How to Cook Lee Brand Smoked Ham to Juicy, Smoky Perfection

Lee Brand smoked ham is a delicious choice for a flavorful and impressive main dish. When cooked properly, this pre-smoked ham has a rich smoky flavor and tender juicy meat that makes it a hit at any gathering.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know to cook Lee Brand smoked ham to absolute perfection.

Lee Brand is a premium smoked ham producer located in Wisconsin Their hams are smoked over real hardwood chips, which infuses the meat with a deep, natural smoky flavor.

Lee Brand offers both bone-in and boneless smoked ham options. The bone-in hams tend to have the most robust smoky taste. They also take longer to cook but yield very moist, succulent meat.

Boneless smoked hams offer convenience and quicker cooking times. They still have great smoky flavor, but some find it slightly milder than bone-in

When cooked properly, Lee Brand smoked ham delivers a delicious balance of smokiness, saltiness, and sweetness. The key is choosing the right ham and using the proper preparation and cooking techniques.

Choosing the Right Lee Brand Smoked Ham

Here are some tips for picking the perfect Lee Brand smoked ham for your meal:

Consider the bone-in vs. boneless options based on your timing, convenience needs, and flavor preferences.
Choose a size that will provide enough smoked ham for the number of servings you need. Lee Brand offers various sized hams from 4 lbs to 18 lbs.
Opt for a ham labeled “natural juices” rather than “water added.” This indicates less water content and more natural ham flavor.
Inspect the ham packaging. It should be cold and free of tears or leaks which could indicate improper storage.
Look for a ham with a thick, even layer of white fat. This protects the meat during smoking for better moisture.
The ham should have a rich, reddish-pink color rather than pale or grey tones.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Lee Brand Smoked Ham

Follow these simple steps for foolproof Lee Brand smoked ham every time:

1. Remove Skin and Fat Cap

Use a sharp knife to trim any thick skin or hardened fat cap off the ham. Leave a thin layer of fat for moisture.

2. Score the Fat

Lightly score the surface fat in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate for better flavor.

3. Apply Glaze

Brush ham all over with your favorite glaze. Brown sugar, honey, jams, and spiced glazes all work well.

4. Preheat Oven and Bake

Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Cover with foil and bake, allowing 15-20 minutes per pound.

5. Increase Temperature

During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove foil, increase temperature to 400°F, and brush with more glaze to caramelize.

6. Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness. Ham is safe to eat and fully cooked at 145°F.

7. Let Ham Rest

Once it reaches the proper internal temperature, remove ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

8. Carve and Serve

Carve into slices or chunks. Serve warm with your favorite side dishes and extra glaze.

Handy Lee Brand Smoked Ham Cook Times

Use these cook times as a guide, but always rely on a meat thermometer for doneness:

4 lb ham: Bake at 325°F for approximately 1 hour
6-8 lb ham: Bake at 325°F for approximately 1.5-2 hours
10-12 lb ham: Bake at 325°F for approximately 2.5-3 hours
14-16 lb ham: Bake at 325°F for approximately 3-4 hours

Cook times vary based on oven calibration. Check temperature early and tent foil if ham browns too quickly.

Tips for Maximizing Flavor and Tenderness

Let ham stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for more even cooking.
Avoid overcooking; 145°F internal temp is ideal for a nice balance of moistness and tenderness.
Use apple, pineapple, or citrus juices in the glaze to complement the smoky flavor.
Stud ham with whole cloves for an extra flavor punch and decorative touch before glazing.
Slice across the grain of the meat for a more tender texture.

Serving Suggestions for Lee Brand Smoked Ham

Lee Brand smoked ham makes for fantastic meals and leftovers. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:

Smoked Ham Eggs Benedict – An elegant brunch dish!
Ham and Swiss Paninis – With honey mustard and spinach on ciabatta.
Baked Ham Mac and Cheese – Smoked ham kicks up this comfort food.
Ham Pot Pie – Diced ham, veggies, and creamy sauce topped with pie crust.
Ham and Pea Risotto – Savory rice dish with peas and smoked ham.
Spiral Cut Ham – A festive centerpiece for holidays and celebrations.
Black Bean and Ham Soup – Smoky ham flavors this hearty bean soup.
Ham Salad Sandwiches – Chopped ham, mayo, onions, celery, etc.

With its wonderfully smoky flavor and tender texture, Lee Brand smoked ham is ideal for easy meals, impressive entrées and party dishes. Follow our step-by-step cooking guide for your best baked ham yet!

Smoked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze using Kingsford Pellets

FAQ

How do you cook a precooked smoked 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 to cook smoked ham from grocery store?

Cooking it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per pound should do the trick, depending on the type of ham (whole or half, bone-in or no bone ― these specifics are outlined here). You just want to make sure the internal temperature has reached 145 degrees.

How to cook Smithfield smoked ham?

Preheat oven to 325F. Remove all packaging materials place ham, cut side down, on rack in shallow roasting pan, Cover loosely with aluminum foil. Heat approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, until heated through. Remove ham from oven and let stand, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Do you cook a smoked ham covered or uncovered?

If you don’t cover your ham while cooking it will quickly dry out. Instead: Put some aluminum foil over your ham while it’s cooking. It is recommended that the ham is covered for at least half of the cooking process and only removed during the last half when you glaze it.

How to cook a smoked ham?

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). 2. Remove the packaging from the smoked ham and place it on a roasting rack in a large baking dish. 3. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and black pepper. This glaze will add a touch of sweetness and flavor to the smoked ham. 4.

Is honey baked ham as good as regular ham?

The addition of honey will affect the calorie content of the food. One tablespoon of honey contributes to approximately 64 calories. In addition, the use of heat when making baked ham will reduce the quality of the honey.

What is a smoked ham?

Smoked ham is a delicious and savory dish that can be the star of any meal. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or simply looking for a flavorful dinner option, cooking a smoked ham is easier than you might think.

Can you eat a fully cooked smoked ham?

Yes, you can safely consume a fully cooked smoked ham without further cooking. It has already been cooked thoroughly during the smoking process, making it safe to eat as is. How can I enhance the flavor of a fully cooked smoked ham?