Cades Cove ham is a delicious smoked ham produced by the Cades Cove Brand Foods company of Lenoir City, Tennessee. With its rich, smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat, a Cades Cove ham makes the perfect centerpiece for a special meal. But cooking a bone-in smoked ham can seem daunting if you’ve never done it before. Not to worry! In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through every step of cooking a mouthwatering Cades Cove ham.
Choosing the Right Ham
The first step is selecting the perfect ham. Cades Cove offers a few different sizes, so base your choice on the number of people you’ll be serving. A 14 lb ham feeds about 20 while a 7 lb version serves 10. I recommend choosing a bone-in uncut ham for maximum flavor and juiciness. And always opt for fresh over frozen to ensure ideal texture and taste.
Prepping the Ham
Before cooking, prep your ham by making shallow crisscross cuts across the surface. Then insert whole cloves in the intersections The cloves add wonderful aroma and flavor as the ham cooks For extra kick, you can also brush on a tamari soy sauce glaze.
Cook Time and Temp
Now it’s time to pop your Cades Cove ham in the oven. Place it cut-side down in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Cook at 325°F, allowing 22-26 minutes per pound. A 7 lb ham would take about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. For food safety, cook until the internal temp reaches 140-150°F.
Making a Sweet & Tangy Glaze
While the ham’s roasting, whip up a yummy glaze. In a small saucepan, stir together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, spicy mustard, and cola. Simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes. This will become a deliciously sweet and tangy coating for your ham.
Applying the Glaze
Once the ham has finished cooking, remove the foil and thickly brush on your glaze. Return to the oven uncovered for another 20-25 minutes. This allows the glaze to caramelize into a beautiful, sticky sheen.
Resting and Carving
When the glaze has caramelized, remove the ham and let it rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when you carve it. Use a sharp knife to cut thin slices against the grain for tender, easy-to-chew pieces.
Serving Your Cades Cove Ham
You did it! Your Cades Cove ham is ready to serve. Arrange the slices on a attractive platter and surround with classic Southern sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, baked beans, and collard greens. Your guests will surely be impressed by your skill in preparing this spectacular centerpiece ham.
Now that you’re a pro at cooking Cades Cove ham, let’s walk through the process step-by-step:
Step 1: Choose the Right Size Ham
When selecting your Cades Cove ham, think about how many people you’ll be feeding. A 14 lb ham serves around 20, while a 7 lb version will feed about 10 people. Pick a fresh, bone-in ham for the best flavor.
Step 2: Prep the Ham
Before cooking, use a knife to make crisscross cuts on the ham’s surface. Then insert whole cloves into the intersections to infuse flavor. Brush on a tamari glaze for extra flavor if desired.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and cover with foil. Cook at 325°F, allowing 22-26 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temp reaches 140-150°F.
Step 4: Make a Sweet & Tangy Glaze
While the ham cooks, stir together brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, mustard, and cola in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened, about 20 minutes.
Step 5: Apply the Glaze
Brush the glaze generously over the ham once done cooking. Return to the oven uncovered for 20-25 minutes more.
Step 6: Let the Ham Rest
Before carving, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes so the juices redistribute evenly.
Step 7: Carve and Serve
Use a sharp knife to slice the ham thinly against the grain. Arrange on a platter and serve with classic Southern sides. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Cades Cove Ham
If you’re new to cooking bone-in hams, you probably have some questions. Here are answers to some of the most common FAQs about making a mouthwatering Cades Cove ham:
How long does it take to cook a 10 lb Cades Cove ham?
Allow about 4-5 hours of cooking time for a 10 lb ham. Remember to calculate 22-26 minutes per pound at 325°F.
Should I baste my ham while it cooks?
It’s best not to baste, as the salty ham juices can make the flavor too overpowering. The ham will still become moist and tender without basting.
Can I use a canned glaze instead of making homemade?
Absolutely! A good quality pre-made glaze saves time. Just brush it on once the ham has fully cooked.
Do I need to rest the ham before carving?
Yes, resting for 10-15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute evenly for better flavor in each slice.
What’s the best way to store leftover ham?
Leftover sliced ham keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for 2-3 months.
Can I cook the ham a day or two before serving?
You can bake the ham in advance. Let cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat gently before glazing and serving.
Tips for the Best Cades Cove Ham
Follow these tips and tricks for afoolproof, flavorful Cades Cove ham every time:
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Always select a fresh, high-quality ham and avoid any with unpleasant odors.
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For better browning, remove the skin but leave a good layer of fat.
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Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140-150°F internally.
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Resist the urge to baste, as it makes the ham too salty.
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Let the cooked ham rest before slicing to retain moisture.
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Glaze just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
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Carve across the grain in thin slices for tender, easy-to-eat pieces.
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Pair with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, baked beans, and Southern greens.
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Store leftovers promptly in the fridge. Freeze sliced ham for longer storage.
With this complete guide to cooking Cades Cove ham, you can confidently prepare this tasty entrée for your next gathering. Just be sure to choose a fresh, high-quality ham and cook it low and slow. A sweet and tangy glaze just before serving adds a crowning touch. I hope these instructions take the mystery out of cooking bone-in ham. Now go enjoy some mouthwatering Cades Cove ham with family and friends!