The Proper Internal Temperature For Bone-In Ham

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, bone-in ham 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 Bone-In Ham?

The right internal temperature for bone-in ham is 145°F (62.8°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 Bone-In Ham To The Right Internal Temperature

The best way to ensure that bone-in ham 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 325°F (162.8°C) for 30 to 35 min/lb.

It is also important to keep in mind that the internal temperature of bone-in ham will continue to rise after it is removed from the heat source. Therefore, it is important to remove the bone-in ham from the heat source when the thermometer reads 145°F (62.8°C). This will ensure that the bone-in ham 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.

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

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

-Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
-Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan.
-Score the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.
-Insert cloves into the scores.
-Bake the ham for 18-22 minutes per pound.
-About 30 minutes before the ham is done, brush on a glaze made with brown sugar, honey, and mustard.
-Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Bone-In Ham Recipes

Recipe 1. Ham and Lentil Soup

Ingredients:

1 pound dried lentils
1 large onion, chopped
3 carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 ham bone
8 cups chicken or beef broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Rinse the lentils and pick out any stones or debris.

2. In a large soup pot, combine the lentils, onion, carrots, celery, ham bone, and broth.

3. Bring to a simmer and cook for about an hour, or until the lentils are soft.

4. Remove the ham bone and shred the meat, discarding any bones or fat.

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5. Stir the meat back into the soup and season with thyme, salt, and pepper.

6. Serve hot with some crusty bread.

Recipe 2. Ham and Potato Casserole

Ingredients:

1 pound diced ham
1 pound diced potatoes
1 onion, chopped
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. In a large casserole dish, combine the ham, potatoes, onion, and soup.

3. Stir in the cheese and milk, and season with salt and pepper.

4. Bake for about 30 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

5. Serve hot.

Sources

1. Hams and Food Safety | Food Safety and Inspection Service. (n.d.-b). https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/hams-and-food-safety#:~:text=Cook%2Dbefore%2Deating%20hams%20or,be%20safely%20cooked%20before%20serving.