Yes, you can absolutely cook ham at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. This cooking technique is called “low and slow” and can produce exceptionally moist and tender results when cooking ham.
How Low and Slow Cooking Works
The basic principle behind low and slow cooking is that by using a lower temperature (typically 250-300°F) and cooking for a longer period of time (often many hours), the meat has time to break down collagen and connective tissues. This allows the meat to become incredibly tender and juicy.
Cooking at a low temperature also causes less moisture loss, keeping the ham nice and moist throughout the long cooking time. Higher temperatures can cause moisture to evaporate quickly and leave the meat dry.
Benefits of Low and Slow Ham
Here are some of the benefits of cooking ham low and slow:
- Very tender and moist meat
- Excellent flavor penetration into the meat
- Less shrinking and moisture loss
- Ability to cook very large cuts of meat evenly
- More forgiveness – small fluctuations in temperature have less impact
When ham is cooked low and slow, the connective tissues break down into gelatin, which keeps the meat juicy and adds richness. The ham ends up being very succulent and flavorful.
How Long to Cook Ham Low and Slow
The exact cooking time will depend on a few factors:
- Size and shape of the ham
- Cooking temperature (between 250-300°F is recommended)
- Whether the ham is bone-in or boneless
- How done you want the ham
Here are some general guidelines for low and slow ham cooking times:
| Ham Size | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| 4-6 lbs bone-in ham | 5-6 hours |
| 6-8 lbs bone-in ham | 6-8 hours |
| 8-12 lbs bone-in ham | 8-12 hours |
| 4-8 lb boneless ham | 4-8 hours |
A good way to tell when the ham is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Ham should be cooked to at least 140°F internally for food safety. For ultimate tenderness and moisture, cook until it reaches 195-205°F.
Tips for Cooking Ham Low and Slow
Follow these tips for the best results when cooking ham low and slow:
- Use a cooking thermometer to monitor temperature.
- Add juices/liquids like water, apple juice, or beer to the roasting pan.
- Baste the ham every 1-2 hours to keep the exterior moist.
- Let it rest 15-30 minutes before slicing for easier carving.
- Carve across the grain for more tender slices.
Oven Methods for Low and Slow Ham
There are two main methods for cooking ham low and slow in the oven:
1. Standard Oven
Use a cooking thermometer to set your oven at 250-300°F. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and cook for the recommended time based on size. Baste periodically with pan juices or glaze.
2. Smoker Oven
Set your smoker oven to 225-275°F and add your choice of wood chips/chunks for smoke flavor. Cook times are similar to standard oven. The smoke lends great flavor.
Other Low and Slow Cooking Methods
In addition to the oven, you can cook ham low and slow using other appliances:
Slow Cooker
Great for smaller boneless hams around 2-4 lbs. Cook on LOW for 7-8 hours.
Sous Vide
Cook 1-2 inch thick ham slices vacuum sealed in water around 145°F for 1-4 hours depending on thickness.
Smoker
Use an electric or charcoal smoker set to 225-275°F and smoke ham for 6-12 hours depending on size. Soaking wood chips provides nice smoke.
Flavoring Ideas
In addition to basting with pan juices, you can add flavor to low and slow ham by:
- Applying a glaze during the last hour of cooking
- Rubbing spices like brown sugar, pepper, rosemary under the skin
- Injecting liquid marinades into the meat
- Smoking with wood chips/chunks
Some classic ham glaze flavors are brown sugar, honey, mustard, pineapple, bourbon, and cloves.
Serving Suggestions
Low and slow ham makes a fantastic entree for gatherings and holidays. Here are some serving ideas:
- Sliced ham with pan juices
- Ham biscuits or sliders
- Diced ham in scrambled eggs or hash
- Ham with scalloped or au gratin potatoes
- Ham salad sandwiches
- Soup beans with ham bone
The naturally moist and tender meat after low/slow cooking lends itself well to so many uses. Get creative with leftovers too!
Conclusion
Cooking ham low and slow at 250-300°F for 5-12 hours delivers incredibly moist, tender and flavorful results. The technique allows time for connective tissues to break down and collagen to transform into luscious gelatin. Keep the ham moist by basting, glazing or injecting liquids. Slice across the grain for a tasty entree or use in versatile recipes. With proper cooking times, ham can absolutely be cooked low and slow with foolproof outcomes.