Knowing how to cook a ham can make the difference between a glistening glazed ham that will wow a crowd and a main that tastes bland and dry. When prepared properly, it serves as an impressive centerpiece for any holiday feast. It’s easy to cook, feeds a crowd and can be tailored to your tastes with the addition of seasonings and glazes. Whether you bake it in the oven or grill it over charcoal outdoors, there are more than a few delicious ways to cook a ham. But before you turn up the heat, you need to know what to look for when shopping for this juicy cut.
Ham comes from the hind legs of a pig. A whole ham consists of the butt and the shank, but you’ll usually find one or the other at a grocery store. So, what’s the difference between these two cuts? The shank is tapered, more pointed and has leaner meat. The butt, not to be mistaken for Boston butt which is actually the shoulder of the pig and used most commonly for pulled pork, is more rounded and its meat more tender and flavorful. Cooking ham shank is nearly foolproof, but both yield delicious, specialty mains. Looking for the perfect recipe for holiday glazed spiral ham? We’ve got you covered. For a spicier spin, try this four-ingredient gochujang-glazed ham.
How to reheat cooked ham
Because city hams are already cooked, they can be eaten cold (like on a deli-style sandwich), but theyre most commonly served warm. Gradually heat it up with or without the addition of a liquid (apple juice and pineapple juice are popular choices) and add a glaze during the final 30 minutes of cooking. A packet of glaze usually comes with the ham, but you can make it yourself by combining a sweetener, herbs and spices.
How to cook ham in the oven
Ham is traditionally baked in the oven. Cook for approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound at 300 F. No matter the size of the ham and the temperature of the oven, it should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 140 F. Covering with foil throughout the cooking process keeps it moist. If applying a glaze, do so in the last 30 minutes of baking so it will caramelize and not burn. Rest ham for 15 minutes before slicing. A half a ham will serve approximately 20 people.
How to cook ham without oven – easy steps!
FAQ
Can I cook a ham on top of the stove?
Does ham need to be baked?
Is a precooked ham already cooked?
Can you eat a precooked ham without cooking it?
Can you cook a ham without an oven?
There are many ways to cook a ham when you don’t own an oven. If you’re the chef for a family occasion, it’s likely that you own an oven, but it’s already occupied cooking side dishes such as dressing or candied yams. Don’t fret. You can utilize other household appliances to cook your ham. Tabletop slow cookers are often referred to as crock pots.
Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?
The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.
Do hams need to be fully cooked?
A raw, or fresh, ham needs to be fully cooked. Fresh hams are sometimes smoked, but have not been cured or brined, and they usually come with the skin on. Before cooking, score the skin in a diamond-shaped pattern, but be careful not to cut down into the meat.
Can you eat a ham If it’s already cooked?
Pour the water in the dish with the ham. Cover the dish with foil or a lid. Allow the ham to cook covered for about an hour, about 15 minutes per pound. Now, you can stop there, this will heat the ham through, and since it’s already cooked, you can eat it. However, it’s much better to add a glaze.