How to Cook Never Any Ham for a Delicious Meal

Never Any hams from ALDI are a popular choice for many home cooks. These uncured hams offer a delicious flavor without nitrates, nitrites antibiotics or added hormones. If you’re new to cooking Never Any ham, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step.

Never Any hams are sold exclusively at ALDI grocery stores They come in a few different varieties, including spiral sliced and whole hams. These hams differ from traditional cured hams because

• They contain no added nitrates or nitrites except those naturally occurring in celery powder,

• The pigs are raised without antibiotics.

• The pigs are fed a vegetarian diet.

• No hormones are used.

By avoiding these additives, Never Any aims to offer a more natural ham. The ingredients are simple: uncured ham, water, salt, sugar, and spices.

Never Any hams cost more than traditional hams at ALDI, but many customers feel the price is worthwhile. A spiral cut ham costs about $3.99/lb compared to $1.99-$2.15/lb for other hams. For health-conscious shoppers, the extra cost provides peace of mind.

These hams are usually available as an ALDI Find around the holidays. They come fully cooked so they just need to be reheated.

Step 1: Choose Your Never Any Ham

ALDI offers a few varieties of Never Any ham to choose from:

• Spiral sliced: Available bone-in or boneless, spiral sliced hams offer convenience and quick cooking times. The boneless version is easiest for beginners.

• Whole bone-in: This is an unmanned, uncut ham ideal for large gatherings. It takes longer to cook but offers classic ham flavor.

• Half bone-in: Same great taste as a whole ham but in a more manageable size.

For first-time cooks, a boneless spiral ham is the easiest introduction to Never Any ham. A 5-7 lb ham feeds 4-8 people.

Step 2: Thaw the Ham

Never Any hams come frozen so you’ll need to thaw them before cooking. This takes 1-2 days in the refrigerator:

• Place frozen ham on a rimmed baking sheet to catch drips.

• Put the baking sheet on the bottom shelf of the fridge.

• Allow 24 hours of thawing time per 5 lbs of ham.

Avoid thawing at room temperature. This increases risk of bacterial growth.

The ham is ready when it’s soft enough to press gently with your finger. The center may still feel icy.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze

Never Any hams come with a packet of glaze mix. The glaze lends sweetness and flavor. To prepare:

• Empty glaze packet into a small saucepan.

• Add 2 tablespoons water or juice.

• Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

• Let rest 3-5 minutes to thicken slightly.

Making the glaze while the ham cooks allows time for the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Cook the Ham

Cooking times vary based on size, bone vs. boneless, etc. Follow package guidelines for best results.

Oven Method

This method works for bone-in or spiral sliced hams:

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Place ham flat-side down in a baking pan.

• Bake 20-30 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

• During last 15 minutes of cook time, spoon glaze over ham.

• For the juiciest results, tent foil over the ham while cooking until the last 15 minutes.

Stovetop Method

For boneless hams under 3 pounds:

• Place ham in a skillet or pot with 1/2 cup water.

• Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

• Reduce heat to low and cook 20-30 minutes until 140°F.

• Add glaze during last 10 minutes of cooking.

Grill or Smoker Method

Cooking over indirect heat infuses delicious smoky flavor:

• Prepare charcoal or gas grill for indirect cooking at 325°F, or preheat smoker to 250°F.

• Place ham over indirect heat source.

• Cook 30-40 minutes per pound until 140°F.

• Brush with glaze during last 15-30 minutes.

Monitor the temperature periodically with a meat thermometer. Remove from heat at 140°F for spiral sliced hams or 145°F for whole bone-in hams.

Step 5: Rest and Carve the Ham

Letting the ham rest ensures juicy, evenly cooked meat:

• Transfer ham to a cutting board and tent with foil.

• Let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

To carve spiral ham:

• Cut slices by holding knife parallel to the cutting board.

• Cut against the grain for tender slices.

For whole/half hams:

• Carefully cut around the bone to free slices.

• Cut meat away from bone.

• Slice across the grain in 1/4-1/2 inch slices.

Serving Suggestions

Never Any ham makes a perfect entree for gatherings big and small. Here are some serving ideas:

• Ham and cheese sliders – Top dinner rolls with ham, cheese, and tangy mustard.

• Ham salad – Dice ham and mix with mayo, diced celery, hard boiled eggs, and spices for sandwiches.

• Eggs Benedict – Delicious topped with poached eggs and hollandaise sauce.

• Ham fried rice – Dice ham and stir-fry with rice, peas, carrots and soy sauce.

• Split pea soup – Simmer ham bone and shredded ham in split pea soup.

• Ham pasta salad – Toss diced ham into pasta salad with veggies and Italian dressing.

Get creative with leftovers too! Diced ham makes a great pizza topping, omelette filling, or addition to mac and cheese.

Food Safety Tips

Properly stored, leftovers will last 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen. Reheat fully to 165°F.

Keep hot food hot (above 140°F) and cold food cold (below 40°F). Don’t leave ham sitting out for more than 2 hours.

Discard ham if it has an off smell or appearance. When in doubt, throw it out!

With its natural ingredients and delicious flavor, Never Any ham is worth seeking out for your next holiday meal or Sunday dinner. Follow this handy cooking guide for moist, juicy results. The simple ingredients really let the ham’s porky flavor shine through. Serve this tasty entree alongside favorite side dishes to give your guests a meal they won’t soon forget!