Cooking Ham in a Roaster oven is the best way to prepare your holiday ham! The sticky glaze adds crazy good flavor and keeps the ham moist - no dry ham here! Plus it leaves the oven free for all those delicious side dishes.
This recipe is the biggest hit at all of our favorite holidays all year long. For more recipes to add to your menu, check out our full collection of Thanksgiving Recipes!
Luckily, this Ham in a Roaster recipe is less than half the cost of a Honey Baked Ham and solves problems that arise when making a ham for a special occasion or holiday meal (it's one of our top Easter Recipes). We have tested, perfected, and used this method many times with great success!
Don't stop with the ham, also cook turkey breast in a roaster oven for a juicy bird that leaves the oven free! Try loading up the oven with these make-ahead scalloped potatoes, this twice baked potato casserole, or these easy buttery dinner rolls.
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Why use an electric roaster oven?
- You should use an electric roaster because it frees up your oven space. In a way it's like having a second (or third) oven.
- The ham stays moist. It's better than baking it in the oven or cooking it on the stove.
- It takes very little hands-on time for a fantastic result.
- The cooking process is so EASY! Plus, no need to wrap the ham in aluminum foil first.
- The cost is half (or less) than the name brand.
"I made this ham for Easter, the best ham I have ever made. Moist and flavor beyond my expectations. Everyone enjoyed and the leftovers are just as good. Will make again."
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Glennie
Ingredients for ham in a roaster
- Ham: Spiral cut hams are the easiest to cook and serve. However this method will work for any pre-cooked ham. If you haven't chosen a ham before see the notes below on how to choose a spiral-cut ham.
- Glaze: If your ham comes with a sweet glaze packet, feel free to use it or make your own glaze. This easy Pineapple Glaze for Ham (made with pineapple juice) takes only 10 minutes and is perfectly spiced with pineapple and brown sugar for deep flavor. We think it's better than Honey Baked Ham! Or this 3-Ingredient Ham Glaze if you want something super easy.
*Note: This recipe only requires two ingredients, but you will also need a disposable large roasting pan. I use a half size steam tray. Its dimensions are 13x11x2.5 inches.
Helpful kitchen tools
How to choose a spiral sliced ham
Spiral sliced hams, also known as a city ham, come in various sized but are usually precooked with a bit of smoke for a delicious flavor. The only downside to spiral hams is that if they are not warmed correctly they will dry out. But no worries! We will help make sure that doesn't happen.
The best way to ensure a delicious ham is to start with a quality product from the grocery store. I have always had luck with Sam's or Costco brand bone-in hams. No matter where you purchase it, look for a product that says "with natural juices" for the best flavor and consistency.
While this cooking method can be used on different types of ham, it is only for a ham that says "fully cooked." This method is not for a fresh ham or uncooked ham.
How to cook ham in a roaster
The best way to keep a ham moist, yet flavorful, is to cover it in a glaze and cook it in a roaster pan. Some might say a slow cooker is an option, but a spiral ham doesn't fit well into a slow cooker.
First, make sure your roaster oven is large enough. I have a 20 quart Oster electric roaster oven. It is perfect for this. Any size of a roaster oven will work, as long as it is big enough to fit the ham in without the ham touching the sides.
Next, set the rack that comes with the roaster oven in the bottom of the roasting pan. Do not add any liquid. If too much liquid is added it will braise the ham instead of roasting it.
Remove the spiral cut ham from the packaging and pour package juices out. Then, spray the disposable pan with cooking spray. Place the whole ham, either on the flatter side or the "face end" down, in the bottom of the disposable pan. In this picture we have the flatter side of the ham down, leaving the face exposed.
Brush the entire ham with half of the glaze. Gently separate the slices and allow the glaze to drip down in between. If you pull the pieces apart too far they won't have that tight spiral ham look.
Insert pan on the rack in the roaster. Set the roaster to 250º and cook the ham covered for a cooking time of 12-15 minutes per pound, or until ham reaches an internal temperature 140-145 degrees. The best way to test this is with a probe-style thermometer (like this digital meat thermometer) in the thickest part of the ham.
