The Proper Internal Temperature For Ham Roast

Ah, the sizzle of a perfectly seared steak, the juicy tenderness of a succulent chicken breast, or the mouthwatering aroma of a slow-roasted pork shoulder – there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of a well-cooked piece of meat.

But as any seasoned chef will tell you, achieving that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and safety is all about cooking meat to the correct internal temperature. Like any other meat, ham roast has to be cooked to the proper temperature in order to be both delicious and safe to eat.

What Is The Right Internal Temperature For Ham Roast?

The right internal temperature for ham roast is 140°F (60°C). The temperature should be taken with a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. It is important to note that the temperature should be taken in the center of the meat, not the edges.

How To Cook Ham Roast To The Right Internal Temperature

The best way to ensure that ham roast is cooked to the right internal temperature is to use a thermometer. However, a typical method would be to cook it at a temperature of 400°F (204.4°C) for 5 minutes per pound.

It is also important to keep in mind that the internal temperature of ham roast will continue to rise after it is removed from the heat source. Therefore, it is important to remove the ham roast from the heat source when the thermometer reads 140°F (60°C). This will ensure that the ham roast is cooked to the right internal temperature.

Why Is Internal Temperature Important?

Cooking food to the right internal temperature is essential for food safety. Bacteria can cause foodborne illness when food is not cooked to the right temperature.

Ham Roast is particularly susceptible to foodborne illness because it can contain higher levels of bacteria than other meats. Therefore, it is important to ensure that ham roast is cooked to the right internal temperature in order to avoid foodborne illness.

When Cooking Ham Roast, It Is Important To Keep The Following Tips In Mind:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and rack in the middle position.
2. Line a pan or dish with parchment paper and set the ham on top.
3. Cut several shallow slits into the top of the ham.
4. Rub the outside of the ham with your chosen glaze.
5. Bake ham for 30 minutes.
6. Remove ham from oven, baste with pan juices and apply more glaze.
7. Bake ham for another 30 minutes.
8. Remove ham from oven, rest for 10 to 20 minutes and serve.

Ham Roast Recipes

Creamy Potato and Ham Soup

Ingredients:

1 large ham roast
1 onion, chopped
3 ribs celery, chopped
3 large carrots, peeled and chopped
8 cups chicken broth
2 lbs. potatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place the ham roast in a large soup pot. Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots.

2. Pour in the chicken broth and enough water to cover the ingredients. Bring to a boil.

3. Reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, until the ham roast is cooked through.

4. Remove the ham roast from the pot and allow to cool. Once cooled, chop into small pieces and set aside.

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5. Add the potatoes to the soup pot and continue to simmer until tender.

6. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

7. Add the chopped ham and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.

Ham and Gruyere Quiche

Ingredients:

1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
1/2 lb. ham, diced
1/2 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Place the pie crust in a 9-inch pie dish.

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.

4. Pour the egg mixture into the pie crust.

5. Top with the diced ham and shredded Gruyere cheese.

6. Bake for 40-50 minutes, until the quiche is golden brown and set. Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Sources

1. Food Safety.Gov (n.d) Ham Cooking Chart https://www.foodsafety.gov/print/pdf/node/13?id=ham-cooking#:~:text=30%20to%2035%20min%2Flb.,-Shoulder%20roll%20(butt&text=Reheat%20cooked%20hams%20packaged%20in,in%2010%20to%2014%20lbs.
2. Food Network UK. (2022b, November 15). Recipes. Food Network UK. https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/classic-glazed-ham-recipe-1973619#:~:text=Put%20the%20ham%2C%20flat%2Dside,about%2015%20minutes%20per%20pound).