Cooking a ham in a roaster oven is a fantastic way to prepare a juicy, flavorful meal without heating up your kitchen with a conventional oven. Whether it’s for a holiday feast, a family dinner, or a special occasion, using a roaster oven can save you time and keep your main oven free for other dishes. Here’s a friendly, step-by-step guide to help you cook a perfect ham in your roaster oven.
What You’ll Need
– A roaster oven
– A fully cooked ham (spiral sliced or whole)
– Your favorite seasonings or glaze (brown sugar, mustard, cloves, honey, or a premade glaze)
– Aluminum foil
– A meat thermometer
– Cooking spray (optional)
Step 1: Prepare Your Roaster Oven
Start by preheating your roaster oven to 325°F (165°C). Make sure your ham fits comfortably inside, with enough space for air to circulate around it. If your roaster oven has a rack, place it inside to keep the ham elevated from the bottom of the pan.
Step 2: Prep the Ham
Remove any packaging, plastic wrap, or netting from your fully cooked ham. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture-this helps the glaze stick better. If you like, trim excess fat, leaving about a quarter-inch layer for flavor and moisture.
For a beautiful presentation and better glaze absorption, score the surface of the ham by cutting shallow diamond shapes about ⅓ inch deep and 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Add Flavor with a Glaze or Seasoning
This is your chance to get creative! Mix together a glaze using brown sugar, mustard, honey, cloves, or your favorite spices. Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get some into the scored cuts or between spiral slices if your ham is pre-sliced.
If you prefer, you can use a store-bought glaze-just follow the instructions on the package.
Step 4: Cover and Roast
Place the ham on the roasting rack or directly in a disposable pan inside the roaster oven. Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil, leaving some space for air to circulate. This keeps the ham moist while allowing it to cook evenly.
Cook the ham for about 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. For example, a 6-pound ham will take roughly 1.5 hours. However, always check the packaging or recipe instructions for specific cooking times.
Step 5: Monitor the Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. The ham is safe to eat when it reaches at least 145°F (63°C). For spiral sliced hams, some prefer to heat to 140-145°F to keep it juicy.
Step 6: Glaze and Finish
Once the ham is heated through, remove it from the roaster oven and pour off any accumulated juices. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham for a sticky, flavorful finish.
For an extra special touch, you can place the ham under a broiler for 5-10 minutes to caramelize the glaze and create a crispy, golden crust. Rotate the ham every minute or two to prevent burning. Alternatively, use a food torch to caramelize the edges evenly.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the roaster oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat tender and juicy. Slice the ham and serve it with your favorite sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Cooking a ham in a roaster oven is easy, efficient, and yields delicious results. It’s a great way to impress your guests without the hassle of a traditional oven. Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham!