This holiday-perfect baked ham recipe, made with just four ingredients, will quickly become a tradition in your household.
How to Bake a Ham
Baking a ham at home is easier than you think. You'll find a detailed ingredient list and step-by-step instructions in the recipe below, but let's go over the basics:
Baked Ham Ingredients
You'll need just four ingredients to make the best baked ham of your life:
- Ham: You'll need the rump portion of a bone-in ham. If your ham is larger or smaller than 12 pounds, you'll need to make some adjustments.
- Cloves: Whole cloves add warmth and a certain depth of flavor.
- Sugar: Brown sugar lends more warmth and welcome sweetness.
- Water: Use about an inch of water. This isn't one-size-fits-all, as different roasting pans will need different amounts.
How to Cook Ham In the Oven
Here's a very brief overview of what you can expect when you bake a ham at home:
- Press cloves into the top of the ham. Pack with brown sugar.
- Add water to the roasting pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the ham is done.
How Long to Bake Ham
A 12-pound ham should be done after about 4.5 to 5 hours in an oven preheated to 350 degrees F. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center (not touching the bone) should read at least 160 degrees F.
What to Serve With Baked Ham
Looking for some delicious serving inspiration? We've got you covered. Check out our collection of 19 Best Side Dishes to Serve With Ham. Here's a preview of what you'll find:
How to Store Baked Ham
Store the leftover baked ham in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat the ham in the microwave or in the oven.
Can You Freeze Baked Ham?
Yes, you can freeze baked ham. Wrap the leftovers in storage wrap, then wrap them again in foil. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
"Very good and very easy," raves Indysev. "I skipped the cloves as my family doesn't care for them. The ham was very moist and delicious!"
"I did this recipe for Christmas and it was a big hit," according to deepali. "I love how easy it was, and that we hardly had leftovers to keep."
"This was sooo good," says Cindy Sassack. "The whole family loved it. We skipped the cloves, using brown sugar with pineapple slices instead. It was incredibly moist."
Editorial contributions by Corey Williams
Ingredients
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1 (12-pound) bone-in ham, rump portion
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½ cup whole cloves
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1 cup packed brown sugar
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4 cups water, or as needed
Directions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place ham in a large roasting pan; press cloves into the top at 1- to 2-inch intervals.
![Ham in baking pan with cloves pressed into it]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Pack the top with a layer of brown sugar.
![Ham in baking pan covered with brown sugar]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Pour enough water into the bottom of the roasting pan to come to a 1-inch depth; cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.
![Ham in baking pan, half of the pan covered with aluminium foil]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Bake in the preheated oven for 4 ½ to 5 hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center, making sure it is not touching the bone, should read at least 160 degrees F (72 degrees C).
![Baked ham in roasting pan, with juices and drippings at the bottom of the pan]()
Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
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Let ham rest for about 20 minutes before carving.
![high angle looking at baked ham with some slices cut]()
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Recipe Tip
If using a pre-cooked ham, follow the directions on the package for baking times.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| 635 | Calories |
| 40g | Fat |
| 14g | Carbs |
| 52g | Protein |
| Nutrition Facts | |
|---|---|
| Servings Per Recipe 18 | |
| Calories 635 | |
| % Daily Value * | |
| Total Fat 40g | 52% |
| Saturated Fat 14g | 72% |
| Cholesterol 148mg | 49% |
| Sodium 2848mg | 124% |
| Total Carbohydrate 14g | 5% |
| Dietary Fiber 1g | 3% |
| Total Sugars 12g | |
| Protein 52g | 103% |
| Calcium 44mg | 3% |
| Iron 2mg | 13% |
| Potassium 700mg | 15% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
