Are you a fan of hickory smoked ham with a touch of sweetness from honey?
If so, you may be wondering if this delicious combination can be enjoyed in different ways. Can you cook it? Can you eat it straight from the fridge?
In this article, we’ll explore the different ways to enjoy hickory honey ham and provide some helpful tips on how to prepare and store it.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a ham novice, read on to discover the versatility of this mouth-watering meat.
Can Hickory Honey Ham?
The answer is yes, you can definitely enjoy hickory honey ham in a variety of ways. This type of ham is typically cured, smoked, and glazed with honey, giving it a unique flavor profile that is both savory and sweet.
One of the easiest ways to enjoy hickory honey ham is to eat it straight from the fridge. Since it is already fully cooked, there is no need to heat it up. Simply slice it up and serve it as a deli meat on sandwiches or as a snack with crackers and cheese.
If you prefer your ham warmed up, there are several ways to do so. You can heat it up in the oven by preheating it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and placing the ham on a rack in a roasting pan with 1 cup of water in the bottom. Cover it with foil and heat for 10-15 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Another option is to heat it up in the microwave by placing slices on a microwave-safe plate and heating for 30 seconds at a time until warmed through.
When it comes to storing hickory honey ham, it’s important to keep it refrigerated at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in the original packaging in the fridge for up to 14 days or in the freezer for up to 9 months.
What Is Hickory Honey Ham?
Hickory honey ham is a type of ham that is cured, smoked, and glazed with honey. The hickory wood used for smoking gives it a distinct smoky flavor, while the honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness. This combination of flavors makes hickory honey ham a popular choice for a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to holiday dinners.
The ham is typically made from pork that has been cured with salt and other seasonings to preserve it and enhance its flavor. It is then smoked slowly over hickory wood, which imparts a rich, smoky flavor to the meat. Finally, it is glazed with a mixture of honey, brown sugar, and other ingredients to give it a sweet and sticky coating.
Hickory honey ham can be served warm or cold and is a versatile ingredient in many recipes. It can be sliced thinly for sandwiches or cubed for use in salads or casseroles. It can also be served as the main course for holiday dinners, with the sweet glaze complementing traditional sides like mashed potatoes and green beans.
Cooking With Hickory Honey Ham
If you want to take your hickory honey ham to the next level, try cooking it with a barbecue rub and smoking it with hickory and cherry wood. To do this, set up your smoker for indirect cooking at 250 degrees Fahrenheit with light hickory and cherry smoke. Score the outside of the ham with a diamond-shaped pattern and apply a coat of regular yellow mustard. Then, coat the ham with barbecue rub.
Once the exhaust vent of the smoker is producing a light blue smoke, add the ham to the smoker. To make the glaze, sauté onions and oil in a saucepan over medium heat until the onions are translucent. Add vinegar, brown sugar, honey, mustard, zest, and clementine juice and bring to a simmer for about 20 minutes. Be sure to stir to prevent burning.
Since precooked hams only need to be warmed up, wait until the internal temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit lower than the finished temperature on the package before glazing the ham. Glaze multiple times if desired.
Another delicious way to cook hickory honey ham is by studding it with whole cloves and baking it with a glaze made from corn syrup, honey, and butter. Score the ham and place it in a foil-lined pan. Heat the glaze mixture in the top half of a double boiler while baking the ham for 1 hour and 15 minutes in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste the ham every 10-15 minutes with the honey glaze and turn on the broiler during the last 4-5 minutes of baking to caramelize the glaze.
Serving Suggestions For Hickory Honey Ham
If you’re looking for some creative ways to serve hickory honey ham, here are a few suggestions:
1. Ham and Cheese Sliders: Cut the ham into small pieces and place them on slider buns with your favorite cheese. Toast them in the oven until the cheese is melted and serve with a side of honey mustard sauce.
2. Ham and Pineapple Skewers: Cut the ham into cubes and skewer them with fresh pineapple chunks. Grill or broil until lightly browned and serve with a side of teriyaki sauce.
3. Ham and Egg Breakfast Sandwich: Fry an egg and place it on a toasted English muffin with a slice of ham and some cheddar cheese. Add some sliced avocado or tomato for extra flavor.
4. Ham and Potato Soup: Cut the ham into small pieces and add it to a pot of potato soup for a hearty and comforting meal.
5. Ham and Cheese Quiche: Mix diced ham with shredded cheese, eggs, milk, and your favorite vegetables to make a delicious quiche that can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
No matter how you choose to serve it, hickory honey ham is a versatile ingredient that can add flavor to any meal. Try out these serving suggestions or come up with your own creative ideas to enjoy this delicious ham.
Storing And Freezing Hickory Honey Ham
Storing and freezing hickory honey ham is a great way to make it last longer and ensure that you always have some on hand for quick meals or snacks. Here are some tips to follow:
If you plan on storing your hickory honey ham in the fridge, make sure it is tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. If you have sliced ham, you can also store it in an airtight container.
If you want to freeze your hickory honey ham, make sure it is cooled and dry before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help lock in its natural juices and prevent freezer burn. You can also place the wrapped ham in a freezer bag or storage container for added protection.
When thawing frozen hickory honey ham, the best method is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. This will ensure that it thaws slowly and safely. If you need to thaw it more quickly, you can place it in cold water in an airtight bag or use the defrost setting on your microwave. However, if you choose the microwave method, be sure to cook the ham immediately after thawing.
Remember that hickory honey ham can be safely frozen for up to 9 months. However, the quality may start to deteriorate after 6 months, so it’s best to consume it within that time frame.
By following these tips, you can enjoy delicious hickory honey ham anytime without worrying about spoilage or waste.
Health Benefits Of Hickory Honey Ham
Hickory honey ham offers several health benefits, especially for those who are looking for a low-calorie protein source that is rich in essential amino acids. While ham is often categorized as processed meat due to the curing process, hickory honey ham is a healthier option compared to other types of processed meat.
One of the main benefits of hickory honey ham is that it is a good source of high-quality protein. This means that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need for growth and repair. The protein in hickory honey ham is easily accessible and can be used by our bodies efficiently. This makes it an ideal food for maintaining muscle mass, especially in older adults who may experience muscle loss.
Another benefit of hickory honey ham is that it contains beneficial nutrients that can help lower the risk of chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease. While most ham in the US is cured using various compounds, hickory honey ham is typically cured with natural juices and smoked with real hickory wood. This process enhances the flavor of the ham while preserving its nutritional content.
Recent studies suggest that consuming hickory honey ham does not increase the risk of chronic conditions compared to other types of processed meat. In fact, some studies indicate that certain compounds in hickory honey ham have antioxidant-like effects that can help decrease the risk of inflammation and endothelial harm associated with high blood pressure.
