Kirkland applewood smoked ham is a delicious and easy-to-prepare entrée for holidays, dinners, or special events. The smoky applewood flavor pairs perfectly with sweet glazes to create a mouthwatering centerpiece dish. With just a few simple steps, you can cook juicy, tender Kirkland applewood smoked ham worthy of any celebration.
Ingredients
- 1 Kirkland applewood smoked boneless ham (approx. 7-10 lbs)
- 1⁄2 cup pineapple juice
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Thaw the Ham
Kirkland smoked hams come fully cooked, so thawing is all you need to do before cooking For food safety, thaw frozen ham in the refrigerator allowing 24 hours per 4-5 lbs. To thaw quickly, place the vacuum-sealed ham in a large container of cool water, changing water every 30 mins
Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and ground cloves Warm over medium heat, stirring frequently, until blended Remove from heat and let cool.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 275°F. Line a large roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup later.
Prepare and Bake Ham
Unwrap thawed ham and place fat side up on the prepared pan. Score the top in a diamond pattern. Brush all over with the glaze. Cover pan tightly with more foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound. For example, bake a 10 lb ham for 120-150 minutes.
Uncover and Broil
After baking fully, remove foil and turn oven to broil. Broil glazed ham for 2-3 minutes to caramelize. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Check Internal Temp
Use a meat thermometer to confirm ham reaches 140°F at thickest part. If under, return to oven for 5-10 more minutes.
Rest, Slice and Serve
Let ham rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. Carve thin slices and serve garnished with pineapple rings. Enjoy!
With this easy recipe, you’ll impress guests with juicy, smoky Kirkland applewood smoked ham. The natural flavor pairs wonderfully with the sweet, tangy glaze.
Handy Tips for Perfect Applewood Smoked Ham
For the best results cooking Kirkland’s applewood smoked ham, follow these useful tips:
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Thaw ham fully in the fridge before cooking for food safety and even heating.
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Cook at 275°F to gently bring ham to temperature without drying it out.
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Only glaze ham in the last 30-60 minutes to prevent burning.
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Let ham rest before slicing so juices can absorb back into the meat.
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Use an electric knife for clean slicing. A regular knife shreds the tender meat.
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Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and enjoy within 3-4 days.
With my handy guidance, your Kirkland applewood smoked ham will turn out incredibly moist and full of flavor every time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Kirkland Smoked Ham
Here are helpful answers to common questions about preparing delicious Kirkland applewood smoked ham:
How long should I bake an 8 lb smoked ham?
Allow 12-15 minutes per pound at 275°F. So an 8 lb ham bakes for 96-120 minutes total, plus broiling time.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?
Slice ham and wrap in foil. Reheat at 300°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through. Microwaving makes ham dry.
Can I use my own glaze instead of the packet?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with brown sugar, honey, pineapple, orange, bourbon or other glazes.
How do I know when the ham reaches the right temperature?
Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Ham is safe to eat and properly cooked at 140°F.
How long does cooked ham last refrigerated?
Cooked Kirkland smoked ham stays fresh for 3-4 days in the fridge. Freeze sliced ham in bags for 1-2 months.
What sides go well with applewood smoked ham?
Try roasted potatoes, glazed carrots, biscuits, fresh salad, pineapple casserole or scalloped corn.
Now you’re ready to perfectly bake juicy, smoky Kirkland applewood smoked ham!
Creative Leftover Smoked Ham Recipes
Leftover Kirkland applewood smoked ham makes amazing sandwiches, pizza, pasta, and more! Get creative with these tasty recipes:
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Ham Salad Sandwiches – Chop ham and mix with mayo, mustard, pickles, celery, onion. Pile onto bread.
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Ham, Egg and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches – Layer ham, fried egg, cheese and spinach on an English muffin.
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Ham and Pineapple Flatbread Pizza – Top naan or flatbread with diced ham, pineapple, red onion and mozzarella.
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Ham Fried Rice – Make fried rice with eggs, peas, carrots and onion. Add diced smoked ham.
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Ham and Pea Pasta Salad – Toss cooked pasta with ham cubes, peas, parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice and pepper.
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Ham and Potato Soup – Simmer diced ham, potatoes, onions, broth and cream for a cozy soup.
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Cheesy Ham and Broccoli Pasta Bake – Combine cooked pasta, ham, broccoli, cheese sauce and top with breadcrumbs. Bake.
Put those leftovers to delicious use with these creative recipes! Kirkland applewood smoked ham takes on a tasty new life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cook Kirkland’s Applewood Smoked Ham
Follow my simple step-by-step instructions for flawless Kirkland applewood smoked ham:
1. Thaw the Ham
- Place frozen ham in fridge and allow to completely thaw over 24-36 hours. Crucial for even cooking!
2. Make the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard and cloves. Heat until blended.
3. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 275°F to gently bring ham to temperature.
4. Prepare and Bake Ham
- Place ham fat side up on a foil-lined pan. Score fat. Brush with glaze. Cover tightly with more foil.
5. Uncover and Broil
- Remove foil once ham is fully baked. Broil 2-3 minutes to caramelize glaze.
6. Check Internal Temperature
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm ham reaches 140°F at thickest part.
7. Let Ham Rest
- Allow to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
8. Slice and Serve
- Carve thin slices with an electric knife. Garnish with pineapple and serve.
With my simple guide, you’ll cook incredible Kirkland applewood smoked ham for your next celebration!