If you want to know how long to bake ham in oven at 350, the short answer is simple. A whole ham at 350 degrees typically needs about 18 to 20 minutes per pound to heat through properly. That means a 10-pound ham usually takes around 3 hours to reach a safe serving temperature.
This guide breaks down the exact times for different ham sizes and types. You will also learn how to keep your ham juicy instead of dry.
How Long To Bake Ham In Oven At 350
The bake time depends on the weight of your ham and whether it is fully cooked, partially cooked, or fresh. Most hams sold in stores are fully cooked and only need reheating. Fresh or raw hams need longer and must reach a higher internal temperature.
Time Chart By Weight For Fully Cooked Ham
Use this chart as your starting point. Always confirm doneness with a meat thermometer.
- 5 pounds: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes
- 7 pounds: 2 hours 5 minutes to 2 hours 20 minutes
- 8 pounds: 2 hours 25 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes
- 10 pounds: 3 hours to 3 hours 20 minutes
- 12 pounds: 3 hours 35 minutes to 4 hours
- 15 pounds: 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours
These times assume the ham goes into a preheated 350°F oven. They also assume you cover it with foil for most of the bake.
Time For Fresh Or Raw Ham
Raw ham needs more time and a higher final temperature. Bake it at 350°F for about 22 to 25 minutes per pound. The internal temperature must hit 145°F with a 3-minute rest, or 160°F if you prefer well done. A 10-pound raw ham can take 4 hours or more.
Time For Spiral Cut Ham
Spiral cut hams are fully cooked and already sliced. They dry out fast, so they need less time. Plan on 10 to 12 minutes per pound at 350°F. A 9-pound spiral ham is usually ready in 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes. Brush it with glaze during the last 20 minutes only.
What Temperature Should Ham Reach In The Oven
The safe internal temperature for fully cooked ham is 140°F. For raw ham, the USDA recommends 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest. Insert your thermometer into the thickest part, away from bone and fat.
If you skip the thermometer, you risk serving cold ham in the middle. You also risk drying out the outside while waiting for the center to warm.
Step By Step Instructions For Baking Ham At 350
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the rack in the lower middle position.
- Remove the ham from its packaging. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern if you plan to glaze it. Do not cut deep into the meat.
- Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water or broth to the bottom.
- Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This traps steam and keeps the meat moist.
- Bake for the estimated time based on weight. Start checking 20 minutes before the earliest time.
- Uncover and glaze during the last 20 to 30 minutes if you want a caramelized crust.
- Pull the ham when it hits 140°F for cooked ham or 145°F for raw ham.
- Rest the ham for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This lets the juices settle.
Tips To Keep Your Ham Moist And Tender
- Do not bake ham uncovered the whole time. Foil is your best friend.
- Add liquid to the pan. Water, apple juice, or broth all work well.
- Baste every 30 minutes once you remove the foil.
- Let the ham rest before carving. Cutting too early loses juice.
- Use a meat thermometer instead of guessing. Every oven runs a little different.
- If your ham is small, check it early. A 4-pound ham can be done in 70 minutes.
Should You Cover Ham With Foil At 350
Yes, cover it for most of the bake. Foil keeps the heat even and stops the surface from drying out. Remove the foil near the end so the glaze can set.
Can You Bake Ham At 350 Uncovered
You can, but the outside will brown and dry faster. If you go uncovered, baste every 20 minutes and reduce the total time by about 10 percent. Watch it closely.
Common Mistakes When Baking Ham At 350
- Baking by time alone without checking temperature.
- Forgetting to preheat the oven fully.
- Using a pan that is too small, which blocks heat flow.
- Glazing too early, which burns the sugars.
- Slicing right away instead of resting the meat.
How To Reheat Leftover Ham
Leftover ham dries out quickly in the oven. Reheat slices at 325°F for 10 to 15 minutes with a splash of water and foil on top. You can also warm it in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or broth.
For larger pieces, wrap in foil and bake at 325°F for about 10 minutes per pound. Check often so it does not toughen.
Final Word On Baking Ham At 350
For most fully cooked hams, plan on 18 to 20 minutes per pound at 350°F. Spiral hams need only 10 to 12 minutes per pound. Raw ham needs 22 to 25 minutes per pound. Always verify with a thermometer and let the meat rest before you slice it.
Write down the weight and time you used. Next time you bake a ham, you will have your own proven numbers to rely on.