How To Cook A Kruse Ham? A Complete Guide

Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday meal? Look no further than a Kruse ham!

This succulent and flavorful ham is sure to impress your guests, but cooking it can seem daunting. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to cook a Kruse ham perfectly every time. Whether you prefer to bake it in the oven or slow cook it to perfection, we’ve got tips and tricks to make your Kruse ham the star of the show.

So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!

How To Cook A Kruse Ham?

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to understand the type of Kruse ham you have. Check the label to see if it’s fully cooked or if it needs to be cooked before eating. This will determine the cooking time and temperature needed.

If your Kruse ham is fully cooked, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan and add about 1/4- to 1/2-inch of water to the pan. Heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

For a fresh Kruse ham that needs to be cooked before eating, heat it in an oven set no lower than 325 degrees Fahrenheit until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another option for cooking your Kruse ham is to use a slow cooker. If you have a large enough slow cooker, place the ham in it and add about 1 cup of ginger ale, cola, stock, or water. Heat the ham on LOW for approximately 8 to 10 hours, or until the temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a fully cooked ham or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for a ham that needs to be cooked before eating.

Choosing The Right Kruse Ham

When it comes to choosing the right Kruse ham, it’s important to consider your personal preferences and needs. Kruse offers a variety of smoked meat products, specializing in bacon, ham, roast beef, and pastrami.

If you’re looking for a ham that is ready to eat and requires minimal preparation, then a fully cooked Kruse ham is the way to go. These hams are labeled as “fully cooked” and can be heated in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

On the other hand, if you prefer a fresh ham that you can cook and season to your liking, then a Kruse ham that needs to be cooked before eating is the best choice. These hams are labeled as “cook before eating” and require an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit before serving.

It’s also important to consider the size of your ham and how many people you’ll be serving. Kruse offers whole hams that weigh between 10-15 pounds, half hams that weigh between 5-7 pounds, and shank or butt portions that weigh between 3-4 pounds. Choose the size that best fits your needs.

Lastly, take into account any dietary restrictions or preferences. Kruse offers a range of flavors and blends, so be sure to check the label for any allergens or ingredients you may want to avoid.

By considering these factors and choosing the right Kruse ham for your needs, you’ll be on your way to a delicious and satisfying meal.

Preparing Your Kruse Ham For Cooking

Before you start cooking your Kruse ham, it’s important to properly prepare it. First, remove any packaging or wrapping and rinse the ham under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.

Next, you can choose to score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife. This will allow any glaze or seasoning to penetrate the meat and add flavor. You can also add cloves to the scored areas for added flavor.

If your Kruse ham is spiral-sliced, place it cut-side down on a sheet of heavy-duty foil before cooking. Wrap the ham tightly with the foil and bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 140 degrees Fahrenheit when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone.

No matter which cooking method you choose, remember to baste your Kruse ham every 30 minutes for added moisture and flavor. Once your ham is cooked to the proper internal temperature, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

With these tips and techniques, you can confidently cook and serve a delicious Kruse ham for any occasion.

Baking Your Kruse Ham In The Oven

If you prefer baking your Kruse ham in the oven, here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Place the Kruse ham on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

3. Add about 1/4- to 1/2-inch of water to the bottom of the pan.

4. If your Kruse ham is fully cooked, bake it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

5. If your Kruse ham needs to be cooked before eating, bake it in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your ham. As a general rule, cook a 10- to 15-pound whole ham for 18 to 20 minutes per pound, a 5- to 7-pound half ham for 20 minutes per pound, and a shank or butt portion weighing 3 to 4 pounds for about 35 minutes per pound.

6. Baste the Kruse ham every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of glaze if desired.

7. Once your Kruse ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Remember that leftover cooked Kruse ham should be reheated to a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, be sure to check the label for specific cooking instructions and adjust your cooking time and temperature accordingly. With these tips, you’ll be able to bake a delicious Kruse ham that’s sure to impress your guests!

Slow Cooking Your Kruse Ham To Perfection

Slow cooking your Kruse ham is a great option for those who want to set it and forget it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Place your Kruse ham in the slow cooker and add 1 cup of ginger ale, cola, stock, or water.

2. Set the slow cooker to LOW and cook for approximately 8 to 10 hours. Make sure to check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit for a fully cooked ham or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for a ham that needs to be cooked before eating.

3. Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

4. If you want to add some extra flavor to your Kruse ham, you can make a glaze by combining one part jam, jelly or honey with one part Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze onto the ham during the last hour of cooking and continue cooking until the glaze is golden-brown.

Remember, slow cooking your Kruse ham takes time, so plan accordingly. But the result will be a tender, juicy, and flavorful ham that your family and friends will love.

Glazing Your Kruse Ham For Extra Flavor

Glazing your Kruse ham is an easy way to add extra flavor and sweetness to your meal. It’s important to wait until the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking to apply the glaze, as applying it too soon could cause the sugar in the glaze to burn and ruin the ham’s skin.

To prepare the glaze, you’ll need at least one cup of glaze per five to 10 pounds of ham. You can use a variety of ingredients to create your glaze, such as brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper. A simple glaze recipe is one part jam, jelly or honey with one part Dijon mustard. You can also use Montana Made Huckleberry Jelly or Chokecherry Honey for a unique flavor.

If you want an attractive presentation and for the glaze to penetrate the meat, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. For extra flavor, insert a whole clove into each cut intersection or in the centers of the diamonds. About 30 minutes before the ham is done, arrange pineapple slices over the ham and secure them with toothpicks or whole cloves. Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice, if desired; secure them with toothpicks or cloves.

To apply the glaze, pull the roasting pan out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack; make sure to close the oven door so heat doesn’t escape. Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the ham with the glaze, then return it to the oven. Baste every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of the glaze until it reaches a deep golden color and is heated through (about 2 hours 10 minutes). An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of ham should read 130 degrees F (54 degrees C).

If you want a crispy and caramelized glaze, run a kitchen torch over ham until it’s achieved. Remember to watch it carefully as sweet glazes can burn easily.

By following these simple steps for glazing your Kruse ham, you’ll create a delicious and visually appealing meal that will be enjoyed by everyone at your table.

Serving And Enjoying Your Delicious Kruse Ham

Once your Kruse ham is fully cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy! Before slicing, let the ham stand for 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can glaze the ham with a mixture of your favorite jam, jelly, or honey and Dijon mustard. Kruse offers a variety of hams that are brown sugar cured, giving them a delicious flavor that pairs well with sweet or tangy glazes.

When it comes to serving, a good rule of thumb is to plan for 3/4 pound of ham per person for a bone-in ham. You can serve it hot or cold, depending on your preference. If you’re serving it hot, carve the ham into thin slices and arrange them on a platter. If you’re serving it cold, thinly slice the ham and arrange it on a charcuterie board with crackers, cheese, and fruit.

Leftover cooked Kruse ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can use it in sandwiches, salads, omelets, or soups. And don’t forget to save the ham bone to make stock or add flavor to your favorite recipes.