How You Can Cook Ham in a Roaster Pan
You can cook ham in a roaster pan by first choosing a fully cooked ham and preheating the roaster to 275°F. Using a roaster pan is a great way to evenly cook your ham while keeping it moist and flavorful.
Place the ham on a rack inside the roaster pan. Add a bit of liquid like broth or pineapple juice to the bottom of the pan for added moisture. Cover the ham tightly with foil to lock in heat and moisture.
Cook the ham for about 12-15 minutes per pound, checking the internal temperature to reach around 140°F. Toward the end of cooking, apply a glaze and allow it to caramelize on the surface for great flavor.
Keep following for tips on perfect glazing and serving your delicious roaster-cooked ham.
How to Pick and Prep Your Ham for the Roaster Oven
When selecting a ham for your roaster oven, choose a fully cooked, bone-in or spiral-cut variety labeled “ready to heat” to guarantee the best results. To prep ham properly, weigh it first to calculate the cooking time—generally 12-15 minutes per pound at 275°F.
For moisture retention, wrap the ham tightly in foil or place it in the roaster with pineapple juice or broth. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 120°F before applying your ham glaze or serving.
Spiral-cut hams heat evenly, making them an excellent choice for even cooking. After cooking, let your ham rest 10-15 minutes so the juices redistribute, giving you a tender, flavorful result every time.
Getting Your Roaster Oven Ready: Temperature, Liquids, and Seasonings
Before placing your ham in the roaster oven, preheat it to 275°F to guarantee even cooking throughout. This steady temperature ensures your ham cooks consistently and thoroughly.
Next, pour at least 1/4 inch of liquids—like pineapple juice, broth, or water—into the pan’s bottom to maintain moisture during cooking. Season your ham generously with flavor-enhancing spices such as garlic, onion, cinnamon, or smoked paprika before placing it inside.
Use a wire rack to elevate the ham within the roaster oven; this promotes heat circulation and keeps the bottom from getting soggy. Keep the lid securely on during cooking to trap moisture and create a juicy ham.
You’ll remove the lid later to finish with a beautifully caramelized crust that locks in rich flavor.
Cook the Ham: Step-by-Step Roaster Oven Instructions
Now that your roaster oven is preheated and your ham is seasoned and positioned on the rack with liquids in the pan, you’re ready to start cooking. Wrap the fully cooked ham tightly in foil wrap, place it on the rack, and insert a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
Set your electric roaster to 275°F and cook the ham about 12-15 minutes per pound. Check regularly after the first hour. When the internal temperature hits 140°F, the ham is ready to keep warm or glaze.
| Step | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 275°F initial, then glaze |
| Time per Pound | 12-15 minutes |
| Target Temp | 140°F internal temperature |
Make and Apply a Flavorful Glaze in Your Roaster Oven
Although your ham is cooked through, adding a flavorful glaze will elevate its taste and appearance. To make the glaze, puree canned pineapple with its juice, then transfer to a saucepan. Add brown sugar, cornstarch, butter, and spicy brown mustard, stirring while bringing it to a low boil.
Let the glaze simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes until thickened to an applesauce-like consistency. In your roaster oven, spread the glaze evenly over the ham’s surface, then brush it on generously. Reapply the glaze multiple times during the glazing process.
Finally, set the roaster oven to a high temperature of 425°F, remove the foil, and caramelize the glaze for 15-20 minutes. This creates a rich, sticky coating that beautifully browns the ham.
Serve, Store, and Use Leftover Roaster Ham
Once your ham has rested for 15 to 20 minutes, you’ll find it easier to slice while keeping the meat juicy and tender. To handle your cooked ham leftovers effectively, follow these tips:
- Store leftover ham in airtight containers or wrap tightly with foil wrap before refrigeration; this keeps it fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freeze sliced ham in heavy-duty freezer bags, labeled with the date, to extend its shelf life for up to 6 months.
- When ready to eat, reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 140°F using the oven, microwave, or crockpot to ensure safety and flavor.
Use your sliced ham in leftover recipes like casseroles, sandwiches, or soups to enjoy every bit without waste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long to Cook a Ham in a Roaster Pan?
You should cook your ham in a roaster pan for about 12 to 15 minutes per pound at 275°F.
Use a meat thermometer to make certain it reaches 140°F for safe, perfectly heated ham every time.
Do You Put Water in a Roaster When Cooking a Ham?
Yes, you should add about 1/4 to 1/2 inch of water to your roaster when cooking ham. This keeps the ham juicy and prevents drying out, ensuring even heat and delicious results every time.
Adding water creates steam during cooking, which helps maintain moisture inside the ham. It also makes cleanup easier by preventing drippings from burning at the bottom of the roaster.
How to Use a Roasting Pan for Ham?
You place the ham on a rack inside the roasting pan, add a bit of liquid at the bottom to keep it moist, and cover loosely with foil.
Roast until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, checking with a thermometer.
Can You Make a Spiral Ham in a Roaster?
You can’t exactly make a spiral ham from scratch in a roaster, but you can reheat a pre-cut spiral ham perfectly there.
Just keep it moist and warm it slowly to keep those slices intact.
Conclusion
Cooking ham in a roaster pan turns a simple meal into a showstopper. While the ham slowly roasts, filling your kitchen with rich aromas, you’re free to relax or prep sides without the stress of constant oven checks.
The contrast between the ease of cooking and the impressive result makes this method a game-changer. So, grab your roaster pan and enjoy a delicious, hands-off feast that feels both effortless and extraordinary.
Using a roaster pan to cook ham ensures even heat distribution and helps retain moisture, making your ham tender and flavorful. This approach allows you to create a memorable meal with minimal effort, showcasing how you can cook ham in a roaster pan to perfection.
