Appleton Farms makes some of the most delicious hams on the market. If you’ve purchased one of their hams for an upcoming holiday or special occasion, you’re likely wondering how to cook an Appleton Farms ham perfectly. Have no fear! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk through everything you need to know to cook your Appleton Farms ham and impress your guests.
Overview of Appleton Farms Hams
Appleton Farms offers a variety of different hams, including
- Bone-in hams
- Boneless hams
- Spiral sliced hams
- Hickory smoked hams
- Hams with brown sugar or honey glaze
Their hams come in a range of sizes from 4-10 lbs Some are sold fully cooked while others may require baking Appleton Farms uses quality pork and artisan curing methods to produce delicious, high-quality hams.
Selecting Your Appleton Farms Ham
When choosing your ham. consider
- Bone-in vs boneless – Bone-in hams have more flavor but boneless are easier to slice
- Spiral cut – These are presliced in a continuous spiral for easy serving
- Smoked or unsmoked – Smoked hams like hickory have a deeper flavor
- Glazed or unglazed – Glazes add sweetness and moisture
Make sure to check the packaging for cooking instructions, as methods may vary between hams.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here are general guidelines for cooking your Appleton Farms ham:
1. Thaw the Ham
If frozen, thaw ham for 1-2 days in the refrigerator before cooking. This ensures even heating.
2. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Use a roasting pan with a rack to allow air circulation.
3. Prepare the Ham
Remove packaging and place ham fat side up. Pour any juices from package into bottom of pan.
4. Cover with Foil
Cover ham tightly with foil to lock in moisture while cooking.
5. Bake the Ham
Cook ham at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound. For example, a 10 lb ham bakes for 150 minutes.
6. Check Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Ham should reach 135-140°F.
7. Apply Glaze
If using a glaze, brush it on 30 mins before done. Return to oven to set glaze.
8. Let Ham Rest
Let ham rest for 10-15 mins before slicing for juicy results.
FAQs About Cooking Appleton Farms Ham
How long does it take to cook an Appleton Farms ham?
Cooking time depends on size, but allow 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. A 7 lb ham bakes for about 105 minutes.
Can I use a glass baking dish instead of a roasting pan?
Yes, a glass baking dish works fine as long as it fits the ham snugly. Use a shallow pan with at least 2-inch sides.
My ham came with a glaze packet – when do I add it?
Reserve 1/3 of the glaze and brush it on 30 minutes before the ham is finished cooking. Use the rest once it’s removed from the oven.
Do I need to add liquid to the roasting pan?
Adding some broth, juice, or water isn’t required but can add extra moisture. Use 1/2 cup or less.
How do I know when the ham is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to test for 135-140°F in the thickest part. Also check for slight shrinkage from the bone.
Can I cook an Appleton Farms precooked ham cold?
Yes, their hams labeled “fully cooked” can be served cold straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?
You can reheat ham low and slow in the oven or microwave. Cover it and use lower power to prevent drying out.
Serving Your Beautiful Baked Ham
Once your ham has finished cooking, it’s time to wow your guests! Follow these serving tips:
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Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing for the juiciest meat.
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Carve across the grain in thin slices so the ham is tender.
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Arrange slices neatly on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
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Serve with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted veggies, biscuits, etc.
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Offer a spoon for the glaze so guests can add extra sweetness.
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Slice only what you’ll eat and refrigerate the rest promptly.
With this foolproof guide, you are ready to bake an Appleton Farms ham like a pro! From choosing the right ham to testing for doneness, these tips will help you serve a mouthwatering main dish. Impress your family with your skill as a home cook when you make the perfect juicy and delicious Appleton Farms glazed ham.
