A Smithfield hardwood smoked half ham makes a delicious centerpiece for holiday meals and special gatherings. When properly prepared, it has an incredible depth of flavor and juicy, tender meat.
Cooking a Store-Bought Smoked Ham requires only a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk through everything you need to know to cook a Smithfield hardwood smoked half ham to perfection.
Overview of the Process
Here’s a quick overview of the process:
- Thaw the frozen ham
- Preheat the oven
- Prepare the ham (score fat, add cloves, brush with glaze)
- Bake at low temperature until fully heated
- Increase heat to caramelize glaze
- Allow to rest before slicing and serving
Below I’ll go through each step in more detail. With the right techniques, you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece ham!
Selecting and Thawing the Ham
Smithfield hams come fully cooked, so no lengthy roasting is required You just need to thaw and gently reheat to serve
Choose a half ham between 7-9 lbs. For special occasions, a bone-in half ham makes a beautiful presentation. For smaller gatherings, a boneless half ham is easier to carve.
Hams are shipped frozen or partially thawed with dry ice. Upon arrival, refrigerate or refreeze.
To thaw, allow 5 hours per pound in the refrigerator. For quicker thawing, seal in a leak-proof bag and submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 minutes.
Once thawed, use within 7 days or refreeze up to 3 months.
Preparing the Ham for Baking
Before cooking, a little prep helps the ham bake up glossy and flavorful:
-
Bring to room temp: Remove wrapping and let sit 30 minutes before baking.
-
Score fat: Use a sharp knife to cut diamond pattern in fat cap. This allows glaze to penetrate.
-
Stud with cloves: For decorative effect, place whole cloves in the centers of the diamonds.
-
Brush with glaze: Coat ham all over with your favorite glaze (see glaze recipes below).
-
Add liquid: Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup of water, apple juice, ginger ale, etc. This keeps the bottom moist.
How to Cook a Smithfield Hardwood Smoked Half Ham
Preheat oven to 325°F. Place prepared ham on a rack in a roasting pan with liquid.
Loosely tent foil over the ham. Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, until fully heated through.
Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temp reaches 140°F.
Total cooking time will vary based on size of ham. For example, a 9 lb ham will take about 2.5-3 hours.
Remove foil during last 30 minutes if browning is desired.
Making a Sweet Glaze
A nice glossy glaze adds flavor and visual appeal. Here are 2 easy glaze recipes:
Brown Sugar Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Pineapple Glaze
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Heat ingredients in a small saucepan until thickened. Brush over ham during last 30 minutes of baking.
Finishing Touches
Once ham reaches 140°F:
-
Remove from oven and increase heat to 425°F.
-
Brush ham thoroughly with glaze. Return to oven for about 10-15 minutes to caramelize glaze.
-
Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to absorb.
-
Carve into thin slices and serve warm.
Serving Suggestions
A Smithfield smoked ham makes an elegant entree. Pair it with classic side dishes:
- Baked sweet potatoes
- Scalloped potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Biscuits or dinner rolls
- Fruit salad
Simple sides allow the delicious ham to take center stage. Leftovers also make wonderful sandwiches, omelets, and more.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
-
Allow cooked ham to cool completely before refrigerating.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
-
Reheat slices wrapped in foil at 300°F until warmed through.
With proper storage, cooked ham keeps well for several days. Use it to make hearty soups, salads, pasta dishes, and more!
FAQs About Cooking Smithfield Ham
Should I baste the ham while cooking?
Basting isn’t necessary. The foil tent locks in moisture. Opening the oven leads to heat loss.
Can I use a pre-made glaze?
Absolutely! Feel free to use a store-bought glaze if you prefer.
Do I need to soak the ham first?
No. Smithfield hams come fully cooked and cured. Soaking or lengthy roasting is not required.
What if the ham won’t fit in my pan?
Opt for a smaller size ham or use a roasting bag. It’s fine if the ham touches the pan sides.
Mastering the Perfect Smithfield Hardwood Smoked Ham
With these simple tips, you can make a spectacular centerpiece ham. The keys are choosing the right size, thawing properly, glazing lightly, and avoiding overcooking.
In just a few hours hands-off time, you’ll have juicy, flavorful slices with a beautiful mahogany glaze. Impress your guests with your impressive Smithfield baked ham skills!