How Do You Cook a Pit Ham?

A pit ham has been internally trimmed to remove the bone and much of the fat, while leaving the marbling for flavor. Virginia Ham with Peach Relish. Photo: Lance Mellenbruch.

How Do You Cook a Pit Ham?

Ask the Chef

How Do You Cook a Pit Ham?

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Question: I have a 9 and1/2 pound Pit Ham. I can’t find any recipe that tells how to cook it. What is a Pit Ham? How long does it have to cook? Thank you.

Answer: A pit ham has been internally trimmed to remove the bone and much of the fat, while leaving the marbling for flavor.

Please note that these directions are for a Fully Cooked Pit Ham.
Farmland Hams, for example, are fully cooked and may be served cold. If you would like to serve the ham warm and/or glazed, follow the directions below:

Heat oven to 325ºF. Place ham in baking dish with 1/2 cup water. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake at 325ºF for approximately 20 to 30 minutes per pound until warm. Serve ham now or glaze as follows: Remove foil from ham. Brush or spoon desired glaze over ham. Bake, uncovered, at 325ºF for 10 minutes.

If your ham is not a Fully Cooked Pit Ham, then heat your ham to an internal temperature of 160ºF, which typically requires cooking it for 30 minutes per pound at 350ºF.

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