Ham is a beloved staple for many families during holidays and special occasions. Its sweet and salty flavors bring comfort and nostalgia to gatherings such as Easter, Christmas, or Sunday suppers. While starting with raw ham requires more time and effort, opting for a fully cooked smoked ham can save you precious time, especially when preparing multiple dishes for a holiday feast.
Not only is a fully cooked ham convenient and easy to prepare, but it can also be enjoyed cold, making it perfect for sandwiches and salads. However, reheating the ham enhances its flavor and texture, making it taste as if you spent hours cooking it from scratch.
Helpful Tips for Cooking Smoked Ham
Before we dive into some delicious recipes, here are a few helpful tips to ensure your smoked ham turns out perfectly:
- Scoring and Glazing: If you plan to glaze your ham, consider scoring it before baking. Scoring creates an attractive presentation and allows the glaze to penetrate the meat. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. For an extra burst of flavor, insert a whole clove into each cut intersection or at the centers of the diamonds.
- Applying a Glaze: You can also apply a glaze after the ham is cooked. Increase the oven temperature to around 400°F (200°C) and brush the glaze over the meat. Bake the ham until the glaze turns golden brown. If you're working with a small ham or ham slice, you can glaze it and then quickly brown it under the broiler. Keep a close eye on the glaze as it can burn easily.
- Adding a Fancy Touch: Approximately 30 minutes before the ham is done, arrange pineapple slices over the ham and secure them with toothpicks or whole cloves. For an extra touch of sweetness, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice, if desired.
- About Picnic Ham: Picnic ham, also known as smoked shoulder, is smoked like a ham but comes from the animal's shoulder rather than the hind leg. While it tastes similar to ham, it is not technically considered a true ham. Picnic ham is fattier, requires longer cooking time, and contains more bones.
Steps for Reheating a Fully-Cooked Ham
Before we explore some delicious cooked smoked ham recipes, let's go over the steps for reheating a fully-cooked ham:
These instructions are specifically for hams that are packaged in USDA-inspected plants. If your ham is not from a USDA-inspected plant, it should be heated to 165°F (74°C). Always check the label for specific cooking instructions, which should indicate whether the ham is fully cooked or cook before eating.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a shallow baking dish or roasting pan. If desired, score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife or apply a glaze following the tips mentioned earlier.
Step 3: Add Liquid
Add a small amount of liquid to the baking dish or roasting pan to prevent the ham from drying out. You can use water, broth, apple juice, or any other flavorful liquid of your choice.
Step 4: Cover and Bake
Cover the ham with aluminum foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed. This will help retain moisture and prevent the ham from becoming dry. Place the dish or pan in the preheated oven.
The general rule of thumb for reheating a fully cooked ham is to allow approximately 15 minutes of cooking time per pound. However, it's essential to check the specific instructions on the packaging or use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the recommended internal temperature.
Step 5: Check the Temperature
After the suggested cooking time has elapsed, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The USDA recommends heating the ham to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Remember to insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone, as this can give an inaccurate reading.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful ham.
Slice the ham and serve it as the centerpiece of your holiday feast or use it in various delicious recipes.
Delicious Cooked Smoked Ham Recipes
Now that your fully cooked smoked ham is perfectly reheated, let's explore some mouthwatering recipes that will impress your family and guests:
Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked smoked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham in a shallow baking dish or roasting pan.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, and ground cloves.
- Spread the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Once the ham is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Pineapple-Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked smoked ham
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham in a shallow baking dish or roasting pan.
- In a saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cinnamon. Heat the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly.
- Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it coats the entire surface.
- Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and baste the ham with the glaze every few minutes to create a sticky, caramelized coating.
- Allow the ham to rest before slicing and serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze cooked smoked ham?
Yes, you can freeze cooked smoked ham. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to use the ham, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How long will cooked smoked ham last in the refrigerator?
Cooked smoked ham can last in the refrigerator for up to 7 days if stored properly. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out.
What are some other ways to use leftover cooked smoked ham?
Leftover cooked smoked ham is incredibly versatile and can be used in various delicious dishes. Some ideas include ham and cheese sandwiches, ham and potato soup, ham and vegetable quiche, ham and pineapple fried rice, or ham and cheese omelettes.
Can I use the ham bone for making soup?
Absolutely! The ham bone can be used to make a flavorful soup or broth. Simply simmer the ham bone in water or broth with vegetables and seasonings of your choice to create a delicious base for soups, stews, or beans.
In Conclusion
A fully cooked smoked ham is a convenient and delicious option for your holiday meals. By following the proper reheating instructions and using flavorful glazes, you can elevate the taste and presentation of your ham. Whether you enjoy it as the centerpiece of your feast or repurpose the leftovers in creative recipes, the versatility of cooked smoked ham is sure to delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones.
If you want to know other articles similar to Delicious smoked ham recipes | easy and tasty ideas you can visit the Recipes category.
Related Articles