A whole smoked ham is a great way to feed a crowd – it’s easy to cook, delicious, and satisfying. Whether you’re having an intimate holiday gathering or a large family barbecue, smoking your own ham is the best way to serve succulent sweetness without spending all day slaving over the stove. This blog post will provide step-by-step instructions on How to Cook a Whole Smoked Ham your own glorious ham so that you can produce the perfect balance of smoky flavor, tenderness and juiciness for your next event. Read on and find out just how simple it is.

Choose the right ham

Before you start cooking, it’s important to choose the right ham. Look for a whole smoked ham that’s bone-in and uncooked (also known as a “green ham”). A bone-in ham will have more flavor and moisture than a boneless ham, and an uncooked ham will be easier to work with than a pre-cooked one. Make sure the ham is thawed completely and remove any packaging or netting before cooking.

Choose the Right Cut of Ham

When selecting a whole smoked ham from your local butcher or grocery store, there are a few key things to look for. Firstly, you’ll want to decide whether you want a bone-in or boneless ham. Bone-in hams will typically have more flavor and moisture, but can be more difficult to carve. Boneless hams, on the other hand, are easier to slice but may be less juicy. Additionally, you’ll want to choose between a shank or butt portion depending on your preferences. The shank will generally be meatier and easier to carve, while the butt will have more fat and connective tissue that can add flavor to the ham.

Prepare the ham

Preparation is key when it comes to cooking a whole smoked ham. Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a diamond pattern, making sure not to cut too deep into the meat. This will allow the glaze and seasonings to penetrate the ham and create a delicious crust. You can also stud the ham with cloves for extra flavor and aroma. Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat-side up.

Add flavor

A whole smoked ham is already delicious on its own, but you can add even more flavor with a glaze or seasoning rub. A classic ham glaze is made with brown sugar, mustard, and honey, but you can also use pineapple, orange, or maple flavors. Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to get in between the scores. Alternatively, you can use a dry rub made with a combination of herbs and spices for a savory crust.

Cook the ham

Now it’s time to cook the ham! Preheat your oven to 325°F and cook the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste the ham every 30 minutes with the juices in the pan or the glaze. If the ham starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil to prevent burning. Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Rest and Carve the Ham

Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. To carve the ham, use a sharp carving knife to slice off thin pieces, making sure to cut against the grain of the meat. Serve the ham with your favorite sides and enjoy. More posts like this in naanonbroughton.org

Serve and enjoy

Congratulations, you’ve successfully cooked a whole smoked ham! Now it’s time to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor. Slice the ham thinly against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or green beans. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion: How to cook a whole smoked ham?

Cooking a whole smoked ham is a simple and rewarding process that will impress your friends and family. By following these guide of How to Cook a Whole Smoked Ham, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering ham that’s full of flavor and tender to the bite. Remember to choose the right ham, prepare it properly, add flavor, cook it with care, and enjoy the delicious results.

FAQ cook a whole smoked ham

Does a smoked ham need to be soaked before cooking?

If you’re preparing a country ham for cooking, the answer is yes. Country hams are dry salt cured, which means they need to be washed and soaked before cooking. Soak them for 12-24 hours, but if you have a Genuine Smithfield Ham, it’s recommended that you soak for 24-36 hours to ensure the best taste. Remember to adjust the soaking time based on your salt preferences to ultimately achieve a delectable, savory ham.

How should I cook my smoked ham?

For a perfectly cooked smoked ham, follow these easy steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the smoked ham on a roasting pan, with the flat side facing down.
3. Pour 1/4 inch of water into the bottom of the pan to prevent the ham from drying out.
4. Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure it does not touch the bone.
5. Transfer the pan to the oven and roast for about 15 minutes per pound of ham until the thermometer reads 130°F (54°C).
6. Remove the ham from the oven and cover it with foil, allowing it to rest for about 15 minutes.
7. Slice the ham and serve it with your favorite sides.

How to cook a smoked whole ham bone in?

Preheat your oven to 325ºF and remove all packaging materials, including the clear “button” on the bone of the ham. Place the ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan, with the cut side down, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for approximately 10 to 15 minutes per pound until heated through. Get ready to enjoy a delicious smoked ham feast.

Does a smoked ham need to be cooked?

Hams fall into two categories: ready-to-eat and not. Ready-to-eat hams, such as prosciutto and cooked hams, can be eaten straight out of the package. These hams are considered safe to consume without any further cooking.

However, fresh hams and hams that have only been treated to destroy trichinae (which can involve processes like heating, freezing, or curing) require further cooking by the consumer before they are safe to eat.

Does a smoked ham mean it’s fully cooked?

Yes, if it is smoked, cured, or baked, the ham is considered pre-cooked. This means that you don’t need to cook it again, including the ones bought from a deli. As a matter of fact, most of the hams available for purchase are already processed through curing, smoking, or baking.

How long does it take to cook a smoked ham?

The general guideline is to cook the smoked ham for around 20 to 25 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 145F. After cooking, it’s crucial to let the ham rest for 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. This tasty recipe was first shared in April 2014, and updated in March 2019 to ensure maximum flavor.

Do you cover a smoked ham when baking?

Yes! Not only does covering it add to the flavor, but it also keeps the ham juicy while it cooks. To do so, simply cover either the ham itself or the pan with foil, making sure it’s well-covered to prevent drying out. Then, set your oven to 350ºF and bake the ham, basting every 15-20 minutes for maximum deliciousness.

Can you overcook a smoked ham?

Just like beef, chicken, or any other meat, hams can overcook, which leaves them dry and stringy. Since they’re already cooked through, your only goal is to heat yours to an appropriate serving temperature.

How do you keep smoked ham moist?

1. Use a roasting pan with a rack.

2. Add water to the pan, making sure the water doesn’t touch the rack.

3. Cover the ham with aluminum foil.

4. Bake the ham as directed in your recipe.

Do you have to cook ham in water?

Cook ham to perfection by following this simple tip: gently cook the meat with at least 1/2 cup of water, wine, or stock in the pan. To prevent dryness, keep the ham covered with foil, removing it only when it’s time to apply the glaze.

Bill Dawers

Bill Dawers is the CEO of naan on broughton, a contemporary Indian restaurant in Savannah, GA. The restaurant opened a few weeks ago and has already found a fan in City Talk columnist Bill Dawers. The restaurant sits right across the street from the Marshall House on Broughton Street, joining the large number of hot spots on the shopping street.

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