As a passionate home cook and connoisseur of fine Southern cuisine, I’m always seeking ways to prepare iconic regional dishes to smoky, succulent perfection. When it comes to timeless Kentucky delicacies, you can’t go wrong with a perfectly baked Kentucky Legend ham These award-winning hams are renowned for their rich, complex flavor and unparalleled quality
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share my tips and tricks for selecting, preparing, and oven-roasting a Kentucky Legend ham You’ll learn how to achieve the ideal balance of savory outer crispiness and tender, juicy meat inside. Let’s dive in and demystify the art of cooking this Bluegrass State treasure!
Picking the Perfect Kentucky Legend Ham
With so many options at the grocery store what should you look for when selecting a Kentucky Legend ham? Here are the key factors I consider
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Bone-in or Boneless: Bone-in hams have deeper flavor. Boneless cuts are easier to slice but can dry out.
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Smoked or Unsmoked: For authentic flavor, go for hardwood-smoked. The smoky essence pairs perfectly with sweet glazes.
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Whole or Half: Whole hams look impressive but halves are easier to maneuver. Estimate 1/3 lb per person.
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Pre-Sliced or Unsliced: Pre-sliced hams save time later but don’t retain moisture as well.
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Size: An 8-12 lb ham serves 10-14 people comfortably. Scale up or down as needed.
Prepping Your Ham for the Oven
To get your Kentucky Legend ham ready for roasting, follow these simple prepping tips:
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Unwrap completely and trim off any dried edges or skin.
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Score the fat in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate deeper.
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Apply your glaze of choice. Brown sugar or honey mixtures are classic picks.
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Insert whole cloves in the diamond intersections for added flavor and decoration.
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Place the ham fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
Cooking Your Kentucky Legend Ham to Perfection
Now for the fun part – baking! Follow these tips and tricks:
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Preheat oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature prevents drying.
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Loosely tent foil over the ham to help retain moisture.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound until 140°F internal temperature.
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Glaze occasionally during baking, taking care not to burn the sugars.
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Remove foil and increase heat to 400°F last 15 minutes for crispy exterior.
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Allow ham to rest 15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Serving Your Mouthwatering Kentucky Legend Ham
You did it! Now it’s time to wow your guests with this Southern delicacy:
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Garnish with pineapple slices, maraschino cherries or fresh herbs.
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Carve across the grain for tender, fork-friendly slices.
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Offer spirited bourbon glazes and mustard dipping sauces.
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Pair with scratch-made buttermilk biscuits, fried okra, and deviled eggs.
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Send leftover ham home with guests for sandwiches and ham salads.
Handy Tips and FAQs
After years of practice, I’ve discovered some useful tips for Kentucky Legend ham success:
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For best flavor, opt for a bone-in, hardwood smoked whole ham.
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Resist the urge to peek in the oven which can lower internal temperature.
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Soak wooden fruity flavors like peach or cherry into your glaze.
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Add pineapple juice or cola to the roasting pan for extra moisture.
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Letting the ham rest before carving allows juices to redistribute.
How long does it take to cook a 10 lb Kentucky Legend ham?
Allow 150-190 minutes at 325°F, plus resting time. Always use a meat thermometer for doneness.
Should I trim the fat before baking?
Trimming is optional since the fat bastes the meat. For less fat, trim before baking.
What are good glaze flavors?
Classic brown sugar, honey, and maple syrup work well. Get creative with fruit jams, bourbon, cola, or mustard.
Can I use a cooking bag?
Yes, cooking bags help retain moisture. Follow package instructions for oven temperature and time.
Satisfy Your Ham Hunger
With its hand-rubbed artisanal quality and nuanced smokehouse flavor, Kentucky Legend ham is a cut above standard supermarket hams. By selecting the right size ham, prepping it properly, and using the right oven technique, you can easily achieve the perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. I hope these tips help you unlock the secrets to baking this Southern icon. Now grab some biscuits and get cookin’!
What’s your favorite way to prepare and serve Kentucky Legend ham? Share your delicious ideas and recipes!