Ossian hams are a beloved tradition for many families in the Midwest, known for their premium quality and signature smoky flavor An Ossian bone-in spiral ham makes a stunning centerpiece for holidays and special gatherings However, cooking a large Ossian ham can be intimidating if you’ve never done it before. Don’t worry! With these simple tips and techniques, you’ll be preparing tender, juicy Ossian hams like a pro.
Picking the Perfect Ossian Ham
When selecting your Ossian ham, consider the size needed to feed your guests. A general rule is that a 14 lb ham serves around 20 people. Also, choose a fresh, unfrozen ham when possible, as thawing can impact texture. The bone-in variety provides the richest flavor. Smoked ham steaks are a quick-cooking option. No matter what you choose, Ossian’s 80 years of expertise ensures a delicious ham.
Prepping Your Ham for the Oven
Proper prep is key to maximizing the flavor of your Ossian ham. Follow these steps before cooking:
- Thaw frozen ham for 24+ hours in the fridge
- Remove all packaging and strings
- Rinse ham under cold water and pat dry
- Score the surface by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern
- Place spiral-sliced ham cut-side down on heavy foil
Scoring allows the glaze and seasoning to really penetrate
Baking for Tenderness
Slow baking is ideal for cooking an Ossian ham while keeping it tender and moist. Here’s how:
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan and add 1⁄2 inch water
- Bake bone-in ham 20-30 minutes per lb until 140°F internal temperature
- Bake boneless ham 5-12 minutes per lb until 140°F internal temperature
- Baste ham every 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out
The low temp gently brings out the natural flavors of the meat. Monitoring doneness ensures perfect results.
Glazing for Flavor and Beauty
A glistening glaze adds sweetness and eye appeal. Follow these glazing tips:
- Wait to glaze until the last 15-20 minutes of baking
- Make a glaze from brown sugar, butter, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg
- Brush glaze over ham and return to oven
- Repeat glazing every 10 minutes for caramelized texture
- Insert cloves into scored areas for decoration (optional)
Frequently basting creates a beautiful lacquered finish.
Testing for Doneness
Checking your ham’s temperature ensures safety and ideal doneness.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer for accuracy
- Test in the thickest part without touching bone
- Cook until 140°F for pre-cooked hams
- Cook until 145°F for hams labeled “cook before eating”
- If undersized, return to oven and recheck periodically
Once the target temperature is reached, the ham can rest before serving.
Letting It Rest
Never rush slicing into a piping hot ham. A proper rest ensures the best texture.
- Let ham rest 15-20 minutes after removing from oven
- Tent loosely with foil to retain heat
- Resting allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout meat
- Slicing too soon causes dryness from juices escaping
A little patience goes a long way for tender, succulent Ossian ham.
Carving and Serving
With these carving and serving tips, your Ossian ham will impress:
- Slice ham thinly across the grain for tenderness
- Arrange slices on a platter and garnish with fruit
- Pair with classic sides like potatoes, vegetables, and biscuits
- Serve with mustard, chutney, or extra glaze for dipping
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours
Beautiful, juicy Ossian ham slices are sure to delight your guests. With the proper steps for selecting, prepping, cooking, and serving, your Ossian bone-in spiral ham will be a cherished tradition at family meals.
Frequency of Entities
Ossian ham: 14
glaze: 5
ham: 18
leftovers: 1
bake: 3
Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham
FAQ
Are Ossian hams fully cooked?
What is the best way to cook a precooked ham?
How do you cook an Ossian smoked ham?
How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?
How do you cook an Ossian Ham?
Store your Ossian ham in the refrigerator until ready to use. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place your Ossian ham in a baking dish. Optionally top it with pineapple slices and your favorite ham glaze. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Are Ossian hams smoked?
This ham is similar to the whole smoked hams sold by Ossian hams. Ossian hams are a regional staple for those near their Fort Wayne, Indiana, packing plant. The company offers cured, smoked spiral-sliced bone-in and boneless hams for the holidays.
How to order Ossian Ham?
Order Ossian hams for yourself or as gifts by calling the company or sending an email through its website. Preparing these high-quality hams is the same as preparing any spiral-sliced bone-in or boneless ham. As they have been cooked and smoked before packing, all you need to do is reheat the ham for your dinner.
How long do you cook a boneless ham?
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Boneless hams require five to 12 minutes per pound and bone-in hams need 20 to 30 minutes per pound. Cool the ham for 15 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving.