How to Cook Perfect Smoked Daisy Ham Every Time

Smoked daisy ham has a delicious, rich smoky flavor that makes it a favorite for holidays and special occasions. Also known as a pork shoulder roll or pork butt, daisy ham gets its name from the daisy-shaped bloom of fat in the center of the cut. With its foolproof cooking methods and incredible versatility, smoked daisy ham is sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Selecting and Preparing Smoked Daisy Ham

Smoked daisy hams are available fully cooked or fresh and uncooked. A fully cooked smoked ham just needs to be gently reheated making it super convenient for busy home cooks. For an uncooked smoked ham plan on 20-30 minutes per pound to reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

When choosing your daisy ham select one that is heavy for its size with glossy skin and aromas of smoke. The size you need depends on how many people you are serving. Figure 1/3 to 1/2 pound per person when purchasing your ham. Popular sizes range from 4 to 12 pounds.

Before cooking, remove the ham from any packaging and rinse it under cool water. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. If desired, score the fatty outer layer in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife to help the glaze stick.

Seasoning and Glazing Your Ham

For incredible flavor, it’s hard to beat a beautifully glazed smoked ham. Whip up a sweet and sticky glaze to coat your daisy ham before and during cooking.

A brown sugar glaze is a classic choice Simmer 1 cup brown sugar with 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard and 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar until thickened For a simple maple glaze, use 1 cup maple syrup simmered with 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard.

Get creative with your own custom glaze flavors! Ideas include orange marmalade, bourbon, coffee, chili powder, cloves, ginger and more. Brush on generously before and during cooking.

A dry seasoning rub is another fantastic option. Coat the ham with spices like brown sugar, cracked pepper, dry mustard, cinnamon or smoked paprika. Let the coating really meld with the ham as it cooks.

Baking Your Smoked Daisy Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place ham fat side up in a roasting pan and tent loosely with foil.

For fully cooked ham, bake for 10-15 minutes per pound until heated through. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part should read 130°F.

For uncooked ham, bake for 20-30 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.

Glaze or season the ham halfway through and again towards the end of baking. Here are estimated bake times based on size:

4 lb ham: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
6 lb ham: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
8 lb ham: 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
10 lb ham: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
12 lb ham: 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes

After baking, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Slow Cooking Your Ham

For incredibly moist smoked daisy ham with fall-off-the-bone meat, try cooking it slowly in a crockpot or slow cooker.

Place ham in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add 1-2 cups water, apple juice or ginger ale to create steam. Cook on low for about 8-10 hours for a medium ham, adding 1 hour per pound. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the ham reaches 145°F.

Halfway through, brush ham with your favorite glaze or seasoning. The long cook time really allows the flavors to penetrate into the meat.

Grilling Tips

Grilling imparts delicious smoky char and caramelization to ham. Prepare your grill for medium heat, around 350°F. Place ham directly on grill grates and close the lid to cook, rotating every 20-30 minutes.

Cook 15-20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature is 145°F. Glaze during the last 30-60 minutes. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

Carving and Serving Smoked Daisy Ham

Allow ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking. Place on a cutting board and carve with a sharp knife, cutting thin slices across the grain. Arrange artfully on a platter and spoon over any glaze.

Pair your smoked daisy ham with classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, corn pudding, baked beans and rolls. Smoked ham also shines in omelets, sandwiches, pasta salads and more.

Store leftovers for 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze sliced ham in bags for up to 2 months.

Popular Ways to Use Smoked Daisy Ham

Beyond serving it glazed as the main course, get creative with these delicious recipes and meal ideas:

Ham and bean soup – Dice ham and add to bean soup with veggies for a hearty, smoky bowl.
Ham salad sandwiches – Chop or shred ham and mix with mayo, mustard, onions, relish and spices for an easy sandwich filling.
Ham fried rice – Dice ham and stir-fry with rice, peas, carrots, onions and eggs.
Eggs Benedict – Top toasted English muffins with ham, poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.
Ham quiche – Line a pie crust with diced ham then fill with an egg and cheese custard and bake.
Pizza topping – Smoked ham pairs amazingly with pineapple, jalapeños, artichokes and more on pizza.
Pasta carbonara – Toss with peas, bacon and a creamy parmesan sauce for a hearty pasta dish.
Split pea soup – Add diced ham for flavor in this comforting classic soup.
Ham and scallops – Quickly pan sear and serve over creamy polenta or grits.

Don’t let those leftovers go to waste – get creative with ways to use up every delicious morsel!

Troubleshooting Your Smoked Daisy Ham

Follow these tips if any issues pop up on your journey to smoked ham perfection:

Dry or tough texture – Avoid overcooking and let the ham rest before slicing. Also glaze generously.
Bland flavor – Season assertively with spice rubs, glazes, mustards and other bold flavors.
Still pink when done – Smoked hams may retain a pink tint even when fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer.
Not heating evenly – Rotate periodically for even cooking and tent with foil if edges brown too quickly.
Still undercooked – Return to oven and continue cooking until the internal temperature hits 145°F.

With its rich smoky flavor, moist meat and incredible versatility, smoked daisy ham is sure to earn rave reviews at your next gathering when cooked to perfection.

Pork Picnic Shoulder Ham Recipe

FAQ

How do you cook a already smoked ham?

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan and add about 1/4- to 1/2 inch of water to the pan. If the ham is labeled “fully cooked” (does not require heating), heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 140 F.

Is a daisy ham already cooked?

Daisy hams are also called Boston Butt, and rolled pork shoulder and porkette among other things. By any name they are fully cooked, lean and very good.

Are smoked ham fully cooked?

The answer, in short, is if it is cured, smoked or baked, ham is considered “pre-cooked,” and would not technically need to be cooked. This includes the ham that is purchased at the deli. In fact, most ham that is sold to consumers is already cured, smoked or baked.

How to cook smoked ham from grocery store?

Cooking it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per pound should do the trick, depending on the type of ham (whole or half, bone-in or no bone ― these specifics are outlined here). You just want to make sure the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees.