When you make Baked Beans and Cottage Ham, you slowly cook smoked pork shoulder in the oven with rich tomato sauced beans.
Cottage ham, also known as a cottage roll or shoulder ham, is a flavorful and economical cut of meat that makes a wonderfully hearty family meal. When cooked properly in the oven, cottage ham can be succulent, tender and full of flavor.
If you’ve picked up a cottage ham at the grocery store but aren’t quite sure how to prepare it have no fear! By following this simple guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about how to cook cottage ham in the oven for best results.
What is Cottage Ham?
Cottage ham comes from the shoulder of the pig. It is a fattier cut than traditional ham from the hind leg, which makes it extra moist and flavorful when cooked. Cottage ham is also boneless, usually tied into a round shape, and sold fully cooked but not ready to eat.
Compared to regualr ham, cottage ham tends to be:
- More tender and juicy
- Boasts a richer flavor
- Cooks up with a pot roast-like texture
Cottage ham needs additional cooking before eating but already has a lovely smoked ham flavor from being cured and cooked once during processing All it needs is a little more oven time!
Benefits of Cooking Cottage Ham in the Oven
Baking cottage ham in the oven allows you to achieve:
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Evenly cooked meat: The dry oven heat surrounds the ham and penetrates deep into the meat for uniform cooking. No need to worry about underdone centers or overcooked edges.
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Caramelized exterior: The hot oven air will cause natural sugars on the exterior of the ham to caramelize, forming a delicious crust.
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Locked in juices: Slow roasting leads to moist, succulent meat that won’t dry out.
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Ease of use: Simply pop it in the oven and let the heat do the work! Much easier than grilling or pan frying.
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Hands-off cooking: Once it’s in the oven, you don’t need to monitor it constantly like on the stovetop.
Step-by-Step Guide to Oven-Roasted Cottage Ham
Follow these simple steps for tender and delicious oven-baked cottage ham every time.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in cottage ham (3-4 lbs)
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1⁄2 cup apple juice or cider
Instructions
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Remove wrapping and trim excess fat. Unwrap the plastic off of the cottage ham and place on a cutting board. Trim off any large chunks of fat so that just a thin layer remains. This helps prevent smoking and allows the glaze to better stick to the meat.
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Score the fat. Use a sharp knife to cut diagonal grid pattern grooves into the fat cap about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to seep into the meat.
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Make the glaze. In a small bowl, stir together the brown sugar, honey, mustard, and apple juice. Set aside.
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Place ham in roasting pan and rub with glaze. Put the cottage ham in a roasting pan fat side up. Brush the glaze mixture all over the ham, coating it evenly.
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Roast at 300°F for 4-5 hours. Place the roasting pan in the preheated 300°F oven. Roast for about 4-5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part.
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Baste every 45 minutes. For best results, baste the ham with the pan juices every 45 minutes or so. This prevents drying out and builds delicious roasted flavor.
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Let rest 10 minutes before slicing. Once the ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for moistness.
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Carve into slices and serve! Dig into beautiful slices of juicy, glazed cottage ham with your favorite side dishes like scalloped potatoes, roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Oven Roasting Tips
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For food safety, always cook to an internal temperature of 140°F.
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Use a meat thermometer to check temperature and prevent overcooking.
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Add apple juice or water to the pan as needed to prevent burning.
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If the ham browns too quickly, tent it loosely with foil.
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The cooking time will vary based on the size of your ham. Plan for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.
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Letting the ham rest after cooking allows juices to absorb for better moisture.
Common Questions About Oven-Baked Cottage Ham
Should I Soak the Ham Before Cooking?
Soaking is not necessary as it is already fully cooked. However, you can soak it for 1-2 hours to reduce saltiness if desired.
What Temp Should I Cook Cottage Ham at?
Cook at a low 300°F to prevent drying out. Cook to 140°F internal temperature.
How Long Does it Take to Cook Cottage Ham?
Plan for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound at 300°F. A 3-4 lb ham takes around 4-5 hours.
What is the Best Glaze for Cottage Ham?
Classic brown sugar and honey is delicious. You can also use maple syrup, apricot jam, crushed pineapple, or a savory mustard glaze. Get creative!
Can I Use a Slow Cooker Instead?
Yes! Cook on low for about 8-10 hours until internal temp reaches 140°F. Add a little water or juice to prevent drying out.
How Should I Slice Cottage Ham?
Slice across the grain in thin slices for tenderness. Chill in the fridge 20-30 mins before slicing for clean cuts.
Enjoy Your Delicious Oven-Baked Cottage Ham
Now you’re ready to roast cottage ham like a pro! This versatile, flavorful cut deserves a place on your dinner table. Impress your family with juicy, glazed cottage ham using this fool-proof method. The oven does all the work for a fuss-free meal everyone will love. Serve it up with tasty sides and enjoy!
October Improv Cooking Challenge
The first recipe is for Manwich Baked Beans, which use a can of sloppy Joe’s sauce to make baked beans quickly for a barbecue or cookout.
Then, this Slow Cooker Cottage Ham is a very easy and comforting crock pot meal made with potatoes and ham.
The next dish I’m cooking is sweet and savory baked beans with juicy pieces of smoked beef brisket that get a lot of praise at any barbecue.
You can also make Slow Cooker Cottage Ham with Green Beans and Potatoes in the crock pot with the beans and potatoes from the farm market.
Finally, baked beans are a classic American dish that are always served at summer barbecues. They can be cooked in the oven or on the grill.
Baked Beans and Cottage Ham
Baked Beans and Cottage Ham is my recipe of the day with the blogging group Improv Cooking Challenge. We’ve been challenged to put some pork and molasses together.
I had it because I had a cottage ham and some baked beans in the fridge. Pork and beans…. deluxe.
Cottage hams are also known as smoked butts. They are very similar to ham but come from a different place on the pig. The shoulder is often known for being the meat in pulled pork. However, this cottage ham is small and smoked without the benefit of becoming barbecue.
My husband’s family was big on making the cottage ham as he grew up. They had a small family so it made do as a ham. My family a little bigger so we didn’t really have these. But after getting married, my family was small so I took this up as a cooking item. They can be as versatile as you like.
I do enjoy dropping them into some doctored beans and making it into a supper. Some corn bread and a salad rounds out the simple meal. Later, in small portions, the leftovers make a great side dish for things like barbecue, burgers, and more. If you need a lot of sides, you can skip the main dish part and just make this your side dish.