How to Cook a Perfect Sahlen’s Ham for Your Next Holiday Meal

Sahlen’s hams have been a staple at holiday meals for over 150 years Their rich flavor and juicy texture make them the perfect centerpiece for gatherings with family and friends. However, cooking a ham can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before Not to worry – with a few simple tips, you can cook a delicious Sahlen’s ham that will wow your guests.

Getting Started

The first step is choosing the right size Sahlen’s ham for your group. They are sold in a variety of sizes from 7 pounds up to 15 pounds. As a general rule of thumb, plan for 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person. An 8 to 10 pound ham will feed 12 to 15 hungry guests with leftovers.

Once you’ve selected your ham check the packaging for heating instructions. Sahlen’s fully cooked hams can be reheated directly from the refrigerator or after thawing from the freezer. Allow 12 to 15 minutes of cook time per pound.

Next, choose your cooking method. You can bake it in the oven, cook it in a slow cooker or smoker, or even grill it outdoors. Baking tends to be the easiest method for most home cooks.

Seasoning and Glazing

One of the keys to incredible flavor is adding your own signature glaze or seasoning rub. This allows you to customize your ham with your favorite flavors.

A brown sugar glaze is classic and compliments the salty ham beautifully. For a brown sugar glaze, combine:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon ground mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Other delicious glaze options include maple syrup, fruit preserves or chutneys. Get creative and use your favorite flavors!

For a seasoning rub, coat the ham with a blend of spices before cooking. Ideas include brown sugar, cracked black pepper, mustard powder, smoked paprika or chili powder. The seasoning possibilities are endless.

Brush the glaze or rub liberally over the ham about halfway through the cooking time. This helps the flavors really permeate the meat. Apply a second coating in the last 30 minutes of cook time.

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham fat side up in a roasting pan. Tent it loosely with foil, especially if your ham did not come with its own cooking bag.

Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Glaze or season it halfway through and again towards the end of the cook time.

If your ham came with a cooking bag, follow the package instructions for baking it inside the bag. This keeps the ham extra moist and juicy.

Here are estimated bake times based on ham size:

• 7 pound ham: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
• 8 pound ham: 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
• 10 pound ham: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
• 12 pound ham: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
• 15 pound ham: 3 hours 45 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes

Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches 140°F at the thickest part. If it hasn’t yet reached the proper internal temp, continue baking and checking it every 15 minutes until done.

Once cooked through, remove ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat.

Slow Cooker Method

For an ultra moist ham that practically falls off the bone, the slow cooker is a great option. Place ham in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add 1-2 cups of water, apple juice or ginger ale to the bottom of the cooker.

Cook on low heat for approximately 8-10 hours for a 7 pound ham. Add 1 hour of cook time for every additional pound. For example, a 10 pound ham will need about 12 hours on low.

Glaze or season the ham halfway through the cook time. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches 140°F when finished.

Grilling

Want to add delicious smoky flavor to your ham? Grilling is a wonderful (and impressive) cooking method when the weather permits.

Preheat your grill to medium heat, about 350°F. Place the ham directly on the grill grates and close the lid. Grill for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, rotating the ham a quarter turn every 20-30 minutes for even cooking.

Glaze the ham during the last 30-60 minutes of grilling time. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 140°F. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing into it.

The nice caramelization from the grill takes your ham to the next level!

Carving and Serving

Once rested, it’s time to carve. Place the ham on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, cut slices by making angled cuts close to the bone. Cut around 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Arrange the slices neatly on a serving platter. Spoon over any glaze from the pan for added flavor and juiciness.

Pair your Sahlen’s ham with classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole and rolls. It also makes fantastic sandwiches and omelets the next day.

Leftover ham can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. Slice and freeze any uneaten portions in freezer bags for up to 2 months. The frozen ham slices are perfect for soups, pasta dishes, pizza and more when you need a quick protein boost.

Troubleshooting Common Ham Issues

Follow these tips if any problems come up during the cooking process:

• Ham is still pink when done – This is normal! Fully cooked hams may retain a pink color even when safely cooked through to 140°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

• Ham is dry or tough – Avoid overcooking. Heat to just 140°F and don’t exceed the recommended cook times. Also, glaze and let the ham rest before carving.

• Ham is bland – Season aggressively with glazes, rubs and mustards. Don’t be afraid to add lots of flavor!

• Burned edges – If the edges seem to be overbrowning, tent them loosely with foil. This prevents excess charring.

• Still not hot enough – Return to oven and check temperature every 10-15 minutes until 140°F is reached.

With its famously delicious flavor and versatility, Sahlen’s ham is sure to be the highlight of your holiday table when cooked to perfection. Follow these simple tips for moist, juicy results your whole family will love.