How to Bake a Juicy, Flavorful Kentucky Legend Ham

Kentucky Legend ham is a premium, deliciously flavored ham that is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to enjoy a tasty Southern classic Learning how to properly bake a Kentucky Legend ham ensures moist, tender meat infused with signature flavors.

Follow this simple guide for step-by-step instructions on selecting, preparing, seasoning, and baking a Kentucky Legend ham to smoky, savory perfection. Let’s get started!

Choosing a Quality Kentucky Legend Ham

The first step is selecting a great ham to bake Look for

• Whole, bone-in: A whole, bone-in ham is better than a half or a slice for taste and texture. The bone adds richness.

• Spiral sliced – Opt for spiral sliced which helps the ham absorb seasoning and glaze.

• Hickory smoked – Kentucky Legend hams are hickory smoked for authentic Southern flavor.

• Size – Aim for around 1/2 pound per person, a 10 lb. ham feeds around 20.

• Use-by date – Check the use-by or sell-by date and select the freshest ham available.

• Color – Pick a ham with vibrant, pinkish-red meat without dried edges or dark spots.

With the right Kentucky Legend ham, your food will taste great after being smoked.

Preparing the Ham for Baking

Before cooking, you’ll want to get the ham ready:

• Remove packaging – Unwrap completely and remove any netting or casing.

• Trim excess fat – Use a knife to trim off any dried out portions or large chunks of fat.

• Score the fat cap – Crisscross shallow cuts across the top fat help absorb seasoning.

• Coat with mustard – Brushing with yellow or Dijon mustard helps the seasoning adhere.

• Liberally apply seasoning – Coat entire ham with your rub or glaze of choice.

• Refrigerate uncovered 8-12 hours – This helps seasoning penetrate and dries the outside for better browning.

Seasoning a Kentucky Legend Ham

While Kentucky Legend ham has robust smoke flavor, seasoning it adds extra complexity. Consider:

• Brown sugar, honey + spices – A sweet glaze with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.

• Orange juice, pineapple juice + ginger – Fruity flavors brighten the ham.

• Whole grain mustard, maple syrup + garlic – Savory with a touch of sweetness.

• Coarse black pepper, coriander + molasses – Deep, bold spices pair nicely.

Get creative with your seasonings! Apply them heavily, even under the ham.

How to Bake a Kentucky Legend Ham

To bake your Kentucky Legend ham to tender, smoky perfection:

• Preheat oven to 325°F – Use a lower temp for even, gentle cooking.

• Place ham fat side up on roasting rack – Elevate on a rack in a roasting pan.

• Pour 1 cup water into the pan – The water prevents drips from burning and smoking.

• Cover ham tightly with foil – Keeping it covered locks in moisture as it bakes.

• Bake 30 minutes per pound – For example, bake a 10 lb. ham for about 5 hours.

• Uncover last 30 minutes – This allows the outside to caramelize.

• Brush with glaze – Coat ham with another layer of glaze before serving.

• Rest 30 minutes – Letting it rest allows juices to absorb for maximum flavor.

• Carve and serve – Slicing against the grain makes it tender and easy to chew.

Is Your Kentucky Legend Ham Done?

Check these signs to know when your ham is ready:

• Internal temperature of 140°F – Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

• Deep brown exterior – The outside should be browned and slightly crispy.

• Meat pulls back from the bone – It should pull away easily when ready.

• Clear juices – Juices that run clear indicate the ham is cooked through.

Allowing the ham to rest before carving lets juices redistribute for moistness. Now you can serve up the good stuff!

Serving Your Kentucky Legend Ham

A beautifully baked Kentucky Legend ham deserves great sides like:

• Cornbread or rolls – Essential for building sandwiches with those leftovers!

• Baked beans or potato salad – Classic complementary sides.

• Roasted vegetables – Onions, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts.

• Mac and cheese or cheesy grits – Rich sides to balance the ham.

• Fruit salad or baked apples – For a touch of sweetness.

A Kentucky Legend ham is the star of the show. Bake it right using these tips and get ready for incredible smoked flavor!