How to Cook a Ham in an Electric Oven

The holidays are just around the corner and now you are planning your holiday dinner menu.  I will share with you how to cook a ham in a portable electric roaster oven the easy way!  There are several types of hams to choose from: spiral cut, classic or butt roast and even a canned ham.  Whichever ham you choose, it will cook perfectly in an electric roaster oven.

The one thing I like about my electric oven is that it keeps the moisture in due to the design of the appliance and its domed cover.  This keeps all the moisture circulating around the meat or roast instead of evaporating in the large conventional oven.  I have not had a dry ham yet using my roaster oven.

Here are ten tips for making a perfect ham in a portable oven:

1. Prepare the ham with adding cloves or other favorite seasonings on the outside of the ham.
2. Sometimes I add melted butter and brown sugar for a sweeter version of ham.
3. I use a chicken or vegetable broth on the bottom of the liner pan for added flavor to the juices.
4. Put ham on liner rack in oven so moisture can circulate completely around meat.
5. Turn on the oven to a lower 325 temperature to cook the ham thoroughly without drying out.
6. Baste your ham several times during cooking to keep the flavors marinating the meat.
7. Cook the ham according to manufacturer's directions; usually 15-20 minutes per pound.
8. Do not let the roaster pan dry out; add liquid or broth if necessary during cooking time.
9. Test the ham with a meat thermometer towards end of cooking time to ensure inside is hot.
10. When done, remove ham, let sit a few minutes, carve and enjoy!

Nesco Roaster Oven

How to Cook a Large Turkey in a Roaster Oven

If you have a large family or plan a holiday party, you may be wondering how you will bake everything in one conventional oven.  I recommend investing in an electric roaster oven.  New on the market is the 24 pound Oster Roaster Oven that comes with a dome lid.  A 22-24 pound turkey will fit nicely in this portable electric oven leaving room for side dishes and pies in your conventional oven.  I own a portable roaster oven and use it several times per year to cook my turkey, large chickens, ham or roast when having family dinners.

How to cook a large turkey in a roaster oven is fairly easy!  Prepare the turkey according to directions on the wrapping, of course making sure it is thawed out ahead of time.  I also recommend preparing the stuffing separately to shorten the baking time.  I do slip inside the turkey cavity large pieces of onion, celery, apples and orange to assist in the seasoning from inside out.  I then rub a mix of olive oil and melted butter on the outer skin, then sprinkle poultry seasoning all over the whole turkey.

Place the turkey in the electric roaster adding at least a can or two of chicken broth.  The turkey will also make juice inside the roaster that I use to periodically baste the baking turkey with.  Turn on the roaster to 350 degrees and place the lid on the roaster.  Follow the baking time recommended on your brand of turkey, but usually this is approximately 20 minutes per pound.  Baste with the juices every hour or so.  If you like a crispier skin on your turkey, place the turkey in a pan and put in your conventional oven for the last half hour of baking.  Let your turkey rest a bit then carve and serve.

You will be amazed at how juicy and tender your large turkey will be when baking it in one of these portable electric roaster ovens.  This cooking method does not let your meat dry out.  Happy Holidays!

24 Pound Oster Roaster Oven