There are several reasons for learning how to cook a half of ham. Many years ago when families were larger whole hams were readily available. Large families like mine would never have considered roasting only a half. A whole ham was great for a special meal, maybe leaving enough for seasoning a pot of beans. Now I find halves of hams are always available in the meat markets but not always so with whole hams. This is partly due to smaller families but also the increase in price per pound makes it impossible for some to buy the whole ham.
After I learned how to cook a half of ham, I discovered another reason why I like cooking the halves. Regardless how hams are cured, I find all hams to be at least a little salty. I like to rid the meat of this extra salt by soaking in water and marinades. The large cut end enables the liquid to soak up in the ham. When I am reading to cook the half of ham, I place the cut side down.on a rack allowing the extra liquid to drain out, also pulling out extra salt.
As you learn how to cook a half of ham you will see this absorption through the cut also helps to flavor the ham. Many juices like apple or orange act as a seasoning and also cuts down the salty taste. Great marinades can be made by adding ingredients like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, cloves and others. All these flavors are absorbed through this large cut of the ham half producing a very delicious presentation when baked.
If you learn how to cook a half of ham you may want to try one of the old fashioned cured hams. I mentioned “salty”, these old fashioned ones are really salty. The flavor is wonderful but care must be given to the preparation of cooking before finishing to eliminate much of the salt. Pre-boiling rids the meat of the salt and also eliminates a lot of the extra fat.
Since I learned how to cook a half of ham this pineapple spiced ham has been one of my favorites.
Whole Ham versus Half Ham Hams, which are basically the hind end/leg of a pig, are sold either whole or half. A whole ham is likely more than you will need for Easter dinner – a half will usually suffice. What’s the difference between the two halves? The butt half is the upper part of the ham.
MAPLE BAKED HAM HALF
Learn how to cook a half of ham with delicious maple flavor.
- 1 Ham half (About 5-6 pounds boneless precooked smoked)
- 1 1/2 Cups maple syrup
- 1 1/4 Cup flour
- 1 Cup water
- 1/2 Teaspoon powdered mustard
- 2 Teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 Teaspoon maple extract
Preheat oven to 325F degrees.
Place ham with fat side up on a rack in shallow roasting pan.
NOTE: DO NOT cover or add water; bake for 45 minutes.
Pour pan juices into a saucepan; skim off the fat and set aside.
Pour the maple syrup over the ham; return to oven.
Bake ham another 45 to 60 minutes until internal temperature is 140F degrees.
NOTE: If baking a NON COOKED ham internal temperature should reach 160F degrees. (2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours)
Remove ham from pan and set aside while making the sauce.
Blend the flour into the reserved pan juices (In saucepan) until smooth.
Stir in the 1 cup of water, mustard and Worcestershire; mix until blended.
Stir in the pan drippings from ham pan with the maple syrup; add maple extract.
Over medium high heat bring mixture to a boil stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and pour into a serving bowl; keep warm.
Slice ham onto a serving platter and serve with the bowl of sauce.
BAKED HAM WITH ORANGE SAUCE
Learn how to cook a half of ham to serve with orange sauce.
- 1 Fully cooked ham half (About 5 pounds)
- Whole cloves
Orange Sauce
- 1 Can (15 Ounces) Mandarin oranges (Drain)
- 1 1/2 Cups orange juice
- 1 Cup brown sugar
- 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 Teaspoon ground ginger
Preheat oven to 325F degrees.
Trim excess fat from ham; insert whole cloves all over ham.
Place ham in shallow roasting pan; bake until internal temperature reaches 140F degrees.
TO MAKE SAUCE combine orange juice, sugar, cornstarch and ginger in saucepan.
Mix ingredients well; cook and stir over medium high heat until thickened.
Stir in the drained Mandarin oranges; set aside and keep warm until ready to serve.
TO SERVE slice ham and serve topped with orange sauce
Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham
FAQ
What’s the difference between a whole ham and a half ham?
Which half of ham is better?
Are half hams precooked?
Can you buy half a ham?
What is a half Ham?
A half ham is a cut of meat that has been prepared by removing the bone from the upper leg of a pig. It is called a “half” ham because it is only one half of the entire ham; the other half being the other leg of the pig. The cut is popular in many different cuisines and can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
Is ham gluten free?
Ham naturally by itself is gluten-free. Although, many companies made their ham with gluten-containing ingredients like broth, spices, and glazes. So, you must prefer brands that indicate they are gluten-free on the packaging.
What is a shank half Ham?
A shank half ham is a specific cut of ham that includes the shank bone, which is the lower portion of the pig’s leg. It typically weighs between 5 to 9 pounds and is known for its tender, flavorful meat. How do I prepare a shank half ham before cooking?
How much does a half Ham weigh?
Size: Determine the size of the ham based on the number of servings you require. Typically, a shank half ham will weigh around 8 to 10 pounds, making it ideal for small to medium-sized gatherings.