Cooking a ham is a great way to provide a centerpiece for a special occasion or holiday meal. With its succulent flavor and tender texture, ham is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you're making a traditional glazed ham or a more creative dish, following these tips and tricks will help you achieve perfect results every time.
When selecting a ham, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the ham. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of ham per person. If you're cooking for a large group, you may need two or more hams.
Now that you've selected the perfect ham, it's time to prepare it for cooking. The first step is to remove the skin and excess fat. To do this, use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross pattern. Then, grasp the skin with a pair of tongs and pull it away from the ham. Be careful not to pull too hard, or you'll tear the meat.
How to Cook a Ham
Follow these 8 important points for perfect results:
- Choose the right ham.
- Prepare the ham.
- Score the skin.
- Cover with glaze or rub.
- Bake or roast the ham.
- Use a meat thermometer.
- Let the ham rest.
- Serve and enjoy!
With a little planning and preparation, you can cook a ham that will be the star of your next meal.
Choose the right ham.
When choosing a ham, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Fresh or cured: Fresh hams are typically sold uncooked, while cured hams have been treated with salt and other preservatives. Cured hams have a longer shelf life and a more intense flavor.
- Bone-in or boneless: Bone-in hams have a richer flavor, but they can be more difficult to carve. Boneless hams are easier to carve, but they may not be as flavorful.
- Size: Hams come in a variety of sizes, so choose one that will fit in your roasting pan and serve the number of people you're cooking for. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of ham per person.
- Label: Look for a ham that is labeled "USDA inspected and passed." This ensures that the ham has been inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture and is safe to eat.
Once you've chosen a ham, you're ready to start cooking!
Prepare the ham.
Once you've chosen the perfect ham, it's time to prepare it for cooking. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Remove the skin and excess fat: Use a sharp knife to score the skin in a crisscross pattern. Then, grasp the skin with a pair of tongs and pull it away from the ham. Be careful not to pull too hard, or you'll tear the meat. Trim away any excess fat from the ham.
- Soak the ham (optional): Soaking the ham in water for several hours or overnight can help to reduce the saltiness of the ham. To soak the ham, place it in a large pot or sink filled with cold water. Change the water every few hours.
- Score the ham: Scoring the ham helps the glaze or rub to penetrate the meat. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the ham, about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart.
- Cover the ham with glaze or rub: There are many different glazes and rubs that you can use to flavor your ham. Some popular options include brown sugar glaze, honey mustard glaze, and garlic herb rub. Apply the glaze or rub to the ham, making sure to cover all of the exposed meat.
Now that you've prepared the ham, you're ready to cook it!
Score the skin.
Scoring the skin of the ham is an important step that helps the glaze or rub to penetrate the meat and create a crispy crust. Here's how to do it:
- Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will make it easier to score the skin without tearing the meat.
- Make shallow cuts: The cuts should be about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Don't cut all the way through the meat.
- Score the skin in a crisscross pattern: This will help the glaze or rub to evenly coat the ham.
- Don't score the fat cap: If the ham has a fat cap, don't score it. The fat cap will help to keep the ham moist during cooking.
Once you've scored the skin, you're ready to apply the glaze or rub and cook the ham.
Cover with glaze or rub.
Glazing or rubbing the ham is an essential step that adds flavor and moisture to the meat. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Choose the right glaze or rub: There are many different glazes and rubs that you can use to flavor your ham. Some popular options include:
- Brown sugar glaze: This is a classic glaze that is made with brown sugar, butter, and spices.
- Honey mustard glaze: This glaze is made with honey, mustard, and spices. It is a good choice for hams that are not too salty.
- Garlic herb rub: This rub is made with garlic, herbs, and spices. It is a good choice for hams that you want to have a savory flavor.
Apply the glaze or rub evenly: Once you've chosen a glaze or rub, apply it to the ham evenly. Make sure to cover all of the exposed meat.
Let the glaze or rub penetrate the meat: Before you cook the ham, let the glaze or rub penetrate the meat for at least 30 minutes. This will help to ensure that the ham is flavorful throughout.
Baste the ham during cooking: As the ham cooks, baste it with the glaze or rub every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the ham moist and flavorful.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious and flavorful ham that your family and friends will love.
Bake or roast the ham.
Once you've prepared the ham, it's time to cook it. You can either bake or roast the ham. Here are instructions for both methods:
To bake the ham:- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for 18-20 minutes per pound.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan.
- Roast the ham uncovered for 18-20 minutes per pound.
- Baste the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes or so.
- Continue roasting until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This will help the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Serve the ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green bean casserole.
Use a meat thermometer.
A meat thermometer is an essential tool for cooking ham. It is the only way to ensure that the ham is cooked to the proper internal temperature.
To use a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the ham, but not touching the bone. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Here are some tips for using a meat thermometer:
- Use a digital meat thermometer: Digital meat thermometers are more accurate and easier to read than traditional meat thermometers.
- Calibrate your meat thermometer: Make sure to calibrate your meat thermometer before using it. You can do this by placing the thermometer in a glass of ice water. The thermometer should read 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham: This will ensure that you get an accurate reading of the internal temperature.
- Don't let the meat thermometer touch the bone: The bone can conduct heat differently than the meat, which could give you an inaccurate reading.
- Cook the ham until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit: This is the safe internal temperature for ham.
By following these tips, you can use a meat thermometer to cook your ham perfectly every time.
Let the ham rest.
Once the ham is cooked, it's important to let it rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
- Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes: This is the ideal amount of time for the ham to rest.
- Cover the ham with foil: This will help to keep the ham warm and moist while it rests.
- Carve the ham against the grain: This will make it easier to slice the ham and will help to prevent the meat from becoming dry.
- Serve the ham immediately: Ham is best served fresh out of the oven. However, you can also store the ham in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection and that your family and friends will enjoy a delicious and memorable meal.
Serve and enjoy!
Once the ham is cooked and has rested, it's time to serve and enjoy!
- Slice the ham against the grain: This will make it easier to slice the ham and will help to prevent the meat from becoming dry.
- Serve the ham with your favorite sides: Some popular sides for ham include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, and macaroni and cheese.
- Garnish the ham with fresh herbs: This will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
- Enjoy the ham with your family and friends: Ham is a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you're cooking a ham for a holiday meal or a special occasion, following these tips will help you create a delicious and memorable dish that everyone will enjoy.
FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking ham:
Question 1: How do I choose the right ham?
Answer 1: When choosing a ham, consider the size of the ham, whether you want a bone-in or boneless ham, and whether you want a cured or fresh ham. You should also look for a ham that is labeled "USDA inspected and passed."
Question 2: How do I prepare the ham before cooking it?
Answer 2: To prepare the ham before cooking, you need to remove the skin and excess fat. You can also soak the ham in water for several hours or overnight to reduce the saltiness of the ham.
Question 3: How do I score the skin of the ham?
Answer 3: To score the skin of the ham, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in the ham, about 1/2 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Don't cut all the way through the meat.
Question 4: What is the best way to cook a ham?
Answer 4: You can either bake or roast the ham. To bake the ham, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ham for 18-20 minutes per pound. To roast the ham, preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ham for 18-20 minutes per pound, basting the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes or so.
Question 5: How do I know when the ham is cooked?
Answer 5: To check if the ham is cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, but not touching the bone. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Question 6: How do I serve the ham?
Answer 6: Once the ham is cooked, let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Slice the ham against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green bean casserole.
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about cooking ham. If you have any other questions, please consult a cookbook or online resource.
Now that you know how to cook a ham, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your ham: