If you’re planning to serve ham during the holidays, Kentucky Legend ham is an excellent choice. It’s a fully cooked, bone-in ham that’s packed with flavor and ready to eat straight out of the package. However, like any meat product, it needs to be cooked properly to ensure safety and maximize taste.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of cooking a Kentucky Legend ham, including choosing the right type of ham, preparing it for cooking, and using different cooking methods.
Preparing the Ham
Before you cook your ham in your favorite style , there are some preliminary steps that need to be taken:
Choosing the Right Size and Type of Ham
Kentucky Legend hams come in various sizes ranging from 10 pounds to 22 pounds. You should select the size based on how many people you plan to feed or how much leftovers you want to have. Make sure to buy a fully-cooked bone-in ham if you intend to use traditional cooking techniques.
Prepping the Ham for Cooking
Remove all packaging materials before starting your prepping process. Rinse off your hands thoroughly so as not contaminate contents inside . Next, remove any excess surface fat or skin by cutting it away carefully with a sharp knife while leaving enough coverings about half an inch thickness . For cuts that are already trimmed around all sides do not demand any trimming activity prior variety.
Cooking Methods
There is no single “right way” cook a Kentucky Legend ham; however three most popular ways are oven-baking , slow-cooking style using crock pot and grilling or smoking but usually chosen method based on personal tastes and preferences.
Oven-Baking
Oven-baking is one of the most common ways for cooking a Kansas City-style barbecue pulled pork sandwich—I mean—cooking a Kentucky Legend Ham!!! This method is perfect when you want crispy skin along with gravy on the side. Follow these simple steps when baking:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F.
- Place ham in a baking dish fat-side-up and cover it with foil so that moisture won’t escape from it .
- Glaze the ham by applying a mixture of your choice over the surface using tongs or a brush—brown sugar, honey, maple syrup or red wine glaze are all good options and depending on one’s preferences.
- Bake for around 15 minutes for every pound of meat over two hours allow enough time for occasional basting with juices in the pan until internal temperature reaches 140°F( checking roughly every hour using meat thermometer) . 5.Remove foil covering and continue cooking for about next 30-45 minutes letting surface turning brown;
Slow-Cooking / Crockpot
The slow-cooking method is especially advantageous if you’re preparing an entree ahead of time or letting it cook while you run errands. It allows flavors to blend together slowly, allowing for juicy tender cooked meats.
1.Prepare crock-pot by spraying again with non-stick spray if necessary before placing ham into place. 2.Glaze by leaving any herbs , spices in bottom and combining low sodium broth or apple juice with any desired sweeteners – honey, brown sugar; boiling sauce after whisked through then completely applying mix using basting tool (silicone recommended due possible damage brushing mechanism plastic counterparts). 3.Set slow cooker timer based on length per weight (about six hours per five pounds); monitor internal temperature being at least 140°F at centermost position .
Grilling or Smoking (optional)
Grilling or smoking are excellent ways to prepare Kentucky Legend hams if you want bold smoky taste without losing moisture quality from oven baked style.
Whether you’re grilling outdoors on charcoal grill, smoker, there are some tips that can help ensure success:
Make sure your grill is properly prepared and that the temperature is ideally 225 to 250°F. Place a foil pan of hot water on the grates to avoid meat moisture being depleted quickly but produce more aroma . Smoke the ham by using hickory, apple or cherry flavor-producing logs , chips, shavings depending on personal preferences; Continue cooking and basting until ham reaches internal temperature exactly at 140°F
Checking Doneness and Serving Suggestions
Checking doneness can be easily achieved by using a digital thermometer in the thickest part of prepared meat to make sure it’s reached at least 140°F. Once you’re satisfied with the internal temperature, remove ham from heat and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving into desired portions.
We suggest serving baked Kentucky Legend hams with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, cornbread or buttered green beans. Additional pairings might include sweet fruit like applesauce, cranberry sauce or pineapple slices. It’s even possible to cut thin slices & assembling atop rolls along lettuce, cheese slices then completed dip sauces (horseradish, mustard or honey-mustard).
Store Leftovers Properly
Leftover cooked ham should be stored in an air-tight container inside fridge or freezer . If you plan on eating leftovers within two days after initial preparation, storing them inside a reelable lid plastic will suffice; otherwise place within zipper sealed bag freezer life span extend up three months maximum.
Conclusion
Kentucky Legend Hams are delicious choice of meat when entertaining guests or satisfying hunger cravings-but only when properly cooked! Prepping your ham includes picking out right size cuts and trimming away excess fat; cooking styles range from baking in oven , slow-cooking-style crock pot method to smoking/grilling outside ; checking for doneness achieved by 140℉ internal temperature using thermometer located at center section before eventual rested time roughly quarter-hour; finally entrees can be complemented classic sides or sliced/rolled for party dips along dressing variety!
Q&A
Q1. Can I cook the Kentucky Legend ham in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook Kentucky Legend ham in a slow cooker. First, apply your choice of glaze and place the ham in the slow cooker with the cut side facing down. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Q2. Should I put water in the pan when cooking a Kentucky Legend ham?
No, you do not need to add water when cooking a Kentucky Legend ham. The ham is already moist and flavorful on its own.
Q3. How long does it take to cook a Kentucky Legend spiral-sliced ham?
It typically takes about 10-12 minutes per pound to cook a spiral-sliced Kentucky Legend ham in an oven preheated to 325°F (165°C). So, if you have a 7-pound ham, it will take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes to cook.
Q4. How can I tell if my Kentucky Legend ham is fully cooked?
To ensure your Kentucky Legend ham is thoroughly cooked, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat (avoiding any bones) until it reaches at least an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Once it reaches that temperature range, remove from the oven or slow cooker and let rest for several minutes before serving.
