Large Roasting Pan For A 12-Lb Ham

When it comes to choosing the right roasting pan size for your 12-pound ham, it's important to consider the internal measurements of your oven. You'll want to select a pan that fits comfortably inside your oven while also accommodating the size of your ham. A small (14-inch) roasting pan is typically suitable for hams up to 12 pounds. This ensures even cooking and prevents the ham from drying out. Additionally, the height of the pan matters; aim for a pan with a height of around 3 inches to strike a balance between roasting and steaming.

Roasting pan size depends on oven size

When choosing a roasting pan, it's important to consider the size of your oven. Standard ovens are about 25–30 inches wide, but the actual internal measurements may be slightly smaller. If you have a smaller oven, you'll want to opt for a smaller roasting pan to ensure it fits comfortably.

The most common roasting pan sizes are 14 inches (small), 16 inches (medium), and 18 inches (large). A 14-inch pan is typically the smallest size available in home goods stores and is suitable for roasting smaller portions of food or for use in compact ovens. A 16-inch pan is a medium-sized option that can accommodate larger batches of food and is ideal for most home cooks. If you need to cook for larger crowds, an 18-inch pan is the way to go, but make sure your oven can accommodate it.

When selecting a roasting pan, it's crucial to consider not just the length but also the width, depth, and height of the pan, including the handles. You'll want to ensure there's enough room to easily slide the pan into the oven without bumping into the racks or sides. Additionally, consider the weight of the pan, especially when adding a heavy roast like a 12-pound ham. Choose a pan with sturdy, secure, and wide handles for better maneuverability.

To summarise, while the standard roasting pan sizes are 14, 16, and 18 inches, the right size for you depends on your oven's internal dimensions and your specific needs. Measure your oven carefully and choose a roasting pan that fits comfortably, allowing for proper airflow and cooking performance.

A 12-pound ham takes 4.5-5 hours to cook

When cooking a 12-pound ham, it is important to consider the size of your roasting pan. A roasting pan that is too big will cause the juices to burn, while a pan that is too small will result in constricted airflow and uneven cooking. A medium-sized pan is generally recommended as it offers the best of both worlds and can accommodate a wide range of dishes.

Now, let's talk about the cooking time. A 12-pound ham will take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours to cook in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This timing ensures that the ham reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the recommended safe temperature for consuming ham. It is always a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the ham, ensuring that it is not touching the bone.

During the cooking process, you can baste your ham with a delicious glaze to keep it moist and add flavour. A simple glaze can be made by mixing brown sugar, dijon mustard, and a liquid such as orange or pineapple juice. You can also experiment with other ingredients like rosemary or balsamic vinegar.

If you're short on oven space, consider using an electric roaster oven. This appliance is like having an extra oven, and it ensures that your ham stays moist. You can set the roaster oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and cook your ham for 12-15 minutes per pound. This method still yields juicy results and frees up your oven for side dishes.

Remember, these cooking times are approximate and may vary depending on your oven, the shape of your ham, and your desired level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham is cooked safely and to your desired doneness.

Use a disposable roasting pan

Using a disposable roasting pan is a convenient option if you don't want to deal with the cleanup afterward. It's also a good choice if you're short on storage space for larger roasting pans. Here are some tips for using a disposable roasting pan to cook your 12-pound ham:

Choosing the Right Disposable Pan:

Select a disposable roasting pan that is large enough to accommodate your 12-pound ham comfortably. Look for a pan with dimensions such as 13x11x2.5 inches or larger. Make sure it has a capacity that can handle the weight of the ham and any juices that will be released during cooking.

Preparing the Ham:

Before placing the ham in the disposable pan, remove it from its packaging and pour out any package juices. You can follow the traditional method of studding the ham with cloves and packing it with brown sugar, or opt for a simpler approach. Some recipes suggest brushing the ham with a glaze before cooking, while others recommend applying the glaze toward the end of the cooking process.

Cooking the Ham:

Place the disposable pan on a rack in the roasting pan. Do not add any liquid to the pan, as this will braise the ham instead of roasting it. Cover the ham and cook it in the oven at a temperature between 250-350 degrees Fahrenheit. The cooking time will depend on the weight of your ham, typically taking 12-15 minutes per pound. For a 12-pound ham, you can expect a cooking time of around 2 to 3 hours.

Optional Broiling:

Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature (140-145 degrees Fahrenheit), remove it from the oven and let it rest. For a crispy, golden finish, place the disposable pan on the middle rack of your oven and broil the ham for 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn't burn. Alternatively, use a food torch to carefully caramelize the edges.

Storage and Leftovers:

Disposable roasting pans are not meant for long-term storage. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze leftover ham slices in an airtight container for 2-3 months.

Wrap the ham in foil

Wrapping your ham in foil is a great way to prevent it from drying out during the cooking process.

First, lightly wrap the ham in foil so that it is barely touching or not touching the meat at all. This will help seal in moisture. Place the wrapped ham in the roasting pan, cut side down, so that the slices don't flop apart and dry out.

If you are using a glaze, you can apply it about 15 minutes before the ham is fully reheated. Remove the ham from the oven and take off the foil. Apply the glaze to the ham and return it to the oven, uncovered, for 5-10 minutes or until the glaze is golden and crispy.

If you are not using a glaze, you can leave the ham wrapped in foil for the duration of the cooking process. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the ham is cooked through, as it can be tricky to eyeball. A ready-to-eat ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Let the ham rest for at least 3 minutes and up to 20 minutes before carving and serving.

Apply glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking

A 12-pound ham will need to be cooked for about 4.5 to 5 hours in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The ham is done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center (not touching the bone) reads at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Now, for the fun part: glazing! Glazing a ham is what will give it that extra flavor and texture and make it shine as the centerpiece of your holiday table.

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

You can use a store-bought glaze or make your own. A simple glaze can be made by combining light or dark brown sugar, fruit preserves, or marmalade with other ingredients such as mustard or fruit juices. For a 12-pound ham, you will need at least 1 cup of glaze.

Step 2: Remove the Ham from the Oven

About 30 minutes before your ham is done cooking, take it out of the oven. Place the roasting pan on a cooling rack and close the oven door to retain the heat.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze

Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the ham with the glaze. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies of the ham for even coverage. If you are using pineapple slices and cherries as a garnish, apply them to the ham now. You can use cloves or toothpicks to secure the garnishes.

Step 4: Return the Ham to the Oven

Put the glazed ham back into the oven and continue baking until it reaches the desired internal temperature of 140-160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the ham has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20 minutes before carving. You can also broil the ham for a few minutes until the glaze is golden and crispy, or use a food torch to caramelize the edges. Serve the ham with additional glaze on the side for extra flavor.

And that's it! You now have a delicious, gleaming ham that is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy!

Frequently asked questions