Sam’s Choice brown sugar ham is a pre-cooked spiral sliced ham that comes pre-glazed with a brown sugar and honey coating. It’s a convenient and delicious option for effortless holiday meals or family dinners. With just a few easy steps you can make this ham at home for your next gathering.
Overview of Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham
Sam’s Choice hams are sold pre-cooked at Sam’s Club stores. They come spiral sliced and vacuum sealed. The brown sugar variety has a sweet glaze made from brown sugar honey, and spices.
These hams range from 7-10 pounds generally. They are bone-in and come with a packet of glaze. Since they are fully cooked, you simply need to reheat and glaze before serving.
The spiral slicing makes serving simple. And the sweet brown sugar glaze gives great flavor. This ham is an easy crowd pleaser.
Benefits of Cooking Sam’s Choice Ham
Here are some of the benefits of cooking with Sam’s Choice brown sugar ham:
-
Fully cooked – Just reheat and glaze for easy cooking
-
Pre-sliced – No work carving up the ham
-
Big size – Feeds a crowd, up to 15 people
-
Sweet glaze – Brown sugar and honey adds delicious flavor
-
Bone-in – More flavorful than boneless
-
Juicy and tender – Thanks to slow smoking method
-
Affordable – Cost effective for large gatherings
-
Easy to find – Sold at Sam’s Club stores nationwide
Ingredients Needed
To cook a Sam’s Choice brown sugar glazed ham, you will need:
-
1 Sam’s Choice bone-in spiral sliced brown sugar ham (7-10 lbs)
-
Glaze packet (included with ham)
-
Water
-
Aluminum foil
-
Basting brush
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking
Follow these simple steps for oven baked ham success:
1. Remove Packaging
Take the ham out of the vacuum sealed packaging. Remove any plastic or netting from around the ham. Discard the plastic disc covering the bone. Peel off the skin, leaving a thin layer of fat.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Be sure to give your oven plenty of time to fully preheat.
3. Place Ham in Pan
Set the ham in a foil-lined roasting pan, cut side down. The flat base will allow the ham to sit evenly.
4. Add Water to Pan
Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the ham moist.
5. Seal Ham in Foil
Wrap the ham tightly in foil to seal in moisture. Make sure no steam can escape.
6. Calculate Cook Time
Figure 12-15 minutes per pound for the cook time. For example, an 8 lb ham will take 96-120 minutes.
7. Cook the Ham
Place ham in the oven. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Check temperature periodically with a meat thermometer to monitor doneness.
8. Make the Glaze
While the ham cooks, make the glaze. Empty the glaze packet into a small saucepan. Add 1/4 cup of water and stir. Heat over medium heat until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
9. Apply Glaze
Once ham reaches 140°F, remove foil. Liberally brush glaze all over ham. Return to oven and increase heat to 400°F.
10. Finish Baking
Bake ham uncovered for about 10-15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
11. Rest and Serve
Remove ham from oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Spoon over more glaze before serving if desired.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips and tricks for the juiciest, most flavorful ham:
-
For easier slicing, use a sharp carving knife to cut around the bone first.
-
Keep slices thicker (1/2 inch) so the meat doesn’t dry out.
-
If reheating leftovers, add broth and cover with foil to prevent drying.
-
Add pineapple slices or maraschino cherries on top for a pretty garnish.
-
Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to monitor temperature.
-
Let the ham rest before carving so juices redistribute.
-
Add foil-lined pans underneath to catch any drips for an easier clean-up.
-
Glaze just before serving for the best presentation and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking this popular store-bought ham:
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound Sam’s Choice ham?
For a 10 pound ham, calculate 12-15 minutes per pound. So allow 120-150 minutes for cooking time at 325°F oven temperature.
Can I cook it from frozen?
It’s best not to cook meat directly from frozen for food safety. Always thaw in the refrigerator first.
What if my ham won’t fit in my pan?
You can either trim off a small portion of the ham so it fits, or use multiple pans and stack them. Adding liquid is still important.
What’s the minimum internal temperature?
Cook until it reaches 140°F at the thickest part. Check in multiple spots with a meat thermometer.
Can I use a different glaze?
Absolutely! The brown sugar glaze packet is just a convenience. Feel free to get creative with your own glaze flavors.
How long does cooked ham last in the fridge?
Store leftovers for 3-5 days maximum. Keep refrigerated in shallow containers so it cools quickly.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Sam’s Choice hams are quite large, so you’ll likely have delicious leftovers to use up. Here are some tasty ways to repurpose your ham:
-
Diced ham in scrambled eggs, quiche or frittata
-
Ham and cheese sliders or paninis
-
Ham salad with mayo, lettuce, and tomato on bread
-
Omelets, breakfast burritos, or strata
-
Split pea soup with ham as the base
-
Ham fried rice or pasta salad
-
Flatbread pizza topped with ham and veggies
-
Ham and potato hash or chop
-
Beans, ham, and rice casserole
So put that leftover ham to good use! It makes for quick and easy meals throughout the week.
An Effortless Holiday Ham
Sam’s Choice brown sugar glazed spiral ham is a fabulous option for serving a crowd with minimal effort. Thanks to it being fully cooked, you simply reheat, glaze, and enjoy! Use this step-by-step guide for oven-baked ham success.