooked ham (spiral cut or whole)
– Your choice of seasonings or glaze (brown sugar, mustard, cloves, honey, maple syrup, bourbon, etc.)
– Aluminum foil
– A meat thermometer
– Cooking spray (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Your Roaster Oven
Start by preheating your roaster oven to about 250°F to 325°F. The exact temperature can depend on your recipe or preference, but 275°F is a popular choice for slow, even cooking. Make sure the roaster is clean and has enough space to accommodate your ham comfortably.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Remove any packaging or netting from your fully cooked ham. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. If you like, trim excess fat down to about a quarter inch for a better glaze finish.
Step 3: Add Flavor with Seasonings or Glaze
This is where you can get creative! Rub your ham with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, cloves, or honey for a classic flavor. Alternatively, try a maple glaze or an orange marmalade bourbon glaze for a sweet and tangy twist. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get some glaze between the slices if it’s spiral cut, but don’t pull the slices apart too much to keep that neat look.
Step 4: Place the Ham in the Roaster
Spray your disposable roasting pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the ham flat side down or “face” down in the pan on the rack inside the roaster. Loosely cover the ham with foil, leaving some space for air circulation. This helps keep the ham moist while allowing the glaze to caramelize later.
Step 5: Cooking Time and Temperature
Cook the ham at 250°F to 275°F for about 12 to 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches about 140-145°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone to get an accurate reading. For example, an 8-pound ham will take roughly 2 hours to heat through.
If you are cooking multiple hams, expect the cooking time to increase slightly.
Step 6: Glazing and Finishing Touches
Once the ham reaches about 120°F, open the foil and pour two-thirds of your warm glaze over the ham. Reseal the foil and continue cooking until the ham reaches 140°F, about 35-40 minutes longer.
Then, brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Increase the roaster temperature to 425°F, open the foil to expose the ham, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to caramelize the glaze and create a beautiful, golden crust.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
After removing the ham from the roaster, let it rest covered for about 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every slice juicy and flavorful.
Tips for the Best Roaster Oven Ham
– Use a probe thermometer for continuous temperature monitoring.
– Avoid adding liquid to the pan; the ham should roast, not braise.
– Don’t over-glaze early; apply glaze in stages for a balanced flavor and perfect caramelization.
– Broil or torch for extra crispiness if you want a texture like a honey-baked ham after roasting.
– Experiment with glazes like maple, bourbon, honey mustard, or spicy chipotle for unique flavors.
Cooking a ham in a roaster oven is simple, efficient, and yields delicious results. It keeps your ham moist, frees up your main oven, and lets you create a centerpiece that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham!
Juicy, flavorful ham made easy in your roaster oven – a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every time!