Once the ham is warmed through, pour off any accumulated juices. Brush the outer layer of the top of the ham with the remaining ham glaze. Then place ham back in the roaster, cover, turn off, and let the ham rest for 20 minutes.
Optional but recommended: Place disposable pan on the middle rack of a conventional oven (be sure to support the bottom) and broil the ham until golden and crispy like a honey baked ham. Alternatively, if you have a food torch carefully use it to caramelize the edges of the ham.
Prep ahead instructions
During the holiday season, special occasions, or even a big Sunday Dinner, the best thing a person can do is prep ahead. When making a ham, the glaze can be made ahead of time and the ham can be stored ready to go in a disposable roasting pan in the refrigerator overnight. Then just add the glaze and cook on the day of serving.
Storage and freezing
Roaster cooked ham will stay fresh for 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. You can freeze leftover ham slices in an airtight container for 2-3 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge.
Electric roaster ham leftovers make great sandwiches, sliders, breakfast egg casserole, or even soup!
FAQs
To keep your ham moist when reheating, the key is to heat it slowly in a moist environment. Keep the lid on during cooking to maintain the moisture.
You should cook a spiral ham in a roaster oven at 250ºF. According to the USDA, the safe internal temperature for a fully cooked ham is 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit.
A ham needs to be cooked for 12-15 minutes per pound at 250°F. So for a 10-pound ham that is approximately 2-2.5 hours. A 15-pound ham will take 3-4 hours.
You do not need to put liquid in the bottom of the roaster when cooking. However, a small amount of liquid will accumulate in the disposable pan while the ham is cooking, allowing for a moist heat that helps keep the ham juicy.
In general ⅓ to ½ pound per person is enough. However, If you are serving more than one main course or a ton of side dishes then you can probably get away with a little less. Keep in mind that you should account for the bone if you're serving a bone-in ham.
Even though the type of ham we usually choose is spiral, a boneless ham can be cooked in a roaster, but it is cooked a little differently. Slice the ham and glaze each piece. Layer those pieces in the disposable pan and bake until warmed through. The cook time will depend on the size of the ham.
As a note - We have not cooked a country ham in a roaster before.
Tips & tricks
- Use a great tasting glaze. We recommend this Ham Glaze with pineapple.
- Cover the surface of the ham with glaze, all the way to the bottom and across the front.
- Definitely broil the ham at the end for best results!
More recipes
- This Smoked Turkey Brine is the best way to make a moist turkey breast!
- These Dinner Rolls with Herbs are the quickest way to make stellar, fresh-baked rolls.
- This Carrot Cake with Pineapple and Coconut is the perfect way to end your ham dinner.
- These Green Beans with Bacon and Onions show up at all our holiday dinners.
- Easy Mashed Sweet Potatoes Recipe
- Cranberry Sauce with Grand Marnier for a pop of color!
- Duchess Potatoes Casserole is a make-ahead wonder!
- Lemon Scones Recipe
- Lemon Glaze
- Rum Ham Glaze Recipe
- Molten Lava Cake
- Red Mashed Potatoes
- Monkey Bread with Rhodes Rolls
- Breakfast Skillet
Recipe
How to Cook Ham in a Roaster Oven (Best Glazed Ham!)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 spiral sliced ham (pre-cooked)
- 1 recipe ham glaze homemade or packet
Instructions
- Spray disposable pan with cooking spray. Add ham, flat side or face down. I find it easier to get flavor throughout if it is set on the flatter side, still leaving the face exposed. See pictures in post.1 spiral sliced ham
- Brush the entire outside of the ham with half of the glaze. Gently let it drip in between the slices. Don't pull the slices apart too far or it won't have the tight spiral look.1 recipe ham glaze
- Set the rack that comes with the roaster in the bottom of the roaster. Set the disposable pan on it. Cover with the lid then set the roaster to 250°. Cook covered for 12-15 minutes per pound until warmed through to an internal temperature at 140-145°.
- Once warm, pour off any accumulated juices. Then brush with remaining glaze, turn off the roaster, and allow to sit for 20 minutes, covered.
