Cooking a bone-in ham for a holiday feast can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be with the right techniques and recipes. As a food blogger and ham enthusiast I’ve learned a few tricks over the years for selecting and preparing a show-stopping Block & Barrel ham.
Selecting the Best Ham
The first step is choosing a high-quality cured ham Block & Barrel offers bone-in and spiral sliced cooked hams that are conveniently fully cooked so they just need to be heated. I prefer bone-in hams for the classic presentation and extra flavor from the bone Go for a size based on how many people you are serving. An 8 to 10 pound ham can feed a crowd.
Preparing to Cook
Once you have your ham home, take it out of the packaging but leave the original netting or casing on if it has one This helps the meat hold its shape while cooking Place the ham flat side down in a large roasting pan and set it on a rack inside the pan. Add 1⁄2 inch of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent dripping and splatters in the oven.
Before cooking, let the ham sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours. This helps it heat evenly later. If you are short on time, score the ham by making diagonal cuts across the top about 1 inch apart. This allows heat to penetrate better.
Choosing a Cooking Method
You can bake, boil, or slow cook a Block & Barrel fully cooked ham. Baking is the easiest route for most home cooks.
To bake:
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Place ham in roasting pan on a rack with 1⁄2 inch water
- Bake uncovered for about 15-18 minutes per pound
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp reaches 140°F
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing
To boil:
- Place ham in a large pot and cover with water
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer
- Simmer 20-25 minutes per pound, until internal temp reaches 140°F
- Cool ham in liquid 30 minutes before removing
To slow cook:
- Place ham in a slow cooker with 1 cup cola, ginger ale, broth or water
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours until internal temp is 140°F
- Remove carefully and let rest 15 minutes
Adding Flavor
Plain ham is delicious, but glazes and rubs can bring it to the next level. Try different signature flavors like sweet, spicy, herby or tangy.
Glazes: Brush on during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, cloves
- Honey, brown sugar, pineapple juice
- Bourbon, brown sugar, ginger
Rubs: Rub onto ham before cooking.
- Brown sugar, spices like cinnamon and ginger
- Chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, cayenne
- Herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage
Serving Suggestions
Carve thin slices of the ham across the grain once it has rested. Arrange artfully on a platter and garnish with fruit, herbs or edible flowers. Offer a selection of mustards, chutneys and homemade sauces on the side.
Some tasty ham pairings include:
- Stoneground mustard, fig chutney, sweet potato biscuits
- Horseradish cream, roasted Brussels sprouts, rolls
- Cranberry compote, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes
- Pineapple salsa, coconut rice, black beans
Leftover ham is endlessly versatile. Enjoy it in omelets, ham salad, soup, sandwiches, pasta, fried rice and more! With the right prep, a Block & Barrel ham can be the delicious centerpiece of your holiday table.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about cooking Block & Barrel hams:
How long does it take to cook a ham?
- A bone-in cooked ham takes about 15-20 minutes per pound in a 325°F oven.
- For example, an 8 lb ham bakes for 2-2.5 hours.
What is the best way to cook a ham?
- Baking and slow cooking are easy methods for cooking ham at home. Boiling works too but takes active monitoring. Grilling and smoking take more skill.
What is the minimum internal temperature for ham?
- Cook fully cooked ham to 140°F. For fresh hams labeled “cook before eating”, cook to at least 145°F.
Can you cook a frozen ham?
- It’s best to thaw ham in the fridge 1-2 days before cooking. But you can bake a frozen ham straight from the freezer at 325°F until it reaches 140°F. Just add more time.
How do you know when ham is done?
- Use an instant read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Ham is safely cooked at 140°F for fully cooked ham or 145°F for a fresh “cook before eating” ham.
How do you keep ham from drying out when cooking?
- Cook at a low temp like 325°F, use a foil tent, baste with glaze, or cook in liquid like broth. Resting also helps ham retain moisture after cooking.
Get Creative with Leftover Ham
Got leftovers after the big holiday ham dinner? You can definitely reinvent them into lots of easy meals throughout the week. Here are some of my favorite ways to use up leftover baked ham:
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Breakfast – Ham, egg and cheese sandwiches or burritos; ham and cheese omelet; hash with potatoes and ham
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Lunch – Ham salad with mustard, mayo, celery and onion on bread; ham and Swiss panini; ham wraps
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Dinner – Add diced ham to fried rice, pasta dishes, pizza, soups, casseroles
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Snacks – Ham roll ups with cream cheese and pickle; deviled eggs with ham
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Appetizers – Ham crostini; mini ham biscuit sandwiches
Get creative with spices, sauces and other mix-ins to turn leftover ham into something new. It keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated and can be frozen as well. With a good Block & Barrel fully cooked ham as your starting point, you can enjoy the flavors all season long.
