Juicy slices of ham cooked in a roaster make holiday feasting a breeze. Whether you opt for a spiral sliced ham, boneless ham, or a bone-in half ham, we’ve got the tips to ensure a successful centerpiece for your meal. Let’s dive in and discover the secrets to cooking ham in a roaster!
Cooking Ham In A Roaster: Space-saving and Delicious
Cooking ham in a roaster oven not only saves space in your regular oven but also produces a high-quality product. With the right cooking times and temperatures, your guests won’t even know whether you used a roaster or a traditional oven.
Cook your ham low and slow with your favorite glaze or simply with some pineapple juice in an electric roaster. The natural smoky flavor of ham is excellent on its own, but feel free to add a Root Beer Glaze or other spices like cloves for a unique twist.
What You’ll Need To Make Ham In A Roaster Oven
- An 18 or 20 Quart Roaster Oven: These sizes can hold one or two hams, but a larger model will work too.
- The Wire Insert: This comes with the roaster or you can use a couple of meat forks to remove the ham.
- Silicone Finger Mitts or Thick Hot Pads: These will help you handle the wire insert and remove the ham safely.
- A Large Cutting Board: Perfect for carving the ham.
- Electric Knife or Carving Knife: Choose the one that suits you best.
- Pineapple Juice & Sprite: These liquids are used to cook the ham and keep it warm while serving.
The Perfect Temperature for Cooking Ham In A Roaster
We recommend cooking ham at 275℉ in an electric roaster with some juice in the pan. This slow and steady method is similar to using a high setting on a slow cooker.
Most hams are pre-cooked, but it’s always a good idea to read the package instructions. Pre-cooked ham can be eaten warm or cold. Use a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature, aiming for 120℉ in the center of the ham without touching the bone.
How Many People Does 1 Pound of Ham Feed?
As a general estimate, 1 pound of ham will feed 3 to 4 people. Keep in mind that bone-in ham includes parts that are not edible, so the entire cut won’t be consumed.
The amount of ham needed per person can vary. Big eaters may enjoy 1/3 pound per person, while a group with small kids may average 5 to 7 people per pound.
Tips for Cooking Ham In A Roaster
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cooking ham in a roaster:
- Begin by taking a picture of the ham’s tag, which contains weight and cooking instructions.
- Grease the insert pan with non-stick cooking spray.
- Place the wire insert in the roaster, ensuring it’s open for easy removal of the cooked ham.
- Unwrap the ham inside the roaster or on a rimmed baking sheet before transferring it.
- Add pineapple juice and soda pop to the pan for a touch of sweetness.
- Cover the roaster and set it to 275℉. Cook for 12 minutes per pound.
- Check the internal temperature after the recommended cooking time.
- If necessary, continue cooking at 20-30 minute intervals until the temperature reaches 120℉.
- Optionally, apply a glaze according to your preference or the glaze packet that comes with spiral hams.
- Once the ham is warmed through, remove it from the roaster and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.
Roasting Tips and Tricks
- Any type of ham can be cooked in an electric roaster.
- Make sure the ham fits with the lid tightly secured in the roaster.
- Ensure the lid doesn’t touch the top of the ham to prevent burning.
- Be prepared for some variability in cooking time, as roasters vary greatly.
- Avoid opening the lid for the first hour and a half of cooking to retain heat and steam.
- Keep the ham warm on a very low setting before serving.
More Recipe Ideas for Feeding a Crowd
If you’re looking for more delicious options to serve a large group, consider these dishes:
- Pasta Salad For A Crowd: Colorful pasta with chopped veggies and Italian dressing make a fantastic side dish.
- Macaroni Salad For A Crowd: Another crowd-pleasing option with great flavors.
- Dirt Cake & Banana Pudding for a Crowd: Scrumptious pudding and Cool Whip desserts that are perfect for any occasion.
Remember, cooking ham in a roaster is a fantastic way to simplify holiday feasts and make feeding a crowd effortless. So, why not give it a try? Your guests will be delighted with the juicy and flavorful results!
