About 15-20 minutes per pound – this is how long to cook bone-in ham in an electric roaster for a juicy, fully-cooked ham. You’ll need a meat thermometer to hit the safe internal temperature of 140°F.
I love using my electric roaster for holiday hams. It frees up my oven and cooks the meat so evenly. The steady, moist heat is perfect for this job.
People often ask me for the best way to do it. The timing can seem tricky if you’ve never done it before.
I’ve tested this method many times for family dinners. This guide will walk you through every step, from prep to carving.
How Long to Cook Bone-In Ham in Electric Roaster: The Basic Rule
Let’s start with the simple rule of thumb. It’s easy to remember and works great.
For a fully-cooked, bone-in ham, plan for 15 to 20 minutes per pound. This is how long to cook bone-in ham in an electric roaster on a low setting.
Your ham’s size is the biggest factor. A 10-pound ham will take less time than a 15-pound one.
Always check the label on your ham first. Most hams you buy are already fully cooked.
You are just reheating it to serving temperature. This is key for getting the timing right.
I like to use the lower end of that time range. It keeps the ham from drying out.
Why an Electric Roaster is Perfect for Ham
An electric roaster is a fantastic tool for this job. It gives you results that are hard to beat.
The heat wraps around the ham evenly. You don’t get hot or cold spots like in some ovens.
The lid traps steam and moisture. This keeps your ham juicy all the way through.
It also frees up your main oven. You can bake your side dishes at the same time.
The temperature control is very steady. This is why the cook time is so reliable.
I find the roaster is less fuss than the oven. You set it and can mostly forget it.
Step-by-Step: Cooking Your Ham in the Roaster
First, take your ham out of the fridge. Let it sit out for about an hour before cooking.
This takes the chill off. It helps the ham heat more evenly in the roaster.
Place the rack in the bottom of your roaster. Add about two cups of water or broth.
The liquid creates steam. This steam is what keeps your ham from drying out.
Place the ham on the rack, cut side down. The flat side should be facing down for stability.
Put the lid on the roaster. Turn the temperature to 275°F to 300°F.
Now you start the clock. This is when you calculate how long to cook bone-in ham in an electric roaster.
Using a Meat Thermometer is Non-Negotiable
You must use a meat thermometer. Guessing is a sure way to ruin a good ham.
Insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat. Avoid touching the bone.
The bone is hotter than the meat. Touching it gives you a false reading.
For a fully-cooked ham, you want an internal temperature of 140°F. The USDA confirms this is the safe serving temperature.
The time per pound is just a guide. The thermometer tells you the real truth.
When it hits 140°F, your ham is done. This is the most important step in the whole process.
What If Your Ham is Not Fully Cooked?
Some hams are labeled “cook before eating.” This changes the game completely.
For these, you need to cook to a higher temperature. The safe internal temp is 160°F.
The cooking time will be longer too. Plan for 22 to 25 minutes per pound.
This is a key difference. Knowing your ham type is the first step to success.
Always read the packaging carefully. It will tell you exactly what you have.
The method for how long to cook bone-in ham in an electric roaster depends on this info.
The Best Temperature Setting for Your Roaster
I recommend a setting between 275°F and 300°F. This is the sweet spot.
Lower temperatures take too long. The ham can dry out over many hours.
Higher temperatures cook the outside too fast. The inside stays cold.
The steady, medium heat of the roaster works perfectly. It gently reheats the whole ham.
Don’t be tempted to crank it up to save time. Low and slow wins this race.
This temperature range is why the 15-20 minute per pound rule works so well.
Adding Flavor: Glazes and Liquids
You can add so much flavor during the cook. The roaster makes it easy.
Instead of plain water, use apple juice, cola, or broth in the bottom. The steam will carry the flavor.
Apply your glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. If you put it on too early, it will burn.
A simple brown sugar and mustard glaze is my favorite. It creates a delicious crust.
Score the ham fat in a diamond pattern first. This lets the glaze soak into the meat.
Basting a few times with the pan juices also helps. It adds another layer of moisture and taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake is not using a thermometer. Timing alone is not enough.
Another error is putting a cold ham straight in the roaster. Let it warm up a bit first.
Forgetting to add liquid to the bottom is bad. The ham will steam, not roast, without it.
Overcooking is easy if you just follow a clock. The ham gets dry and stringy.
Not letting the ham rest after cooking is a shame. The juices need time to settle back into the meat.
Carving it right away makes all the juices run out onto the board. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes covered with foil.
Resting and Carving Your Perfect Ham
When the thermometer hits 140°F, take the ham out. Place it on a big cutting board.
Tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes.
This rest period is magic. The juices redistribute throughout the meat.
To carve, place the ham flat side down. Find the bone and cut slices parallel to it.
Cut thin slices for serving. You’ll see how juicy each piece is.
Now you know exactly how long to cook bone-in ham in an electric roaster and how to finish it right.
Tips for a Juicy Ham Every Time
Choose a ham with some fat on the outside. The fat bastes the meat as it cooks.
Don’t remove the skin until after cooking. It protects the meat underneath.
If the ham seems dry, add more liquid to the roaster. You can use a baster to add juice over the top.
Leftover ham makes great sandwiches. Store it wrapped tightly in the fridge.
You can use the bone to make soup later. Split pea soup is a classic choice.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics notes that ham is a good source of protein. Cooking it well keeps it healthy and tasty.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to cook a 10 lb bone-in ham in an electric roaster?
For a 10-pound ham, plan for 2.5 to 3.5 hours. This follows the 15-20 minute per pound rule. Always check with a thermometer for 140°F inside.
Can I cook a frozen bone-in ham in the roaster?
I don’t recommend it. Thaw the ham in the fridge first. Cooking from frozen makes the outside overcook before the inside is safe. The FoodSafety.gov site has safe thawing guides.
What temperature should the roaster be set to?
Set your electric roaster to 275°F to 300°F. This is the ideal range for reheating a fully-cooked ham evenly without drying it out.
Do I need to add water to the electric roaster?
Yes, add about 2 cups of liquid. Use water, broth, or juice. This creates the moist steam that keeps your ham juicy during the long cook time.
How do I know when the ham is done?
Use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part, avoiding the bone. It should read 140°F for a fully-cooked ham. This is the only sure way to know.
How long to cook bone-in ham in electric roaster if it’s not pre-cooked?
For a “cook before eating” ham, cook to 160°F internal temperature. The time will be longer, about 22-25 minutes per pound. This is a key difference from a pre-cooked ham.
Conclusion
So, how long to cook bone-in ham in an electric roaster? The simple answer is 15-20 minutes per pound at 275°F.
Remember the three keys: know your ham type, use a thermometer, and let it rest. Your result will be a juicy, flavorful center for your meal.
The electric roaster is a reliable tool for this job. It takes the guesswork out of a big holiday cook. Now you have the confidence to do it perfectly every single time.