Find out everything you need to know about How to Cook Smoked Ham and get our recipe for our holiday Smoked Ham with Maple Spice Glaze, which is naturally gluten-free and sugar-free.
When it comes to cooking a whole smoked ham, there are a lot of options and questions. A few years ago, when I first shared this maple spiced glazed smoked ham recipe, I was only thinking about how great it looked and tasted on the holiday table.
I added some of the most common questions about how to cook a bone-in smoked ham to this post because so many of you has asked them.
Bookmark this for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s or whenever you want to serve a whole ham.
A Fieldstone ham makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. When properly prepared, it emerges from the oven or smoker tender, smoky and full of flavor. But cooking a Fieldstone ham requires some key steps to unlock its full potential. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything from choosing the right size ham to slicing and serving. Let’s get started!
Selecting the Perfect Fieldstone Ham
When buying a Fieldstone ham, you first want to consider the size. Plan for around 1/2 pound of bone-in ham per person, or 1/3 pound boneless. For a party of 8, a 5 lb bone-in or 4 lb boneless ham is ideal. Also think about whether you prefer bone-in for richer flavor or boneless for easier carving.
Inspect the packaging – the ham should look fresh with no frost burn. Fieldstone hams are sold fresh, not cooked. Finally, choose a ham that will fit comfortably in your oven or smoker.
Thawing a Frozen Ham
For best results, thaw a frozen Fieldstone ham completely before cooking Here are some safe thawing methods
- Refrigerator – Unwrap and place on a tray. Allow 24-48 hours to thaw.
- Cold water – Submerge ham in a leakproof bag until thawed, changing water every 30 mins.
- Microwave – Use defrost setting in short intervals to gently thaw.
Avoid thawing at room temperature, as bacteria can multiply quickly on perishable foods.
Seasoning for Maximum Flavor
For a Fieldstone ham cooked from fresh seasoning is key for flavor. Try these easy seasoning ideas
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Simple – Coat with olive oil, salt and pepper. The classics are great on ham.
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Sweet – For a honey baked ham, coat with a mix of brown sugar, honey and mustard.
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In order to add depth, rub the meat with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme.
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Fruity – For a unique twist, use pureed fruit like apricot, peach or pineapple with spices.
Let the seasoned ham sit out for 30 minutes before cooking so the flavors penetrate into the meat.
Choosing Your Cooking Method
It’s possible to smoke, grill, or bake a Fieldstone ham. Here are some options:
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Oven – Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes per lb until internal temp reaches 140°F.
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Grill – Use indirect heat around 300°F. Add soaked wood chips for smoke flavor. Takes about 15-20 mins per lb.
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Smoker – For the most smoke flavor, use a charcoal or electric smoker with wood chips at 225-250°F. Figure around 30 minutes per lb.
No matter which cooking method you use, always check temperature to ensure food safety. Smoking times will vary based on size of ham and temperature of the smoker.
Step-by-Step Oven Roasting Method
For a foolproof oven-roasted Fieldstone ham, follow these simple steps:
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Preheat oven to 325°F.
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Place ham fat side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Insert a meat thermometer, avoiding bone.
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Roast for 15-20 mins per lb until thermometer reaches 140°F.
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Remove from oven, tent foil, and allow to rest 15 minutes before slicing.
The ham may take longer than the estimated time to reach a safe internal temperature. Check periodically with a thermometer for doneness.
Testing for Doneness
When is the Fieldstone ham done cooking? Use these methods to check:
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Meat thermometer reaches 140°F
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Meat fork slides in and out of ham easily
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Ham bones wiggle freely when ham is moved
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Meat separates easily from the bone
Allow ham to rest 15 minutes before checking temperature, as it will continue cooking from residual heat. Safe minimum internal temperature for fresh ham is 140°F.
Carving and Serving the Ham
Once your Fieldstone ham is perfectly cooked, it’s time to carve and serve this flavorful centerpiece! Follow these tips:
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Place ham cut side down on a cutting board to carve.
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Cut vertical slices down around the bone to release whole slices.
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Cut each slice diagonally across the grain for tenderness.
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Arrange slices on a platter and spoon over pan juices.
I love serving the ham with scalloped potatoes, roasted veggies and yeast rolls for a delicious and impressive meal. Now relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor!
Storing Leftover Ham
Leftover baked ham keeps well refrigerated for 3-4 days, or frozen for 2-3 months. Here are some storage tips:
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Allow ham to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Store sliced ham in airtight containers or resealable plastic bags.
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Portion ham into usable amounts before freezing.
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Freeze ham slices up to 2 months; bone broth up to 3 months.
Reheat leftover ham gently in the oven or microwave to prevent drying out. Enjoy ham in soups, omelets, sandwiches and more!
Common Fieldstone Ham Questions
How big of a Fieldstone ham do I need?
Plan on around 1/2 lb of bone-in ham per person, or 1/3 lb boneless. Size up accordingly for your guest list.
Can I cook a Fieldstone ham from frozen?
It’s best to thaw ham completely before cooking for food safety and even cooking. See thawing tips above.
What is the minimum safe internal temperature for ham?
Cook fresh ham to 140°F minimum, verified with a meat thermometer for safety.
How long does it take to smoke a Fieldstone ham?
Estimate 30 minutes smoking time per pound of ham at 225-250°F. Use a thermometer to confirm doneness.
Can I speed up cooking with a higher oven temp?
Cooking at higher temps can dry out the exterior. Low and slow is best – stick to 325°F max.
With the proper techniques for selecting, preparing, cooking and storing, even novice cooks can masterfully prepare a delicious Fieldstone ham. Your guests will be amazed at your skills! From holiday feasts to summer barbecues, a Fieldstone ham always makes for an impressive and flavorful centerpiece.
WHAT IS SMOKED HAM?
- Smoked ham is a piece of pork leg that has been cured in brine, hung in a smokehouse, and smoked over low heat for a long time to make it taste better.
- Both fresh ham and cooked ham can be smoked.
HOW TO COOK A FRESH SMOKED HAM:
- Preheat the oven to 325F.
- Prepare glaze.
- Cutting a paring knife into the fat cap will make diamond shapes. Place a whole clove in the middle of each diamond.
- Move to a roasting pan and roast for the time given.
- Baste with glaze and continue cooking until golden.
- Cool, slice and serve!
Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham
FAQ
How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?
What is the best cooking method for ham?
How long to cook a 10 lb fully cooked ham?
How to cook a precooked ham?
How do you cook a fieldstone smoked ham?
Here’s how to cook your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham to perfection: 1. Preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and place the ham in a deep roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham with a knife to create a crisscross pattern, and pour water around the ham to create a 1-inch deep pool. 2.
How to cook fieldstone hickory smoked ham?
To prepare your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham for cooking, the first step is to remove it from its packaging and give it a good wash under warm, running water. Use your hands or a clean brush to scrub the skin and remove any excess debris. Next, preheat your oven to 250 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do you store a fieldstone smoked ham?
Once your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham is fully cooked, it’s time to serve and store it properly. First, allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Can fieldstone smoked ham be frozen?
Allow your Fieldstone Hickory Smoked Ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. Any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for up to two months.