Cades Cove is a 6,000-acre valley in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains where our story starts. In that valley, there is a smokehouse where our ancestors perfected the age-old method of curing and smoking meats for more than two hundred years. They worked hard to give their families the best cuts of beef and pork, and we promise to do the same for you today. When you order our tasty ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and franks, you can start your own family dinner traditions that will last for generations. Â Because weâre not just in the business of making meat products. Â Weâre in the business of making memories.
Cades Cove is steeped in rich history and tradition. Cades Cove is in Tennessee’s beautiful Great Smoky Mountains and is famous for making country hams, which are a mainstay of Southern cooking. Find out how to cook a Cades Cove ham so that its rich flavor shines through.
The Cades Cove smokehouse has been crafting premium pork products for over 200 years. They expertly cure and smoke their hams using time-honored techniques. Cades Cove hams are sold fully cooked so they just need to be heated through before serving. However, additional steps can take the flavor to the next level.
Benefits of Cooking a Cades Cove Ham
Choosing a Cades Cove ham offers many perks
- Delicious smoky, salty flavor from natural wood smoking
- Juicy and tender meat thanks to special curing
- Convenience of a fully cooked product
- Versatile – great for meals, appetizers and snacks
- Traditional down-home country flair
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking
Follow these simple steps for fantastic Cades Cove ham:
1. Select and Prepare the Ham
Choose a 5-10 lb fully cooked bone-in ham. 30 minutes before cooking, remove ham from the fridge to prevent uneven cooking.
2. Score and Pierce the Ham
Make cuts in the ham that are about 1/4 inch deep and run diagonally in a diamond shape. Then pierce all over with a fork or skewer. This allows the glaze to really penetrate and flavor the meat.
3. Mix up a Glaze
Whisk together a glaze of brown sugar pineapple juice, Dijon mustard spices, and other desired ingredients.
4. Generously Brush on Glaze
Brush about 1/3 of the glaze all over the scored and pierced ham surfaces. Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor infusion.
5. Bake Uncovered at 325°F
Place ham cut side down on a rack in a roasting pan Bake uncovered, allowing 15 minutes per pound, until heated through Reapply glaze periodically.
6. Rest, Carve and Serve
Allow ham to rest for 20 minutes before carving into thin slices. Serve with pan juices for added flavor.
Handy Cooking Tips
- Soak ham in cider, ginger ale or cola for extra moistness
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness
- Add pineapple slices or cherries for presentation
- Bake in a foil tent if browning too quickly
- Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or sage
Creative Flavor Options
Mix up a unique glaze that suits your tastes:
- Orange marmalade, honey and grated ginger
- Maple syrup, whole grain mustard and chipotle
- Blackberry preserves, balsamic and cracked pepper
- Bourbon, brown sugar, garlic and cayenne
- Guava jelly, lemon juice, thyme and cumin
Serving Ideas
A Cades Cove ham is a perfect entrée but also great for appetizers, meals and snacks.
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For dinner, carve thin slices and serve with traditional sides like mac & cheese, greens, potatoes, and cornbread.
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For lunches and snacks, dice and add to biscuits, sandwiches, paninis, pizza, omelets, and more.
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For parties, slice ham thin and serve on biscuits or rolls, or cube for appetizers.
With its memorable smoky flavor and convenient fully cooked preparation, Cades Cove ham is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Follow this guide for cooking success! Your family will request your special home-cooked Cades Cove ham again and again.
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Cades Cove is a 6,000-acre valley in East Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains where our story starts. In that valley, there is a smokehouse where our ancestors perfected the age-old method of curing and smoking meats for more than two hundred years. They worked hard to give their families the best cuts of beef and pork, and we promise to do the same for you today. When you order our tasty ribs, pulled pork, smoked sausage, and franks, you can start your own family dinner traditions that will last for generations. Â Because weâre not just in the business of making meat products. Â Weâre in the business of making memories.
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FAQ
Where is Cades Cove ham made?
How to cook a smoked ham from the butcher?