Cottage roll ham is a tasty versatile cut of meat that can be prepared easily in the oven for a delicious family meal. This boneless pork shoulder roast has a unique cured and lightly smoked flavor similar to corned beef. While it may seem intimidating to cook baking a cottage roll ham in the oven is actually quite simple.
This complete guide will show you how to bake a cottage roll ham in the oven, from picking out the right cut of meat to making sure it’s done. We will also give you advice on how to make your ham taste and feel its best. If you follow these steps, you will quickly have a juicy, tender ham with a huge range of flavors.
What Exactly is Cottage Roll Ham?
Cottage roll ham, sometimes labeled as cottage ham or boneless pork shoulder butt, comes from the front leg of the pig near the shoulder. It is cured in a wet brine solution giving it a salty, smoky ham-like flavor without being smoked like a traditional ham. This small, cylindrical cut of meat has marbling throughout that keeps it tender when cooked.
The curing process gives cottage roll ham a unique taste closer to deli-style corned beef than traditional dry-cured hams. It has a noticeably less “hammy” flavor. You can find cottage roll ham prepackaged in most grocery store meat sections. It is an affordable substitute for regular bone-in ham.
Choosing the Best Quality Cottage Roll Ham
When selecting your cottage roll ham, look for the following:
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Boneless – It should be boneless and tied into a round shape, Bone-in cuts are from a different part of the pig,
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Well-marbled – Look for visible marbling and fat running through the meat. This will make it juicy and tender.
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Cured color – The meat should be an even pink curing color without gray spots.
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Spice mix – Cottage ham often uses corned beef-style spices not traditional ham flavors.
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Weight – For easy cooking, choose a roll between 2-3 pounds. Larger sizes take longer to cook.
To get the texture and flavor of cottage roll ham, you need to start with a high-quality piece of meat. Now let’s get cooking!.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Oven-Baked Cottage Roll Ham
Preparing and cooking your cottage roll ham in the oven is a very straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps:
1. Rinse and Dry the Ham
Before cooking, rinse the ham under cold water to remove any excess salt from the curing process. Pat it completely dry with paper towels.
2. Score the Fat
Use a sharp knife to cut shallow cross-hatches across the top fatty layer. This allows the fat to render and creates little browned crispy bits.
3. Place Ham Fat-Side Up in Pan
Put the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish with the fat cap facing up. The fat will baste the meat as it cooks.
4. Add 1⁄2 Inch of Water to the Pan
Pour enough water in the bottom of the pan to measure 1⁄2 inch deep. This will prevent the ham from drying out as it bakes.
5. Cover Ham Tightly with Foil
Wrap the ham completely in foil to lock in moisture. Make sure the foil is sealed with no openings.
6. Bake Ham at 350°F for 1 Hour
Put the ham in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for one hour. This initial cooking lets the inside gently come up to temperature.
7. Remove Foil, Baste Ham, and Bake 30 More Minutes
Take off the foil, baste the ham with the pan juices, then return to oven uncovered for 30 minutes more. This helps brown and caramelize the outside.
8. Check Internal Temperature with Meat Thermometer
Test for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part without touching bone. It should reach 160°F.
9. Let Ham Rest for 10-15 Minutes
Once it reaches the target temp, remove ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb for moist, tender meat.
And that’s it! Your cottage roll ham is ready to be carved and served. The simple oven baking method produces a juicy, flavorful ham perfect for holidays and Sunday dinners.
Flavoring Your Cottage Ham in the Oven
While plain baked cottage roll ham is delicious on its own, you can also coat it with glazes, mustards, or spice rubs for more complex flavors. Here are some yummy seasoning ideas:
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Brown sugar glaze – Brush on a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and butter. The sugar will caramelize as it bakes.
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Pineapple rings – Stud the ham with pineapple rounds and brown sugar for a sweet, fruity flavor.
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Mustard coating – Slather spicy mustard, brown sugar, and cloves over the ham before baking.
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Bourbon and maple glaze – Whisk together maple syrup, bourbon, mustard, and spices for a smoky, savory glaze.
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Herb rub – Coat the ham in a blend of minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
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Orange ginger glaze – Mix orange juice, orange marmalade, fresh ginger, and cinnamon and brush over ham.
Get creative with your own signature glazes and spice mixes! A flavored coating adds tons of extra taste to your oven-baked cottage roll ham.
Handy Tips for Perfectly Cooked Cottage Ham
Follow these handy tips for the ideal texture and best possible flavor:
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Choose flavorful seasonings like cloves, ginger, mustard, brown sugar, herbs and citrus zest.
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Baste the ham every 20-30 minutes to keep the meat moist and juicy.
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Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness rather than relying on time.
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Let the ham rest before carving so juices redistribute through the meat.
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Add aromatics like garlic and onions to the roasting pan.
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Bake the ham low and slow, at 325°F – 350°F to keep it tender.
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Slice across the grain of the meat for a more tender bite.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oven-Baked Cottage Ham
How long does it take to bake a 3 pound cottage roll ham?
For a 3 pound ham, bake covered at 350°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, then uncovered for 30 minutes more. Always test the internal temperature to confirm it reaches 160°F.
Can you bake a cottage roll ham from frozen?
Yes, baking from frozen will take more time but it is doable. Thaw first for faster cooking. Add 30-60 minutes to the baking time. Monitor the temperature and adjust time as needed.
What is the best way to reheat leftover baked cottage ham?
Slice the leftover ham and heat it through on the stovetop in a skillet with a little water, stock or sauce. You can also reheat slices wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes.
What sides go well with baked cottage roll ham?
Baked cottage ham pairs nicely with scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, homemade bread, fruit salad, and lighter sides like a fresh spinach salad.
How do you know when the ham is done cooking?
The best way to test for doneness is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. It should reach 160°F when ready. If you don’t have a thermometer, the meat near the bone should reach 190°F-200°F.
Enjoy Your Delicious Oven-Baked Cottage Roll Ham!
Cooking a cottage roll ham in the oven is an easy, fuss-free way to prepare this unique cut of pork. With the simple steps in this guide, you can make a juicy baked ham with wonderful smoky, salty flavor perfect for any occasion. Don’t be intimidated to bake ham at home – just follow the instructions and you will have delicious results in no time. Impress your family with your own oven-roasted cottage roll ham!
