Sofia Martinez
Yes, you can bake a ham in a plastic cooking bag. This method is said to produce a moist and tender ham with no basting and minimal cleanup. The process involves placing the ham in a cooking bag, seasoning it, and then baking it in the oven at a specific temperature and time depending on the ham's size. Some recipes recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the safe internal temperature of 140°F. This technique is a convenient way to prepare a delicious ham for holidays or gatherings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven bag type | Plastic/Nylon or Paper |
| Oven bag brand | Reynolds |
| Oven temperature | 250-350 degrees F |
| Ham weight | 8-10 pounds |
| Baking time | 18 minutes per pound or 2-2.5 hours |
| Resting time | 20-30 minutes |
| Internal temperature | 140-165 degrees F |
| Seasoning | Brown sugar, honey, cloves, pineapple rings, orange glaze |
| Side dishes | Roasted vegetables, tangy salad |
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What You'll Learn
Ham preparation
Next, prepare the ham. If using a bone-in ham, simply remove the wrapper and place the ham, fat-side up, inside the bag. Fold the open end of the bag under the ham. If using a sugar-cured smoked ham, rinse the ham and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the fat with a sharp knife and press cloves into the slits. Rub brown sugar into the scored fat, then place the ham in the bag, fat-side up.
Once the ham is in the bag, you can add additional ingredients for flavour. For a brown paper bag ham, no additional ingredients are needed. For an oven bag ham, you can add cola, pineapple juice, or water/broth to the bag. You can also add honey and more brown sugar to an oven bag ham, drizzling the honey over the brown sugar coating.
Before cooking the ham, seal the bag and cut a few slits in the top to allow steam to escape. Place the bag in a roasting pan, ensuring it does not touch the sides of the oven or the oven racks. Then, bake according to your recipe or oven bag cooking time chart.
Finally, when the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and carefully cut open the bag. Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
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Oven bag setup
To set up an oven bag for baking ham, first preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the ham and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the fat on the ham with a sharp knife, and press cloves into the slits. You can then rub the ham with brown sugar, ensuring it gets into the scored fat for better caramelization.
Next, place the ham in the cooking bag, fat-side up. You can add a glaze to the bag, such as cola, honey, or pineapple juice, being careful not to wash off the sugar coating. Seal the bag securely, trapping the moisture and flavour inside. Some oven bags come with a nylon tie to close the bag. You should then cut a few small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
Place the bag in a roasting pan, ensuring it doesn't touch the sides of the oven. You can then bake according to your recipe, or refer to an oven bag cooking time chart. It is recommended to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for baking a ham in a plastic cooking bag vary depending on the size of the ham and the type of oven bag used. Here is a detailed guide:
Firstly, preheat your oven to the desired temperature. Most recipes recommend preheating to 325°F or higher, with some suggesting 350°F. However, lower temperatures like 250°F are also used for longer cooking durations.
For an 8-pound ham, one source recommends baking for 2 hours at 350°F. Another source recommends 18 minutes per pound, which would be about 2 hours and 24 minutes for an 8-pound ham.
If using a brown paper bag, the cooking time will be significantly longer. One recipe suggests preheating the oven to 250°F and baking for 10-12 hours, depending on the size of the ham.
It is important to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the safe internal temperature of 140°F. Insert the thermometer through a slit in the bag into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. Bake until the thermometer reads 140°F, then let the ham rest in the oven bag for about 15 minutes before removing it.
If you are reheating precooked ham or leftovers, the minimum internal temperature should be 165°F.
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Post-cooking procedures
Once the ham has been baked, there are several important steps to follow to ensure food safety and optimal flavour. Firstly, it is crucial to allow the ham to rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This step helps retain the juices, keeping the meat moist and flavourful. During this time, the ham should remain in the oven bag.
After resting, carefully remove the ham from the oven bag. This step should be approached with caution, as the bag and its contents will be hot. Use tongs or oven mitts to protect your hands during this process. Once the ham is out of the bag, you can choose to glaze it with the drippings from the bag. To make a glaze, carefully pour the drippings into a saucepan and boil them until they become thick and syrupy. Before glazing, allow the ham to cool down slightly so it's easier to handle.
The cooked ham can be sliced and served immediately, or it can be refrigerated and enjoyed later. If you plan to serve the ham later, it is essential to store it properly to maintain food safety and freshness. Place the leftover ham in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, the ham can be frozen.
When you're ready to enjoy the leftover ham, simply reheat it in the oven or in a skillet. It is recommended to reheat the ham to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to ensure food safety. The reheated ham can be enjoyed in sandwiches, soups, or salads, providing versatility and convenience.
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Recipe variations
Ham cooked in a plastic bag in the oven is a great way to keep the meat moist and flavourful without the need for basting. This method also ensures there is no messy clean-up. Here are some recipe variations to try:
Pineapple Glazed Ham
For a tropical twist, try using pineapple juice instead of cola. Secure pineapple rings onto the ham, fat side up, using toothpicks. Add 2 tablespoons of flour to the cooking bag, place the bag in the roaster, and then place the ham inside, fat side up. Pour the reserved pineapple juice gently over the ham. Close the bag with a nylon tie and cut six 1" slits in the top of the bag for steam to escape. Bake for about 2 hours for an 8-pound ham.
Cola-Basted Ham
For a classic baked ham flavour, use cola instead of pineapple juice. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse and pat dry a sugar-cured smoked ham (8-10 pounds). Score the fat with a sharp knife and press 8 whole cloves into the slits. Pat 1 cup of brown sugar onto the fat side of the ham. Place the ham in a cooking bag, fat side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Drizzle 1/2 cup of honey over the brown sugar coating. Add the cola to the bag without pouring it over the ham. Seal the bag and bake for 20-25 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Orange Marmalade Ham
For a citrusy twist, substitute the brown sugar and honey with orange marmalade. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare the ham as above, spreading the orange marmalade over the scored fat side. Add water or broth to the cooking bag, place the ham inside, and seal the bag. Bake according to your recipe's specifications or refer to an oven bag ham cooking time chart. Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Maple Syrup and Clove Ham
For a sweet and aromatic ham, substitute the brown sugar and honey with maple syrup. Follow the same preparation steps as the Cola-Basted Ham, pouring maple syrup over the scored fat side of the ham. Seal the cooking bag and bake according to the weight of your ham, aiming for an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remember to always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness of your ham and let it rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven to retain its juices.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bake a ham in a plastic cooking bag. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the ham, pat it dry, and score the fat with a sharp knife. Press cloves into the slits and rub brown sugar on the fat side of the ham. Place the ham in a cooking bag, fat-side up, on a rack in a roasting pan. Seal the bag and bake for 20-25 minutes per pound.
Cooking ham in a plastic cooking bag helps to retain moisture and flavour. The bag traps the juices and flavours inside, eliminating the need for basting and resulting in a moist and flavourful ham. It also makes cleanup easier, as there are no messy pans to scrub.
It is important to use an oven-safe plastic cooking bag specifically designed for roasting meats, such as the Reynolds oven bags. Ensure the bag does not touch the sides, top, or back of the oven to avoid melting. Cut slits in the bag to allow steam to escape. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches a safe internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes, some people have shared their experiences baking ham in a brown paper grocery bag or a parchment paper bag. However, it is important to note that grocery bags are not intended for cooking and may not be safe. If using a paper bag, opt for a parchment paper bag or a bag specifically designed for cooking, such as those used for apple pies.
