Cooking a fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply want to enjoy a delicious meal, a fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a great option. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham, including preparation, cooking methods, and serving suggestions.
Understanding Fully Cooked Hickory Smoked Hams
Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand what a fully cooked hickory smoked ham is. A fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a type of ham that has been pre-cooked and smoked to perfection. The ham is typically cured with a blend of spices and sugars, then smoked over hickory wood to give it a rich, savory flavor.
Fully cooked hickory smoked hams are available in various sizes and styles, including bone-in, boneless, and spiral-cut. When purchasing a fully cooked hickory smoked ham, make sure to check the label for any specific cooking instructions.
Choosing the Right Ham
When selecting a fully cooked hickory smoked ham, consider the following factors:
- Size: Choose a ham that’s suitable for your gathering or meal. A bone-in ham is ideal for a larger crowd, while a boneless ham is perfect for a smaller group.
- Style: Spiral-cut hams are easy to serve and look great on a platter, while bone-in hams offer a more traditional presentation.
- Brand: Look for reputable brands that use high-quality ingredients and traditional smoking methods.
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking the ham, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove the ham from the packaging and place it on a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan.
- Score the fat layer: Use a sharp knife to score the fat layer on the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, caramelized crust.
- Trim excess fat: If the ham has an excessive amount of fat, trim it off to prevent the ham from becoming too greasy.
Glazing the Ham
A glaze is a sweet and sticky sauce that’s brushed over the ham during the last stages of cooking. A glaze adds flavor, moisture, and a caramelized crust to the ham. Here are a few glaze options you can try:
- Brown sugar and mustard glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon honey.
- Honey and spice glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon ground cloves.
- Pineapple and brown sugar glaze: Mix together 1/4 cup pineapple juice, 1/4 cup brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.
Cooking Methods
Fully cooked hickory smoked hams can be cooked using various methods, including oven roasting, grilling, and slow cooking. Here are the steps for each method:
Oven Roasting
Oven roasting is a simple and convenient way to cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham on a rimmed baking sheet or a roasting pan, fat side up.
- Bake the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Grilling
Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the ham and creates a crispy, caramelized crust. Here’s how to grill a fully cooked hickory smoked ham:
- Preheat the grill to medium-low heat.
- Place the ham on the grill, fat side up.
- Close the grill lid and cook the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a great way to cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham, especially if you’re short on time. Here’s how to slow cook a ham:
- Place the ham in a slow cooker or a crock pot.
- Add 1/4 cup of liquid, such as pineapple juice or cola, to the slow cooker.
- Cook the ham on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Serving Suggestions
A fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Slice the ham thinly and serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a salad.
- Use the ham as a centerpiece for a charcuterie board or a buffet.
- Cube the ham and add it to soups, stews, or casseroles.
- Use the ham as a topping for pizza, salads, or baked potatoes.
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Ham and cheese sliders are a delicious and easy-to-make snack or meal. Here’s how to make them:
- Slice the ham thinly and place it on a bun.
- Add a slice of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss.
- Add some lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
- Serve the sliders immediately and enjoy.
Ham and Vegetable Kabobs
Ham and vegetable kabobs are a healthy and flavorful snack or meal. Here’s how to make them:
- Cube the ham and thread it onto skewers.
- Add some vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions.
- Brush the kabobs with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Grill or bake the kabobs until the vegetables are tender.
In conclusion, cooking a fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a simple and delicious process that requires minimal effort but yields maximum flavor. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or simply want to enjoy a tasty meal, a fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a great option. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to create a mouth-watering dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
What is a fully cooked hickory smoked ham?
A fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a type of cured ham that has been pre-cooked and smoked to perfection. This type of ham is made from pork leg or shoulder that has been cured with a combination of salt, sugar, and spices, then smoked over hickory wood to give it a rich, savory flavor. The ham is then fully cooked, either by baking or boiling, to an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C).
The result is a deliciously tender and flavorful ham that is ready to eat straight from the package. Fully cooked hickory smoked hams are often sold in grocery stores and can be served as a main course, used in sandwiches, or diced and added to salads and soups.
How do I cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham?
Cooking a fully cooked hickory smoked ham is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. To cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham in a baking dish or roasting pan, and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. You can also add some liquid to the pan, such as pineapple juice or cola, to add extra flavor to the ham.
Place the ham in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). You can also glaze the ham with a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices during the last 30 minutes of cooking to add a sweet and sticky glaze.
Can I cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham in a slow cooker. In fact, a slow cooker is a great way to cook a ham because it allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a tender and juicy texture. To cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham in a slow cooker, place the ham in the slow cooker and add some liquid, such as pineapple juice or cola.
Cook the ham on low for about 4-6 hours, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). You can also add some spices and herbs to the slow cooker to add extra flavor to the ham. Just be sure to check the ham periodically to ensure that it doesn’t overcook.
How do I glaze a fully cooked hickory smoked ham?
Glazing a fully cooked hickory smoked ham is a great way to add extra flavor and a sweet, sticky texture to the ham. To glaze a ham, mix together a combination of brown sugar, mustard, and spices, such as cloves and cinnamon. You can also add some honey or maple syrup to the glaze for extra sweetness.
Brush the glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. You can also glaze the ham during the last 10 minutes of cooking if you prefer a lighter glaze. Just be sure to keep an eye on the ham to ensure that the glaze doesn’t burn.
Can I cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham in a microwave?
Yes, you can cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham in a microwave, but it’s not the recommended method. Microwaving a ham can result in uneven cooking and a dry, tough texture. However, if you’re short on time, you can cook a fully cooked hickory smoked ham in the microwave.
To cook a ham in the microwave, place the ham in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Cook the ham on high for about 30-60 seconds per pound, or until the ham is heated through and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Just be sure to check the ham periodically to ensure that it doesn’t overcook.
How do I store a fully cooked hickory smoked ham?
A fully cooked hickory smoked ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days, or frozen for up to 3-4 months. To store a ham in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the coldest part of the refrigerator.
To freeze a ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat the ham, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can also reheat the ham in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I serve a fully cooked hickory smoked ham at room temperature?
Yes, you can serve a fully cooked hickory smoked ham at room temperature. In fact, many people prefer to serve ham at room temperature because it allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to become more tender. To serve a ham at room temperature, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
Just be sure to keep the ham away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as this can cause the ham to dry out. You can also cover the ham with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out.