Are you planning a special meal for your family or friends? A precooked ham is a great option that saves you time and effort in the kitchen. And if you’re looking for a delicious and flavorful ham, Kentucky Legend is a brand that you can trust.
But how long should you bake it for?
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of baking a Kentucky Legend ham to perfection. From preheating the oven to carving the meat, we’ll cover all the steps you need to know.
So, let’s get started!
How Long To Bake A Kentucky Legend Ham?
The cooking time for a Kentucky Legend ham depends on its size and shape. As a general rule, you should bake it at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes per pound. This means that a 10-pound ham would take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook.
However, the most accurate way to determine when your ham is done is by using a meat thermometer. When the internal temperature of the ham reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s ready to be taken out of the oven.
Preheating The Oven
Before placing the Kentucky Legend ham in the oven, it’s important to preheat it to the correct temperature. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a fully cooked ham.
To do this, turn on the oven and allow it to heat up for at least 10-15 minutes before placing the ham in the oven. This will ensure that the oven is at the correct temperature and that the ham will cook evenly.
Once the oven is preheated, remove the Kentucky Legend ham from its packaging and place it in a baking dish that’s at least 2 inches deep. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, crimping the edges of the foil tightly over the pan edges to prevent steam from escaping.
Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer reads 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of time this takes depends on the size and shape of the ham.
When the ham is heated through, remove the baking pan from the oven. Leave the foil on the pan for 15 minutes to rest the meat before removing it and carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
Preparing The Ham
Before baking your Kentucky Legend ham, there are a few steps that you should take to ensure that it turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
First, you’ll need to remove the ham from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. Then, pat it dry with paper towels.
Next, you may want to trim any excess fat from the ham. While some people prefer to leave the fat on for added flavor and moisture, others find it unappetizing. If you do decide to trim the fat, be sure to leave a thin layer intact to prevent the ham from drying out.
Once you’ve trimmed the fat (if desired), it’s time to score the ham. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the surface of the ham. This will allow any glaze or seasoning that you apply to penetrate the meat more easily.
Now, it’s time to add your glaze or seasoning. There are countless recipes and variations for ham glazes, but most include a combination of sweet and savory ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices. Whisk together your glaze ingredients in a small bowl, then brush it generously over the surface of the ham.
Finally, place the ham on a roasting rack in a large baking dish or roasting pan. Add a small amount of water or broth to the bottom of the pan to create steam, which will help keep the ham moist during baking.
Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Baste with additional glaze every 20-30 minutes for added flavor and moisture.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your Kentucky Legend ham is perfectly prepared and ready for baking.
Choosing The Right Pan
When it comes to choosing the right pan for baking a Kentucky Legend ham, it’s important to consider the size and shape of the ham. A baking dish that’s at least 2 inches deep is recommended to ensure that the ham fits comfortably and doesn’t overflow while cooking.
It’s also important to choose a pan that’s oven-safe and can withstand high temperatures. A heavy-duty roasting pan is a great option, as it provides even heat distribution and allows for easy basting and glazing.
When covering the pan with foil, make sure to crimp the edges tightly over the pan edges to prevent steam from escaping. This will help keep the ham moist and tender.
After baking, allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before removing it from the pan and carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy ham.
Baking The Ham
Baking a Kentucky Legend ham requires careful attention to detail to ensure that it is cooked to perfection. Here are some steps to follow when baking your ham:
1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan.
3. Score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
4. Add water to the bottom of the roasting pan, about 1/2 inch deep. This will help keep the ham moist during cooking.
5. Cover the ham with foil, making sure that it is tightly sealed around the edges of the pan.
6. Place the ham in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes per pound. For example, a 10-pound ham would take about 1 hour and 40 minutes to cook.
7. About 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time, remove the foil and brush the ham with your favorite glaze. You can use a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard for a classic flavor combination.
8. Continue baking for the remaining time, basting the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes until it is fully cooked.
9. To check if your ham is done, use a meat thermometer to measure its internal temperature. The temperature should read between 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the meat (not touching bone or fat).
10. Once your ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it more tender and flavorful.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your Kentucky Legend ham turns out perfectly baked and delicious every time.
Checking The Temperature
To check the temperature of your Kentucky Legend ham, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat. Make sure that the thermometer is not touching any bones or the bottom of the baking dish, as this can give you an inaccurate reading.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by making a small cut in the ham and checking for any pinkness or rawness. The ham should be cooked all the way through and have a nice golden brown color on the outside.
It’s important to let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before carving it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and tender. Once it has rested, slice the ham and serve with your favorite sides.
Remember that an overcooked ham can be dry and tough, so make sure to check the temperature regularly and remove it from the oven as soon as it reaches 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. With a little bit of attention and care, you can bake a delicious Kentucky Legend ham that will be the star of your next meal.
Glazing The Ham
Glazing a ham is a great way to add flavor and create a beautiful glossy finish. The glaze can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer a sweet and spicy maple-chipotle glaze or a savory ginger-clove glaze.
To glaze the ham, start by adding the glaze about 30 minutes to an hour before the ham reaches its goal internal temperature. If desired, score the top and sides of the ham in a diagonal crosshatch pattern about 1/4 inch deep before applying the glaze. This will allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Using a pastry brush, paint the glaze all over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly. If you’re worried about the glaze burning, you can increase the temperature of the oven to 375°F or 400°F for a shorter period of time. However, be mindful that higher temperatures increase the risk of burning.
During the last hour of baking, remove the foil from the ham and baste it with the glaze every 10-15 minutes. This will help create a delicious crust that perfectly complements the ham. Don’t forget to collect all those pan juices for greasy rice!
Once the glazing process is complete, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender ham. Enjoy!
