Do you cover ham while baking?

Whether or not to cover a ham while baking depends on the desired outcome and the type of ham. Here are a few general guidelines:

1. Half-Cooked Ham (Bone-In): It is recommended to cover a half-cooked ham (bone-in) with foil for most of the baking time. Covering it helps retain moisture and prevents the ham from drying out. For a bone-in ham, leaving it covered for the first part of the baking process prevents the ham from becoming too crusty.

2. Fully-Cooked Ham (Bone-In or Boneless): Fully-cooked hams do not need to be covered during baking. Instead, the purpose of baking a fully-cooked ham is usually to heat it through and add a glaze or external crispy layer. Covering a fully-cooked ham would prevent the formation of a crispy exterior.

3. Glazed Ham: If you're adding a glaze to the ham during baking, it's usually recommended to leave the ham uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking time. This will allow the glaze to set and caramelize, creating a shiny, flavorful crust.

4. Timing and Temperature: Regardless of the ham type or cooking stage, it's essential to follow the specific instructions provided in the recipe or on the ham's packaging. They will provide proper timing and temperature guidelines to ensure your ham is cooked correctly and safely.

5. Bone-In vs. Boneless Ham: Bone-in hams tend to take longer to cook and retain more moisture, while boneless hams cook more quickly and can dry out more easily. Adjusting your cooking method and timing is essential based on the ham type.