Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal for your next family dinner or holiday gathering? Look no further than a Kentucky Legend ham!
These hams are sugar-cured and smoked twice for maximum flavor, and they’re available at grocery stores nationwide. But how do you cook one to perfection?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to ensure your ham is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. From preheating the oven to carving the finished product, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
How To Cook A Kentucky Legend Ham?
First things first, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, remove the Kentucky Legend ham from its packaging and place it in a baking dish that’s at least 2 inches deep.
Next, pour half of your desired glaze over the ham and in between the spiral slices. You can use a variety of glazes, such as honey mustard or brown sugar and pineapple, to add even more flavor to your ham.
Score the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern, and place one whole clove at each intersection. This will not only add flavor but also give your ham a beautiful presentation.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, crimping the edges tightly over the pan to prevent steam from escaping. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes per pound of ham.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The thermometer should read at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before you remove it from the oven. The amount of time this takes depends on the size and shape of your ham, so be sure to check it periodically.
Once your ham is heated through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Kentucky Legend Ham
When it comes to choosing the right size and type of Kentucky Legend ham, there are a few things to consider. If you’re hosting a small gathering or looking for a ham with fewer leftovers, the Petite Half or Petite Whole ham may be the perfect fit. These hams have the same legendary, double-smoked hickory flavor as their larger counterparts but come in a smaller size that’s just right for intimate gatherings.
If you’re looking for a ham that’s pre-sliced and convenient for everyday use, the Quarter Sliced Ham is an excellent option. These hams are hand-selected and trimmed, cured in their own natural juices, and double-smoked over real hickory wood. They come in a smaller 1.5- to 2-lb. size that’s perfect for sandwiches, snacks, appetizers, or main courses.
For those who prefer boneless hams, Kentucky Legend offers a boneless option that’s a great value. With no waste and pure ham meat, these hams are perfect for those who want all the flavor without paying for the weight of the bone.
No matter which size or type of Kentucky Legend ham you choose, be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully to ensure a delicious and flavorful meal.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Kentucky Legend ham, it’s important to properly prepare it. Start by removing the ham from its packaging and placing it in a baking dish that’s at least 2 inches deep.
Next, pour your desired glaze over the ham and in between the spiral slices. You can use a variety of glazes to add flavor, such as honey mustard or brown sugar and pineapple.
To add even more flavor and presentation, score the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern and placing one whole clove at each intersection.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, crimping the edges tightly over the pan to prevent steam from escaping. This will help keep the moisture in and prevent your ham from drying out while it cooks.
Once your ham is properly prepared, place it into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for approximately 10 minutes per pound of ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham has reached at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the oven.
Allow your ham to rest for 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and flavorful dish. By properly preparing your Kentucky Legend ham, you can ensure that it will be a delicious centerpiece for any meal.
Seasoning And Glazing The Ham
Seasoning and glazing the ham is an essential step in making it flavorful and delicious. To begin, let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before seasoning and glazing.
Using a sharp paring knife, score the top and sides of the ham in a diagonal crosshatch pattern about 1/4 inch deep. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
Next, add your desired spices and seasonings to the ham. You can use a variety of spices, such as paprika, ginger, or cloves, depending on your taste preferences. Rub the spices onto the ham, making sure to cover all sides evenly.
Now it’s time to add the glaze. You can use a variety of glazes, such as maple-chipotle or brown sugar and pineapple, to add even more flavor to your ham. In a small saucepan, combine your desired ingredients for the glaze and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, syrupy, and reduced to about 3 cups.
Once your glaze is ready, pour a third of it over the ham and spread it evenly with a pastry brush. If needed, add more water to the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent the ham from drying out.
Increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for 15 minutes. Brush another third of the glaze onto the ham and bake for another 15 minutes. Finally, brush the remaining glaze over the ham and cook until the glaze is shiny and the skin is dark golden brown and crispy, about 15 minutes more.
Once your ham is glazed and cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Cooking The Ham To Perfection
Cooking a Kentucky Legend ham to perfection requires a few key steps. First, it’s important to let the ham sit at room temperature for a couple of hours before cooking. This will ensure that the inside of the ham is not cool when the outside is properly heated.
When you’re ready to cook the ham, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a baking dish that’s at least 2 inches deep.
Next, pour half of your desired glaze over the ham and in between the spiral slices. You can choose from a variety of glazes to add even more flavor to your ham.
Score the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern, and place one whole clove at each intersection. This will add both flavor and visual appeal to your ham.
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, crimping the edges tightly over the pan to prevent steam from escaping. Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes per pound of ham.
It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. The thermometer should read at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before you remove it from the oven. The amount of time this takes depends on the size and shape of your ham, so be sure to check it periodically.
Once your ham is heated through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
By following these simple steps, you can cook a Kentucky Legend ham to perfection every time. Don’t forget to experiment with different glazes and spices to find your favorite flavor combination!
Resting And Carving The Ham
After your Kentucky Legend ham has rested for 15 minutes, it’s time to carve it. Carving a ham can seem intimidating, but with a few easy steps, you’ll have perfectly sliced ham in no time.
Start by placing the ham on a cutting board and trimming off 2 or 3 slices from the thin side of the ham. This will create a flat surface for the ham to rest on while you carve it.
Hold the ham firmly with a carving fork and starting at the shank end, cut slices across the ham, down to the bone. Make sure to cut all the way through to create even slices.
After cutting the slices, cut parallel along the bone to release them. Place the slices on a serving platter and continue to carve in the same manner until you’ve sliced all of the ham.
It’s important to let your ham rest before carving it because this allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful. Additionally, when carving your ham, be sure to cut against the grain of the meat to ensure that each slice is as tender as possible.
Once you’ve finished carving your Kentucky Legend ham, you can serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends.
Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Kentucky Legend Ham
After your Kentucky Legend ham has rested, it’s time to slice and serve. The spiral slices make it easy to carve and serve, and the beautiful presentation will impress your guests.
If you’re serving the ham as an entree, pair it with your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes. You can also use the ham to make delicious sandwiches or sliders by tucking it inside cheese biscuits, bakery rolls, or croissants.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can enjoy the ham cold or reheat it in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal.
Don’t forget to save the ham bone for making flavorful soups or broths. Simply simmer the bone in water with vegetables and herbs for a delicious homemade stock.
