How long to roast a gammon or ham joint
Roast a gammon or ham joint for
20min per 450g
Plus 20 minutes (about 44 minutes per kg, plus 20). Oven at 190°C (375°F, gas mark 5).
Times by weight
| Weight | Cooking time |
|---|---|
| 1kg (2.2lb) | 1 hour 5 min |
| 1.5kg (3.3lb) | 1 hour 30 min |
| 2kg (4.4lb) | 1 hour 50 min |
| 2.5kg (5.5lb) | 2 hours 15 min |
| 3kg (6.6lb) | 2 hours 35 min |
Work out an exact weight, and when to put it in.
Oven and resting
Oven: 190°C (375°F, gas mark 5). For a fan oven, set it 10 to 20°C lower. Cooking times stay the same.
To boil and roast, simmer for half the total time then roast for the other half. Cover the glaze with foil if it starts to catch.
How to tell it's done
Cook until it reaches 70°C in the centre for at least 2 minutes (Food Standards Agency).
Without a thermometer: Gammon stays pink when it's cooked because it's cured, so colour won't tell you. Use a thermometer, or check the juices run clear and it's piping hot in the middle. (Food Standards Agency)
Gammon must be cooked all the way through. The FSA's safe core temperature and time combinations are 70°C for 2 minutes, 75°C for 30 seconds or 80°C for 6 seconds. (Food Standards Agency)
Meat keeps cooking while it rests. Take it out about 5 to 10°C below the target and let the rest finish it. (Q Guild)
US guidance: USDA's safe minimum is 145°F (63°C) for uncooked ham, with a rest of at least 3 minutes (FoodSafety.gov (USDA)).
Times from Q Guild, checked 2026-10-24.