How to Cook Ham in a Roaster Oven (Best Glazed Ham!) (2024)

Why use an electric roaster oven?

• You should use an electric roaster because it frees up your oven space. In a way it’s like having a second (or third) oven.
• The ham stays moist. It's better than baking it in the oven or cooking it on the stove.
• It takes very little hands-on time for a fantastic result.
• The cooking process is so EASY! Plus, no need to wrap the ham in aluminum foil first.
• The cost is half (or less) than the name brand.

Ingredients

• Ham: Spiral cut hams are the easiest to cook and serve. However this method will work for any pre-cooked ham. If you haven’t chosen a ham before see the notes below on how to choose a spiral-cut ham.
• Glaze: If your ham comes with a sweet glaze packet, feel free to use it or make your own glaze. This easy Pineapple Glaze for Ham (made with pineapple juice) takes only 10 minutes and is perfectly spiced with pineapple and brown sugar for deep flavor. We think it's better than Honey Baked Ham!

*Note: This recipe only requires two ingredients, but you will also need a disposable large roasting pan. I use a half size steam tray. Its dimensions are 13x11x2.5 inches.

How to choose a spiral sliced ham

Spiral sliced hams, also known as a city ham, come in various sized but are usually precooked with a bit of smoke for a delicious flavor. The only downside to spiral hams is that if they are not warmed correctly they will dry out. But no worries! We will help make sure that doesn’t happen.

The best way to ensure a delicious ham is to start with a quality product from the grocery store. I have always had luck with Sam's or Costco brand bone-in hams. No matter where you purchase it, look for a product that says "with natural juices" for the best flavor and consistency.

While this cooking method can be used on different types of ham, it is only for a ham that says "fully cooked." This method is not for a fresh ham or uncooked ham.

How to cook ham in a roaster

The best way to keep a ham moist, yet flavorful, is to cover it in a glaze and cook it in a roaster pan.Some might say a slow cooker is an option, but a spiral ham doesn't fit well into a slow cooker.

First, make sure your roaster oven is large enough. I have a 20 quart Oster electric roaster oven. It is perfect for this. Any size of a roaster oven will work, as long as it is big enough to fit the ham in without the ham touching the sides.

Next, set the rack that comes with the roaster oven in the bottom of the roasting pan. Do not add any liquid. If too much liquid is added it will braise the ham instead of roasting it.

Remove the spiral cut ham from the packaging and pour package juices out. Then, spray the disposable pan with cooking spray. Place the whole ham, either on the flatter side or the "face end" down, in the bottom of the disposable pan.In this picture we have the flatter side of the ham down, leaving the face exposed.

Brush the entire ham with half of the glaze. Gently separate the slices and allow the glaze to drip down in between. If you pull the pieces apart too far they won't have that tight spiral ham look.

Insert pan on the rack in the roaster. Set the roaster to 250º and cook the ham covered for a cooking time of 12-15 minutes per pound, or until ham reaches an internal temperature 140-145 degrees. The best way to test this is with a probe-style thermometer (like this digital meat thermometer) in the thickest part of the ham.

Once the ham is warmed through, pour off any accumulated juices. Brush the outer layer of the top of the ham with the remaining ham glaze. Then place ham back in the roaster, cover, turn off, and let the ham rest for 20 minutes.

Optional but recommended: Place disposable pan on the middle rack of a conventional oven (be sure to support the bottom) and broil the hame until golden and crispy like a honey baked ham. Alternatively, if you have a food torch carefully use it to caramelize the edges of the ham.

Prep ahead instructions

During the holiday season, special occasions, or even a big Sunday Dinner, the best thing a person can do is prep ahead. When making a ham, the glaze can be made ahead of time and the ham can be stored ready to go in a disposable roasting pan in the refrigerator overnight. Then just add the glaze and cook on the day of serving.

Storage and freezing

Roaster cooked ham will stay fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can freeze leftover ham slices in an airtight container for 2-3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.

Electric roaster ham leftovers make great sandwiches, sliders, breakfast egg casserole, or even soup!

Questions and answers

Tips & tricks

• Use a great tasting glaze. We recommend this Pineapple Glaze for Ham.
• Cover the surface of the ham with glaze, all the way to the bottom and across the front.
• Definitely broil the ham at the end for best results!

What to serve with roaster oven ham

• This Smoked Turkey Brine is the best way to make a moist turkey breast!
• These Dinner Rolls with Herbs are the quickest way to make stellar, fresh-baked rolls.
• This Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut is the perfect way to end your ham dinner.
• These Green Beans with Bacon and Onions show up at all our holiday dinners.