Want a picture-perfect glazed ham recipe for a holiday or special occasion? You’ve come to the right place! This juicy ham goes well with all of our favorite Sunday dinner and Christmas side dish recipes. Moreover, ham is less stressful to prepare than other roasted meats. Since most hams are already cooked when you buy them, all you have to do to cook one is heat it up in the oven. If you add a tasty brown sugar glaze in the last 15 to 30 minutes, the ham will be so good that you won’t have any left over.
Kruse hams are premium quality hams known for their delicious flavor and juicy texture. Whether you’re cooking for a holiday gathering or just want to enjoy Kruse ham at home, following the proper techniques is key to bringing out the best in these hams.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know to cook a mouthwatering Kruse ham We’ll cover choosing the right ham, preparing it for the oven, setting cook times and temperatures, glazing, determining doneness, resting, carving, serving suggestions, and storing leftovers. With these tips and tricks, you’ll gain the skills to impress your family with tender, flavorful Kruse ham.
Choosing the Right Kruse Ham
Kruse offers a variety of bone-in and boneless hams in different sizes. For the best flavor, opt for a bone-in ham. Choose a size based on how many you plan to serve – about 1/3 pound of ham per person is a good estimate. Examine the label to see if the ham is fully cooked or requires cooking. Fully cooked hams just need reheating while fresh hams require thorough cooking. Also check the ingredients to avoid added water or phosphates.
Preparing the Ham
Before cooking. prepare your Kruse ham
- Thaw completely if frozen – allow 1-2 days in the fridge
- Remove any packaging, netting, or bones
- Rinse ham under cool water and pat dry
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern to allow glaze to penetrate
- Place ham cut-side down in a foil-lined roasting pan
Setting Oven Temps and Cook Times
Use these oven guidelines:
- Preheat oven to 325°F
- Fully cooked ham – bake 10-15 minutes per lb until 140°F internal temp
- Fresh ham – bake 18-20 minutes per lb until 145°F internal temp
- Add 1/2 cup water or juice to roasting pan during baking
For example, a 10 lb fully cooked ham bakes for 2-2. 5 hours. Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe internal temp.
Glazing for Flavor and Color
- Mix a glaze from brown sugar, honey, fruit juice, spices, etc.
- Brush on glaze last 30 minutes of baking once ham reaches 100°F
- Glaze periodically until ham is 140°F for fully cooked or 145°F for fresh
- Broil 2-3 minutes after glazing if you want a caramelized surface
Test for Doneness
Here’s how to know when the Kruse ham is ready:
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp
- Insert a fork – it should slide in easily when done
- Meat near the bone should not be pink
- Juices should run clear not pink when pierced
Let the Ham Rest
Never skip this crucial step! Allowing the ham to rest:
- Redistributes juices so meat stays moist
- Allows ham to complete cooking so it’s not underdone
- Makes it easier to carve cleanly without shredding
After baking, tent ham with foil and let rest 15-30 minutes before carving.
Carving and Serving the Ham
- Carve ham across the grain into thin slices
- Arrange slices on a platter with pan drippings for dipping
- Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, rolls, and spinach salad
- Offer condiments like mustard, chutney, or pineapple slices
With masterful preparation and cooking, your Kruse ham will be a hit!
Storing Leftover Ham
Properly stored, leftover Kruse ham stays fresh for 4-5 days refrigerated.
- Carve remaining ham off the bone and refrigerate in an airtight container
- Slice ham and freeze portions to simply reheat later
- Freeze diced ham in bags for adding to omelets or fried rice
With proper storage, you can enjoy your ham for lunches, dinners, and more all week long.
Helpful Tips and Tricks
- Choose a ham with the bone-in for better moisture and flavor
- Generously apply rub on all surfaces to develop a tasty, crispy bark
- Use a rimmed baking sheet with a roasting rack for best results
- Baste with pan drippings every 30 minutes while the ham bakes
- Glaze during last 30 minutes once ham reaches 100°F internal temperature
- Allow 15-30 minutes resting time before carving
By following these instructions, you’ll gain the confidence to perfectly cook Kruse hams and impress your family and friends with your skilled preparation. The ham will turn out incredibly juicy, tender, and full of flavor at your next gathering.
Do you glaze ham before or after cooking?
It’s best to glaze ham only during the final 15 to 30 minutes of cooking. If you glaze ham too early, the sugar in the glaze could scorch, leaving a sticky mess. It’s easy to whip up your own ham glaze, so give it a try!.
How to Store Glazed Ham
Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the fridge for three to four days. You can reheat the ham in the oven or microwave. Better yet: Repurpose the extras to make these stellar leftover ham recipes.
How to cook a fully cooked ham for dummies.
FAQ
How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?
How long to cook a Smithfield ham?
What is the best cooking method for ham?
How to cook a Ham in the oven?
Directions 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet or large roasting pan with foil. 2. Put the ham cut-side down on the foil and scatter the onion pieces around it. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. 3.
How long do you cook a Ham in a pan?
Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/8-inch deep. Place the cloves in the middle of each diamond. Place the ham in a large roasting pan with a rack, tent it with foil, and bake for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or longer, depending on the package directions. (Some hams may require 3 to 3 1/2 hours at a lower temp; just check the package.)
How long do you cook a ham skin side up?
Take the ham out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the ham skin-side down in a roasting pan, and, depending on its size, cook for about an hour before turning it skin-side up and roasting for another 2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
How do you make a ham glaze?
To make this glaze, stir together: Halve the recipe if you are making a half ham. Here’s the play-by-play: Place ham, fat side up, in a large roasting pan. Add 2 cups of water, roughly, or enough water so that it reaches 1/2-inch up the sides of the pan. Cover the pan with foil and transfer to a 325ºF oven.