How long does it take to cook a three pound ham?

The cooking time for a 3-pound ham depends on the type of ham and your preferred cooking method:

For a bone-in ham:

* Oven: Approximately 18-24 minutes per pound at 325°F (160°C). So, a 3-pound ham would take around 54-72 minutes.

* Slow Cooker: 6-8 hours on low.

For a boneless ham:

* Oven: Approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 325°F (160°C). So, a 3-pound ham would take around 45-60 minutes.

* Slow Cooker: 4-6 hours on low.

Important Considerations:

* Ham Type: Pre-cooked hams only need to be heated through, while uncooked hams need to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

* Bone-in vs. Boneless: Bone-in hams will take longer to cook than boneless hams due to the bone holding in heat.

* Size: The actual cooking time may vary based on the specific size and shape of your ham.

* Oven Temperature: Higher temperatures will cook the ham faster, but may result in a drier ham.

* Glaze: A glaze, especially if it contains sugar, may need to be added towards the end of cooking to prevent burning.

Always refer to the specific instructions on the package for your ham.

Pro Tip: To ensure your ham is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.