Cooking a ham in a roaster oven is a fantastic way to achieve a juicy, flavorful, and beautifully glazed ham without heating up your main oven. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a special family dinner, using a roaster oven can save time and effort while delivering delicious results. Here’s a friendly, easy-to-follow guide on how to cook a ham in a roaster oven that will impress your guests and make your meal memorable.
What You’ll Need
– A roaster oven (make sure it’s large enough to fit your ham comfortably)
– A fully cooked ham (spiral sliced or whole)
– Seasonings or glaze of your choice (brown sugar, mustard, cloves, honey, maple syrup, bourbon, or any favorite glaze)
– Aluminum foil
– A meat thermometer
– Cooking spray (optional, for the pan)
Step 1: Prepare Your Roaster Oven
Start by preheating your roaster oven to 250°F or 275°F depending on your recipe. This lower temperature helps warm the ham slowly and evenly without drying it out. Set the roasting rack inside the roaster oven to keep the ham elevated, allowing heat to circulate around it for even cooking.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or plastic. Pat the ham dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the glaze stick better. If you’re using a spiral sliced ham, place it flat side down or “face end” down in a disposable roasting pan sprayed lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 3: Add Flavor with a Glaze or Seasonings
Now comes the fun part-adding flavor! You can rub the ham with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, cloves, or honey for a classic taste. Alternatively, try a maple bourbon glaze or orange marmalade bourbon glaze for a sweet and tangy twist.
Brush half of your glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get some of it between the slices if it’s spiral cut. Be gentle when separating the slices to keep the ham’s beautiful spiral appearance intact.
Step 4: Cover and Roast the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist while cooking. Place the covered ham in the preheated roaster oven. Cook the ham for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 250°F, or about 15 minutes per pound at 275°F, until the internal temperature reaches around 140°F to 145°F. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding the bone) to check the temperature accurately.
Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize
Once the ham reaches the target temperature, carefully remove the foil and pour off any accumulated juices. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham’s surface. Then, increase the roaster oven temperature to 425°F. Open the foil to expose the ham and place it back in the roaster oven uncovered or with the foil pulled back.
Bake for another 15 to 20 minutes to caramelize the glaze, creating a beautiful, sticky, and flavorful crust. Keep an eye on the ham to prevent burning.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the roaster oven and let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes, covered loosely with foil. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making every slice tender and juicy.
Use two heavy forks or tongs to transfer the ham to a cutting board. Slice as desired and serve with your favorite sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Success
– Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 145°F.
– Avoid adding too much liquid to the roasting pan; too much moisture can braise the ham instead of roasting it, which changes the texture.
– If you want an extra crispy finish, after roasting in the roaster oven, you can place the ham under a broiler in a conventional oven for 5-10 minutes or use a food torch to caramelize the edges.
– Experiment with different glazes like honey mustard, spicy chipotle, or brown sugar and clove to find your favorite flavor profile.
Cooking a ham in a roaster oven is a simple, efficient way to prepare a delicious centerpiece for your meal. With a few easy steps and a little patience, you’ll enjoy a moist, flavorful ham that’s sure to impress everyone at the table.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked ham!