How to Cook a Delicious Kruse Ham to Perfection

Kruse hams are a delicious holiday tradition for many families With their premium smoked flavor and juicy texture, Kruse hams make an impressive centerpiece for special occasions. However, cooking a bone-in Kruse ham can seem intimidating for first-timers. Don’t worry! With a few simple tips, you can prepare a perfect Kruse ham that will wow your guests

Selecting and Preparing Your Kruse Ham

Kruse offers a variety of smoked hams to choose from. First, determine if your ham is fully cooked or needs to be cooked before eating. Fully cooked Kruse hams only require reheating, while fresh hams need thorough cooking. Also, consider the size of ham you need based on your gathering. Kruse has whole hams from 10 to 15 pounds, half hams from 5 to 7 pounds, and smaller shank or butt portions.

Once you’ve selected your Kruse ham prepare it before cooking by

Rinsing under cold water and patting dry
Scoring the surface in a diamond pattern
Inserting whole cloves into the scored areas (optional)
Placing a spiral sliced ham cut-side down on heavy foil

Proper prep maximizes flavor absorption.

Baking Your Kruse Ham to Perfection

For the most tender and juicy ham, baking is best. Follow these steps:

Preheat oven to 325°F
Place ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan
Add 1/4 to 1/2 inch water to the pan
Bake fully cooked ham 10 minutes per lb to 140°F internal temperature
Bake fresh ham 18-20 minutes per lb for whole ham or 35 minutes per lb for portions until internal temperature reaches 145°F
Brush with glaze last 30 minutes and increase temperature to caramelize
Allow ham to rest 10 minutes before slicing

Regular basting and monitoring ensures moistness. The delicious glazed crust makes for an appetizing presentation.

Slow Cooking Your Kruse Ham

For set-it-and-forget it ease, a slow cooker is great for Kruse hams. Follow these simple steps:

Place ham in a slow cooker and add 1 cup liquid like ginger ale
Cook on LOW, 8-10 hours until reaching 140°F for fully cooked ham or 145°F for fresh ham
Allow ham to rest 10 minutes before serving
Make a glaze by combining 1 part jelly, jam or honey with 1 part Dijon mustard. Brush on ham last hour of cooking.

The low, slow heat tenderizes the ham for amazing texture.

Glazing Your Kruse Ham

A flavorful glaze adds sweetness and eye appeal.

Make glaze while ham bakes by simmering 1 cup ingredients like brown sugar, honey, or fruit preserves.
Apply glaze last 30 minutes of baking, brushing every 15-20 minutes.
Increase oven temperature to caramelize glaze.
Or glaze sliced ham just before serving to maximize flavor infusion.

Brushing often allows glaze to caramelize beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Let ham rest 10 minutes before slicing into thin pieces.
Arrange ham on platters or appetizer boards.
Pair with classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, deviled eggs, and biscuits.
Use leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, salads, and casseroles.

Sliced Kruse ham makes a stunning presentation at gatherings. Creative leftover uses extend your ham’s value.

With some simple preparation and cooking methods, you can serve up a delicious Kruse ham coated in a sweet glaze with gorgeous color. Your guests will be impressed with your culinary skills. A Kruse ham cooked to tender, juicy perfection will become your new go-to entrée for holidays and celebrations.

How to Cook a Small Fully Cooked Ham

FAQ

What is the best way to cook a precooked 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.

How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?

Reheating ham via skillet is an easy way to get a few slices nice and hot in a flash. To reheat ham slices on the stove, add a few slices at a time to a skillet over medium-high heat. Add up to ½ cup of chicken broth to keep the meat moist or opt for a couple of tablespoons of butter or oil to give the ham a nice sear.

How long to cook a Smithfield ham?

Preheat oven to 325˚F. Remove all packaging materials and place ham on wire rack in shallow roasting pan, flat side down. Cover pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 14-16 minutes per pound, until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F.

How do you cook a Ham in the oven?

A perfectly baked ham is simpler than you might think—here’s everything you need to know to make it like a pro! Preheat the oven to 325°F and arrange a rack in the lower third of the oven. Line a large shallow roasting pan with foil. Put the ham flat side down in the pan and trim any fat to a thin layer. Loosely cover with foil and bake for 1 hour.

How do you make a ham glaze?

To make this glaze, stir together: Halve the recipe if you are making a half ham. Here’s the play-by-play: Place ham, fat side up, in a large roasting pan. Add 2 cups of water, roughly, or enough water so that it reaches 1/2-inch up the sides of the pan. Cover the pan with foil and transfer to a 325ºF oven.

How long do you cook a ham skin side up?

Take the ham out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the ham skin-side down in a roasting pan, and, depending on its size, cook for about an hour before turning it skin-side up and roasting for another 2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.

How long do you cook a country ham?

Add the pre-soaked country ham to the pan, and wrap the whole pan tightly with foil so that it will steam in the oven. Let the country ham cook for about 3 hours (depending on its size), or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F. We like to cook ham until it reaches 160°F. Let the ham rest for at least 20 minutes before proceeding.