How To Cook Lee Brand Smoked Ham To Perfection – A Full Guide

Lee Brand smoked ham is a delicious and flavorful centerpiece for any special occasion meal. When properly prepared it can be juicy, tender and full of smoky, salty flavor. But cooking a large smoked ham can seem intimidating for home cooks. Have no fear! With this complete guide, you’ll learn pro tips and step-by-step instructions for cooking Lee Brand smoked ham to perfection every time.

Choosing and Preparing Your Lee Brand Smoked Ham

When selecting your ham at the grocery store, look for one labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”. This indicates it is safe to eat cold right out of the package. However for best flavor and texture ham should be heated before serving.

For a bone-in ham, choose one between 8 to 14 pounds. This size works well for feeding a crowd. For boneless, a 5 to 7 pound ham is ideal. Lee Brand offers both classic hickory smoked ham as well as flavored options like brown sugar or honey glazed.

Once home, start prepping the ham a day or two before you plan to cook it. First, remove all packaging and wrappings. Rinse the ham under cold water and pat dry. Use a knife to trim off any dried out portions or unsightly edges.

For a bone-in ham, make diagonal cuts through the skin and fat, spacing them 1 inch apart. This helps the seasoning penetrate deeper and promotes even cooking.

Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan. Liberally apply a glaze, if using flavored ham. For traditional smoked ham, coat with a mixture of brown sugar, honey and spices. Cover ham tightly with foil and refrigerate 8-24 hours to let the seasoning soak in.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Cooking Lee Brand Smoked Ham

Follow these simple steps for baking your Lee Brand smoked ham to juicy perfection:

1. Preheat oven to 325 ̊F. Remove ham from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature while oven preheats.

2. Place ham in oven and bake:

• Bone-in ham: Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes per pound
• Boneless ham: Bake for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound

3. Glaze ham after first 45 minutes: After 45 minutes, remove foil and brush ham with another layer of glaze. This helps form a lovely caramelized exterior.

4. Finish baking until internal temp reaches 140 ̊F: Continue baking uncovered until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of ham reads 140 ̊F.

5. Allow ham to rest before slicing: Once ham reaches the target temp, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps lock in juices.

6. Carve into slices and serve: Use a sharp knife to cut slices across the grain of meat. Arrange slices on a platter and serve warm.

Handy Tips for Perfectly Cooked Lee Brand Smoked Ham

Follow these pro tips and tricks for flawlessly cooked ham every time:

• For moister ham, choose a bone-in option or one with natural juices rather than added water.

• Let ham reach room temp before cooking so it heats evenly. Don’t bake directly from fridge.

• Use a meat thermometer to monitor internal temp rather than relying on timings.

• If ham starts to brown too quickly, tent loosely with foil to slow cooking.

• Add a pan or rack below ham in roasting pan to elevate it away from drippings.

• For easier slicing, carve across the grain of the meat in thin, even slices.

• Leftover ham stays fresh for 3-4 days refrigerated. Slice and freeze portions for longer storage.

Alternate Cooking Methods for Lee Brand Smoked Ham

While baking is our recommended technique, Lee Brand smoked ham can also be cooked using the following methods:

Slow Cooker: Place 5-7 pound boneless ham in a slow cooker with 1 cup water. Cook on low for 7-8 hours until internal temp reaches 140 ̊F.

Stovetop: Simmer bone-in ham covered in water in a stockpot or dutch oven for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound.

Grill: Preheat gas or charcoal grill to medium heat. Place boneless ham cut side down and grill for 12-15 minutes per pound, turning occasionally.

Microwave: Place 2 pound boneless ham in a microwavable roasting bag. Cook on high for approximately 8-12 minutes per pound, until internal temp reaches 140 ̊F.

No matter which cooking method you choose, using a meat thermometer and allowing the ham to rest before serving ensures you’ll end up with a tender, juicy Lee Brand smoked ham everyone will love.

Let’s Recap How to Cook Lee Brand Smoked Ham Perfectly:

• Select a fully cooked bone-in or boneless ham between 5-14 pounds
• Trim excess skin and fat, then score skin
• Place ham in a roasting pan and refrigerate 8-24 hours with glaze
• Preheat oven to 325 ̊F
• Bake approximately 15-25 minutes per pound until internal temp reaches 140 ̊F
• Allow ham to rest 15 minutes before slicing
• Carve across the grain into thin slices
• Refrigerate leftovers for 3-4 days or freeze portions for longer storage

With this handy guide, you can confidently cook a spectacular Lee Brand smoked ham for your next gathering. Impress your guests with flavorful, juicy slices of ham that are sure to wow.