- Optional, but recommended: Place disposable pan in the oven (carefully support the bottom of the pan) on the middle rack and broil the ham for 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy like a honey baked ham. Watch it carefully to be sure it doesn't burn. In order to caramelize evenly the ham needs to be rotated and moved side to side every minute or two. Alternatively, use a food torch to caramelize all the edges. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use a great tasting glaze. We recommend this Pineapple Glaze for Ham.
- Cover the surface of the ham with glaze, all the way to the bottom and across the front.
- Definitely broil the ham at the end for best results!
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
All nutrition information is provided by a third party and is an estimate only. Use your own nutritional calculator for more specific measurements.
Leslie Zerilli says
For both recipes: Best Pineapple Glaze for Ham and for Best Glazed Ham in a Roaster…. 5 Stars for Sure!
I have never used my electric roaster to cook a ham before, so I was a bit anxious since I was hosting Christmas dinner. I have only 1 oven and needed that for casseroles, etc… I used the tip to put the ham in the broiler the last 5-10 minutes to crisp the glaze and it worked like a charm.
The recipe for the Glaze was THE BEST glaze I ever made, everybody commented on how good it tasted! (I left the mustard out because my husband and his family hate mustard with a passion, so I added a couple of Tbsps of raw honey) it was amazing. This is my new Go To for a precooked, spiral sliced, bone in ham.
One more thing, I forgot to buy a disposable foil pan, so I used a smaller regular pan with handles, it worked and didn’t hurt the roaster, but I did have to turn the temperature up to about 300-325 ( my ham was 9lbs). Cleaned up easy, hope you try these recipes. Enjoy! 😋
Misty says
Glad you liked it! Thanks for sharing.
Phyllis says
I do not see my comment so I am trying again to give my experience with this ham as well as the ham glaze recipe in my Oster roaster
FABULOUS! I’ve been cooking Thanksgiving dinner for family and friends for 59 years. Yep, I’m an oldster. And I’m an experienced Oldster and my comment is, This is the best and most successful way I’ve ever cooked a ham. And the glaze is the best I’ve ever made. Congratulations girls and thanks for sharing this.
Danielle says
Yay! So happy to hear this worked for you!
Cass Staten says
So disappointing. I followed this to the letter, including the glaze. 250° after 3 hours with a 9.43 pound ham and it still had yet to hit 100°. Same exact roaster as well, and brand new. It isn't the roaster. It had no trouble with heating, it is the temp in the recipe. I bumped it up to 350° in an effort to even be able to eat dinner tonight. Luckily we didn't travel or have family visit due to colds, so no one is in a hurry to eat. I definitely wouldn't cook it at 250° again. The only good part of this was the glaze.
Danielle says
Goodness! I am so sorry to hear this! We have made this many times without trouble. I would love to help problem solve this for you because cooking at 350º runs a ealy risk of drying out the ham. Was the roaster outside or in a cool place? That is the only thing I have found to effect the roasters ability to maintain temperature. Either way, thank you for your feedback and I will make sure to look into this.
M. Martz says
We had the exact same issue with the ham not being anywhere close on 250 after the amount of time per pound. Also, our roaster is the same and does not have heating issues. Agree with you, again, on the glaze.
Glennie says
I made this ham for Easter, the best ham I have ever made. Moist and flavor beyound my expectations. Everyone enjoyed and the leftovers are just as good. Will make again.
GBC
Misty says
Wow, what high praise! We're so glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for taking the time to share with us!
Amanda Skatuler says
Do you need the disposable pan or can you just put it right in the rack in the roaster??
Danielle says
You definitely need a pan underneath. If you don't have a disposable on then I would choose the largest baking pan you have that will fit inside the roaster oven. If the ham goes straight on the rack all the juices will flow out and make a very large mess of the roaster. Plus the pan helps to keep the heat from overcooking the edges of the ham. The end result will be a less flavorful and drier ham. I hope that helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Linda Penmanski says
What "disposable pan" are you talking about???
Danielle says
Linda,
If you click on the link in the section labeled “equipment” it will take you to an example of a disposable pan in the size we are referring to. It is a deep 9x13 disposable pan. I hope that helps!
Danielle says
Linda,
If you click on the link in the equipment section of the recipe card it will take you to an example of the pan you need. Essentially it is a very deep 9x13 disposable aluminum pan. Hope that helps!