How To Bake A 7-Pound Fully-Cooked Bone-In Ham

Get Ready to Impress with a Delicious Baked Ham

Are you looking to create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your next family gathering or holiday feast? Baking a 7-pound fully-cooked bone-in ham is a fantastic way to impress your guests with a delicious and hearty meal. Whether it’s for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this guide will walk you through the simple steps to bake a perfect ham that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

What You’ll Need

Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients and tools:

• A 7-pound fully-cooked bone-in ham
• Aluminum foil
• A roasting pan
• A sharp knife
• A meat thermometer
• A basting brush

Preparing the Ham

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While the oven is heating up, carefully remove the ham from its packaging and place it in the roasting pan. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, use a sharp knife to score the fat in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and add a beautiful presentation to your finished dish.

Adding Flavor with a Glaze

Now it’s time to add a delicious glaze to your ham. You can use a variety of glazes, such as honey and brown sugar, maple and mustard, or pineapple and brown sugar. Whichever glaze you choose, use a basting brush to generously coat the ham with the mixture. This will add a sweet and flavorful crust to the ham as it bakes.

Baking the Ham

Once the ham is glazed, cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) when tested with a meat thermometer. Basting the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes will help keep it moist and flavorful.

Serving Your Baked Ham

When the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy ham. Once rested, carefully carve the ham into slices and arrange them on a serving platter. Your beautifully baked ham is now ready to be enjoyed by all!

Final Thoughts

Baking a 7-pound fully-cooked bone-in ham is a simple and rewarding process that will leave your guests impressed and satisfied. With a few basic ingredients and some easy-to-follow steps, you can create a delicious centerpiece for any special occasion. So, next time you’re planning a family gathering or holiday feast, consider baking a ham and watch as it becomes the star of the meal!

Now that you have the know-how, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking. Your guests will thank you!