How to Perfectly Bake a Fully Cooked Semi-Boneless Ham

A fully cooked semi-boneless ham is a versatile and flavorful option for your dinner table. Its partial bone-in structure offers added juiciness and easier carving, making it ideal for special occasions or everyday meals. Follow these simple steps to bake a semi-boneless ham to perfection and make the most of its rich flavor.

What Is a Semi-Boneless Ham?

Semi-boneless hams retain the leg bone but have the hip and shank bones removed, simplifying carving while preserving juiciness. Most semi-boneless hams available in stores are precooked, meaning they only need to be reheated to an internal temperature of 140°F before serving, according to the USDA.

Essential Ingredients and Tools

To bake your ham, you’ll need the following:

• Ham: Fully cooked, semi-boneless ham

• Roasting pan or Dutch oven

• Chopped mirepoix (optional): Carrots, celery, and onions

• Liquid: Water, stock, soda, or beer

• Aluminum foil

• Meat thermometer

• Glaze ingredients (optional)

• Basting brush and carving knife

Step-by-Step Baking Instructions

1. Bring Ham to Room Temperature
Take your ham out of the refrigerator about an hour before baking. This ensures even reheating throughout.

2. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F.

3. Prepare the Ham
Place the ham in a large roasting pan or Dutch oven. If the ham has a fat layer, score it with a small, sharp knife in a diamond pattern to allow flavors to penetrate.

Tip: For added flavor, position the ham atop a bed of mirepoix—chopped carrots, celery, and onions. This elevates the ham, preventing it from soaking in liquid, while infusing it with a subtle aroma.

4. Add Liquid
Pour your chosen liquid into the bottom of the pan until it’s about 1/4 inch deep. Options include:

• Chicken or pork stock

• Dark beer

• Soda (e.g., root beer or ginger ale)

5. Cover the Ham
Loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil, leaving room for steam to escape.

6. Bake the Ham
Place the ham in the oven and bake for 18–22 minutes per pound. For example, a 5-pound ham will take about 90–110 minutes.

7. Prepare a Glaze (Optional)
A glaze can enhance the flavor of your ham. Here are two easy options:

• Rum and Cola Glaze: Combine equal parts dark spiced rum and Coca-Cola with cherry spreadable fruit, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes, then cool.

• Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze: Mix brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices like paprika and garlic powder. Simmer with a liquid like water or soda for 10 minutes.

8. Glaze the Ham (Optional)
In the last hour of baking, remove the foil and apply your glaze with a basting brush every 15 minutes.

Tip: Avoid basting with the drippings at the bottom of the pan—they may make the ham overly salty.

9. Rest and Serve
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for 20 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute. Transfer to a serving platter, carve, and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Ham Leftovers

Baked ham leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving. Use them in sandwiches, soups, or casseroles to enjoy their smoky flavor in multiple meals.

From its juicy texture to its ease of preparation, a semi-boneless ham is an excellent choice for a flavorful centerpiece. With proper baking and optional glazing, your ham can become a meal to remember.

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