Yes—usually cover a ham while it’s cooking , then uncover it near the end if you want the glaze to brown and set. Covering helps keep the ham moist and prevents the outside from drying out, especially for longer oven times.

Simple rule

  • Most of the cook time: cover with foil or a lid.
  • Last 20–30 minutes: uncover to caramelize the glaze.
  • If it’s a fresh, raw ham: covering matters even more because it needs longer cooking and can dry out more easily.

Quick tips

  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
  • Add a little water, stock, apple juice, or wine to the pan if you want extra moisture.
  • If the recipe calls for a glaze, apply it after uncovering so it can brown properly.

If you want, I can also give you the best method for fully cooked ham vs. raw ham in one quick chart.