Its name tells you that a semi-boneless ham has some bones in it and some bones taken out.
An expert in pork anatomy and lead chef at the Institute of Culinary Education, Shawn Matijevich, says that a fully boned-in ham won’t give you a good yield unless you are a butcher or know a lot about pork anatomy.
It’s possible to get a bone-in ham, but if you choose a semi-boneless ham, the hip and shank bones will be taken out. The leg bone will still be there, though. “The leg bone keeps the ham juicier and is easier to carve, too. “.
Nearly all semi-boneless hams will be precooked when you buy them. Based on the USDA, that means you can enjoy it cold as long as it’s vacuum-packed and made in a federally inspected plant.
That being said, there is a way to bake a fully cooked semi-boneless ham that will make it juicy and tasty for dinner. It won’t take long, and you’ll have ham left over for days that you can use in other recipes.
Make sure to read the packaging label to ensure that your ham is fully-cooked before planning your meal.
The USDA says that to reheat a fully cooked ham, it needs to be cooked until it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit inside. Use a meat thermometer to check.
Ham that hasn’t been cooked must reach 160 F on the inside before it’s safe to eat.
Cooking a delicious Sahlen’s ham is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you can make this classic deli meat into a mouthwatering centerpiece for holidays, parties, or even a weeknight dinner In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn pro tips and tricks for choosing, preparing, and cooking a tender, juicy Sahlen’s ham
Choosing the Right Sahlen’s Ham
Sahlen’s offers a wide variety of smoked and cured hams to suit any recipe Here are the most popular choices
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Dinner Ham – Sahlen’ssignature ready-to-eat ham sold in a 7 lb size. It’s cured, smoked, and cooked so it’s ready to slice and serve. The classic choice for holidays and dinners.
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Butcher’s Choice Ham – Sold in 5 lb or 10 lb unsliced, uncooked sizes. You’ll need to cook it before serving but it makes impressive large ham centerpieces.
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Boneless Ham – Fully cooked, sold boneless for easy slicing. Comes in 3 lb sizes, perfect for smaller families.
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Spiral Sliced Ham: This ham is fully cooked and comes in spiral-cut slices that make it easy to serve. Available in 7 lb to 10 lb sizes.
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Smoked Ham Steaks: One-pound ham steaks that are already cooked and ready to eat for quick weeknight meals Just heat and serve.
For beginners, the pre-cooked Dinner Ham or Spiral Sliced Ham offer foolproof ease. For more experienced cooks, try the Butcher’s Choice bone-in ham and cook it yourself for maximum flavor.
Step 1: Remove Ham from Packaging
Once you’ve selected your Sahlen’s ham, it’s time to start prepping it for cooking. Carefully remove all packaging, leaving the ham wrapped in the inner plastic lining if it has one. Rinse the ham under cool water to remove any lingering debris or cure ingredients from the surface. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels.
If your ham came with a seasoning packet, set that aside for now. We’ll use that later to coat the ham before baking.
Step 2: Score the Fat Cap
Scoring the ham’s outer layer of fat helps the seasonings and glaze adhere better. It also allows the fat to render more evenly during cooking.
To score, use a sharp knife to make shallow X or diamond patterns across the fat cap. Space the cuts about 1 inch apart. Try not to cut all the way through the fat into the meat.
Step 3: Apply Seasonings or Glaze
Now it’s time to add flavor! Use one of these three simple methods:
Seasoning Packet
If your Sahlen’s ham came with a seasoning packet, simply rub the mixture evenly all over the ham. The seasoning usually contains salt, sugar, and spices.
Brown Sugar Glaze
Mix 1 cup brown sugar with 1/4 cup honey, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, and 2 teaspoons mustard. Heat the glaze over medium heat until blended and thickened slightly. Brush all over ham.
Herb Crust
Combine 1/4 cup Dijon mustard with 1/4 cup each of chopped fresh rosemary and parsley. Spread evenly on the ham. For added crunch, press 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs into the herb mixture.
Step 4: Prepare Ham for Cooking
There are a few techniques to ensure your ham cooks up moist and tender:
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For bone-in hams, wrap the exposed bone tip tightly in foil to prevent burning.
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Place ham fat side up on a foil-lined roasting pan. The fat will baste the meat as it renders.
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For added moisture and flavor, you can add cider, wine, broth or water to the bottom of the pan. Use 1 cup for a 7 lb ham.
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Insert a meat thermometer deep into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. This will allow you to monitor the internal temp.
Step 5: Cook the Ham
Cooking times will vary based on the size and type of your Sahlen’s ham. Here are general guidelines:
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Dinner hams – Heat oven to 325°F. Bake 20 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 140°F.
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Butcher’s Choice uncooked hams – Heat oven to 325°F. Bake 15 minutes per pound until internal temp reaches 160°F.
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Boneless hams – Heat oven to 325°F. Bake 12 minutes per pound until internal temp reaches 140°F.
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Ham steaks – Preheat skillet over medium heat. Pan fry 4 minutes per side.
Baste the ham with pan juices every 30 minutes while cooking. If the top browns too quickly, loosely tent foil over it.
Step 6: Make the Perfect Carving Slices
Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing so the juices can redistribute. Use an electric knife or sharp, thin-bladed knife to cut thin, even slices across the grain of the meat. Cutting against the grain helps keep the ham tender.
Aim for slices between 1/8 to 1/4 inches thick. Cut only as much ham as you’ll serve right away and refrigerate the rest.
Step 7: Enjoy Your Delicious Sahlen’s Ham!
Now it’s time to dive into your perfect ham! Here are some of our favorite ways to serve it:
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On a charcuterie board with cheeses, fruits, nuts, and crackers
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In omelets, quiches, or stratas for a protein packed breakfast
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On sandwiches topped with cheese, mustard and pickles
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Diced in salads, pasta dishes, soups, or casseroles
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Wrapped around melon or pear slices for an elegant appetizer
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Baked into ham and cheese rolls or turnovers
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Glazed with maple syrup or honey and sprinkled with brown sugar
With its versatility, premium quality, and authentic smokehouse flavor, Sahlen’s ham is sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering. Now that you know how to cook it to juicy, tender perfection, you can enjoy this timeless classic any time. Dig into that delicious ham!
Remove the Ham
Take the ham out of the refrigerator about an hour before you plan to place it in the oven, says Chef Brandon Collins, mustard sommelier for Maille.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sahlen’s Smokehouse Ham Deli Meats
FAQ
How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?
How long to cook a 3 lb fully cooked ham per?
Should you bake a ham covered or uncovered?