Wegmans celebration ham is a delicious spiral sliced ham that’s perfect for holidays, gatherings, or any special occasion. With its smoky flavor and tender, juicy meat, this pre-cooked ham makes an impressive centerpiece with little effort. But to get the most out of your Wegmans celebration ham, it’s important to cook it properly so it turns out moist and full of flavor.
In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook a mouthwatering Wegmans celebration ham. We’ll cover
- Ingredients and equipment needed
- Step-by-step instructions
- Carving and serving tips
- Leftover ideas
- Frequently asked questions
Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a show-stopping ham that your guests will rave about. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients and Equipment You’ll Need
Cooking a Wegmans celebration ham is simple with just a few basic ingredients and tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in Wegmans celebration ham (around 7 lbs)
- Honey, brown sugar, pineapple slices, or your favorite glaze (optional)
Equipment:
- Roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Basting brush
- Carving knife
That’s it! Now let’s get to the good stuff – actually cooking this tasty ham.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked Wegmans celebration ham:
1. Remove packaging and let ham sit out
Take the ham out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
Remove all outer plastic packaging, wrappings, and pop-up timer. Reserve any broth packets for making leftovers.
2. Preheat oven and prepare roasting pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place a roasting pan on the middle oven rack to heat up.
Line the hot pan with aluminum foil and place a roasting rack inside. The rack allows air flow and prevents the ham from simmering in its juices.
3. Score ham and apply glaze
For flavorful, glazed ham, score the fat cap by making shallow 1⁄4 inch cuts in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze seep into the meat.
Brush ham all over with your favorite glaze. I like using pineapple juice, brown sugar, honey, or Dijon mustard mixed with maple syrup. Get creative!
4. Cover ham and bake
Place ham cut-side down on the hot roasting rack. Pour 1 cup water in the bottom of the pan to keep it moist.
Cover ham tightly with more foil, sealing the edges so steam can’t escape. This steam-roasting gives you tender, juicy meat.
Bake for 13-15 minutes per pound. For a 7 lb ham, that’s about 1 3⁄4 hours.
5. Uncover and broil
After 1 1⁄2 hours, remove foil and broil ham for 3-5 minutes to caramelize the glaze. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
6. Check temperature and rest
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp, inserting it into the thickest part without hitting bone. It should register 140°F.
Once done, remove from oven and let rest 30 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute for moist, flavorful meat.
And that’s it – you’ve cooked a perfect Wegmans celebration ham! Now let’s talk about how to carve and serve this beauty.
Carving and Serving Your Ham
You put in the work cooking your ham. Make sure you present it properly by following these carving and serving tips:
Choose the right cutting board
Use a large wooden or plastic cutting board that can contain any juices. You don’t want a messy counter!
Carve against the grain
Place ham flat-side down. Make thin slices by cutting against the grain of the meat instead of with it. This produces more tender slices that are easier to chew.
Take your time
Have patience and take your time when slicing. No one will get to eat if the ham ends up in pieces!
Make use of juices
As you carve, pour any accumulated juices over the sliced ham to keep it moist. Or save to make soup.
Maintain proper order
Continually replace empty platters and bowls to maintain order of meat slices. Don’t let guests paw through a dwindling platter.
Keep ham warm
If serving buffet-style, place carved ham in a chafing dish or slow cooker set to warm. No one likes cold ham!
Follow these steps and your guests will be wowed by both your cooking and serving skills. Now, what to do with those leftovers?
Creative Leftover Ham Recipes
Like any good host, you’ll probably have leftover ham after your party. Avoid food waste and enjoy it throughout the week by getting creative with these recipes:
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Ham and egg breakfast tacos – Dice ham and scrambled eggs in a warm flour tortilla for a savory morning meal.
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Ham and potato hash – Dice ham and pan-fry with potatoes, peppers, and onions for a satisfying one-skillet dinner.
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Ham fried rice – Transform leftover rice into an easy weeknight meal by stir-frying with peas, ham, and eggs.
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Ham quiche – Line a pie crust with ham, cheese, and veggies to use up leftovers in a delicious brunch dish.
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Ham salad sandwiches – Roughly chop ham and mix with mayo, mustard, relish, and celery for tasty lunchtime sandwiches.
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Ham and bean soup – Simmer ham bone and diced ham with beans, vegetables, and seasonings for a cozy soup.
With a little creativity, you can enjoy the flavors of your perfectly cooked Wegmans celebration ham all week long. Keep leftovers refrigerated up to 5 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cooking a ham for the first time? Here are answers to some common questions:
How long does an uncooked ham last in the fridge?
An uncooked ham will last 4-7 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to check expiration date and store in coldest part of fridge.
Can you freeze ham?
Fully cooked hams like Wegmans celebration ham can be frozen up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw in fridge 1-2 days before cooking.
Is it safe to eat the black coating on ham?
Yes, the black outer coating on some hams is safe to eat. It’s a buildup of spices and protein called curing salt. Just rinse before cooking.
Can you cook a ham from frozen?
It’s best not to cook a frozen ham directly from the freezer. Always thaw in the refrigerator first for food safety.
How long does cooked ham last in the fridge?
Leftover fully cooked ham stays fresh in the fridge for 3-5 days. Store slices separately or in an airtight container.
Have more ham questions? Feel free to ask!
Perfectly Cooked Ham Awaits
Cooking the perfect Wegmans celebration ham is easy with this complete step-by-step guide. With the right ingredients, tools, and technique you’ll have moist, flavorful ham that makes a mouthwatering centerpiece.
Use the handy time chart below so you know exactly how long to bake your size of ham. Refer back to the instructions for carving, serving, and leftovers tips.
Before you know it, you’ll be getting rave reviews for your juicy, delicious Wegmans celebration ham. Enjoy!
Ham Size | Uncovered Bake Time (Minutes per Pound)
|
5 lb | 18-20 min
7 lb | 13-15 min
10 lb | 11-13 min
12 lb | 10-12 min