How to Cook Ham: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Ham can be a tasty meal, and cooking it is easier than most people think. With various methods of cooking ham, each type of ham can be transformed into a delicious dish that would surprise one’s taste buds. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on different methods of cooking ham and tips on how to make it more delicious and presentable.

A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Cook Ham

Before we venture into various methods of cooking ham, it’s essential to know the different types of ham and how to choose the right ham to cook. There are two types of ham, the fully cooked ham, and the uncooked ham. When choosing ham to cook, one should consider the size of the ham and the number of servings required. Then, one should choose a ham with minimal fat content as it is easier to trim it down to a perfect size.

There are different methods of cooking ham, including oven-baking, slow-cooking, and pressure cooking. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook a ham using these methods, starting with oven-baking:

Oven-Baking

Oven baking is the most common method of cooking ham and makes the ham juicy, tender, and bursting with flavors. Follow these steps to cook a ham in the oven:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan fat side up.
3. Season the ham with different spices and herbs such as garlic powder, black pepper, cloves, and brown sugar, among others.
4. Cover the ham with a foil and bake for 18 to 20 minutes per 1 pound of ham.
5. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to let the ham roast to perfection.
6. When the ham is cooked, allow it to rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Slow-Cooking

Slow-cooking is another method of cooking ham and makes the ham tender and juicy. Follow these steps to cook ham using a slow cooker:

1. Place the ham in the slow cooker, then season with spices and herbs of your choice.
2. Add some liquid such as apple cider, orange juice, or pineapple juice together with some honey or brown sugar.
3. Set the slow cooker to cook the ham on low for 6-7 hours.
4. Using a thermometer, check to ensure that the ham has an internal temperature of 145°F before removing it from the slow cooker.

Pressure Cooking

Pressure Cooker is a newer method of cooking ham and is known for cooking food faster while retaining its moisture. Here are the steps to cook ham using a pressure cooker:

1. Season the ham with spices as you wish before placing it in the pressure cooker.
2. Add some liquid such as water or juice, among other liquids.
3. Cover the pressure cooker and cook the ham according to the manufacturer’s instructions, depending on the size of the ham.
4. Allow the pressure to release naturally before removing the ham from the pressure cooker.

How to Make a Glazed Ham

Glazing a ham is an excellent idea if you want to add extra flavor and aroma to it. A good glaze will also improve the look and texture of the ham. Here are the steps to glaze ham:

Typically, to make a glaze, one would require sugar, spices, and fruit juice. Here are some popular glaze recipes:

• Honey Mustard Glaze: Mix honey, dijon mustard, brown sugar, and salt in a bowl. Brush the mixture over the ham in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Brown Sugar Pineapple Glaze: Mix brown sugar, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard sauce in a bowl. Brush the glaze over the ham in the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Orange Marmalade Glaze: Mix orange marmalade, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Brush the glaze over the ham in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

To achieve the perfect glaze on the ham, brush the glaze lightly on the outside parts of the ham every fifteen minutes towards the final hour of cooking. Cooking the glaze helps caramelize it into a crispy, sweet, and sticky coating, adding flavor to the ham.

How to Cook Ham on the Grill

Using an outdoor grill to cook ham is another fantastic way to add smoky flavors to the ham. Here are the steps to cook ham using a grill:

Cooking ham on a grill requires indirect heating. The grill should be heated to medium heat, and the ham should be placed on the unlit side of the grill.

• The ham should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F, which could take up to 2 hours.
• It’s important to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham is monitored to prevent overcooking.
• Before placing the ham on the grill, one can score the ham. This is done by making shallow cuts into the meat using a diagonal pattern and then brushing with oil and sprinkle seasoning.

Ham Cooked in a Slow Cooker

Slow cookers are convenient appliances that allow one to prepare delicious meals with little effort. Here is how to prepare ham in a slow cooker:

1. Place the ham in the slow cooker, then add some liquid such as water, wine, broth, or orange juice.
2. Season the ham with spices, such as cloves, garlic, and black pepper, or herbs such as thyme and rosemary.
3. Cook the ham on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, depending on the size of the ham until the desired degree of doneness is achieved.
4. During the last hour of cooking, add your favorite glaze and allow it to cook for the last hour, further sweetening the ham.
5. Once done, allow the ham to rest a few minutes before carving.

How to Cook a Christmas Ham

Christmas Dinner is a favorite meal for many. One of the traditional meals is ham. Here is how to prepare a ham meal for Christmas:

1. Choose the type of ham you want to cook, either the pre-cooked or uncooked variety.
2. If using an uncooked ham, a preliminary step of boiling is necessary before baking to remove some of the salt and make it more flavorful.
3. Next, score the ham by making shallow cuts diagonally, then repeat diagonally to form a diamond pattern.
4. Then, brush the ham with honey and mustard mixture or jam for added flavor and exceptional color.
5. Before baking, preheat the oven oven to 325°F, then place the ham in the oven and bake for 18-20 minutes per pound bone-in hams, or 20-30 minutes per pound for boneless hams.
6. Baste the ham with the juices every 30 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
7. Finally, remove from the oven when the temperature reaches 140-145°F, or when the juices run clear. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Some popular side dishes to serve with ham include mashed or scalloped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and green beans with almonds or bacon bits.

How to Make Ham Salad

Ham salad is an excellent way to use up any leftover ham, and it’s an easy dish to prepare. Here are some ham salad recipes:

• Classic Ham Salad: Mix chopped ham, mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, onion, and sweet pickle relish in a bowl. Spread the mixture over toast and garnish with lettuce and tomato.
• Ham and Cheese Salad: Mix ham, cheese cubes, and green bell pepper in a bowl. Toss the mixture with Italian salad dressing and serve over a bed of lettuce or fresh spinach.
• Ham and Egg Salad: Mix diced ham, boiled eggs, mayonnaise, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Serve the salad with crackers or over lettuce.

For presentation purposes, garnish ham salads with sliced radish or cucumber, or use them to make tea sandwiches for your next lunch or picnic.

Sodium-Free Ham Cooking

Sodium is a significant contributor to heart disease. For those on a low sodium diet, enjoy ham by using appropriate ingredients and cooking techniques.

The first step is to choose ham labeled “low sodium,” “reduced sodium,” or “no added salt.” Then, try these tips for cooking ham without sodium:

• Use herbs and spices: Replace salt with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, or spice blends like jerk seasoning.
• Acids: Bast the ham with citrus juices, vinegar, or wine.
• Sugar: Blend brown sugar and honey together to glaze the ham.
• Broth: Use a low-sodium broth to braise the ham.

Conclusion

Cooking a ham can be a delightful experience. This article has looked at the different methods of cooking ham, including oven-baking, slow-cooking, pressure-cooking, and grilling. The seasoning, glazing, and salad-making tips will add variation to how one prepares ham, while sodium-free cooking offers an excellent option for those on a low-sodium diet. Remember, with these varieties, ham can be a delicious addition to any holiday or regular meal.