Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare ham for your next family gathering or holiday meal?
Look no further than Hillshire Farm ham! With its rich flavor and juicy texture, this ham is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
But how do you cook it to perfection? In this article, we’ll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to prepare and cook your Hillshire Farm ham for the ultimate dining experience.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook Hillshire Farm Ham?
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Before you start cooking your Hillshire Farm ham, preheat your oven to 300°F. This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and thoroughly.
Step 2: Remove Packaging and Place in Baking Pan
Remove the packaging material from your Hillshire Farm ham and place it in a baking pan that is at least 1 inch deep. If your ham has a plastic disk over the bone, be sure to remove that as well.
Step 3: Cover Ham Tightly with Foil
Once your ham is in the baking pan, cover it tightly with foil. This will help to keep the moisture in and prevent the ham from drying out during cooking.
Step 4: Cook Your Ham
For best results, cook your Hillshire Farm ham in the preheated oven for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound. This will bring the internal temperature of the ham to 120°F, which is the perfect temperature for a juicy and flavorful ham.
Step 5: Let Your Ham Rest
Once your ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Choosing The Right Hillshire Farm Ham
When it comes to choosing the right Hillshire Farm ham for your meal, there are a few factors to consider. First, think about the occasion and the number of people you will be serving. If you’re hosting a large gathering or holiday feast, the Hillshire Farm Fully Cooked Bone-In Smoked Half Ham with Natural Juices is a great option. This unsliced ham has been slowly and naturally smoked to seal in natural juices and has a classic, savory taste that will please any crowd.
If you’re looking for a more convenient option for everyday meals or lunchtime sandwiches, the Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Smoked Ham Deli Meat is a great choice. This pre-sliced lunchmeat is fully cooked and ready to eat, making it perfect for quick and easy meals on the go.
Another factor to consider is your personal preference for flavor and texture. The Hillshire Farm Fully Cooked Bone-In Smoked Half Ham with Natural Juices has been cured with various salts, vinegar, and water for optimum freshness and flavor. On the other hand, the Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Smoked Ham Deli Meat is 97% fat-free and slow-smoked with no artificial flavors for a more natural taste.
Ultimately, whether you choose the fully cooked bone-in ham or the pre-sliced deli meat, you can be sure that Hillshire Farm’s dedication to craftsmanship and quality will result in a delicious and satisfying meal.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Hillshire Farm ham, there are a few important steps to take to ensure that it cooks perfectly and is full of flavor.
Step 1: Thawing
If your ham is frozen, make sure to thaw it properly before cooking. The safest way to thaw a frozen ham is in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of ham. Alternatively, you can use the cold water method by placing the ham in a leak-proof bag and submerging it in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until the ham is thawed.
Step 2: Trimming
Trimming excess fat from your ham will not only make it healthier, but it will also allow the glaze to penetrate the meat better. Use a sharp knife to trim any thick layers of fat or skin from the surface of the ham, leaving a thin layer for flavor.
Step 3: Scoring
Scoring your ham will allow the glaze to seep into the meat and give it a beautiful presentation. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface of the ham.
Step 4: Glazing
Applying a glaze to your Hillshire Farm ham will add flavor and moisture to the meat. There are many different glaze recipes available, but some popular options include honey mustard, brown sugar and pineapple, or maple syrup and Dijon mustard. Brush the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into all of the crevices created by scoring.
By following these simple steps to prepare your Hillshire Farm ham for cooking, you can ensure that it will turn out perfectly moist and flavorful every time.
Cooking The Hillshire Farm Ham In The Oven
Cooking your Hillshire Farm ham in the oven is a great way to achieve a delicious and perfectly cooked ham. Here’s how to do it:
First, preheat your oven to 300°F. This will ensure that your ham cooks evenly and thoroughly. Next, remove the packaging material from your Hillshire Farm ham and place it in a baking pan that is at least 1 inch deep. Be sure to remove any plastic disks over the bone if your ham has them.
Once your ham is in the baking pan, cover it tightly with foil. This will help to keep the moisture in and prevent the ham from drying out during cooking. For best results, cook your Hillshire Farm ham in the preheated oven for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound. This will bring the internal temperature of the ham to 120°F, which is the perfect temperature for a juicy and flavorful ham.
When your ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. With these simple steps, you can easily cook a delicious Hillshire Farm ham in the oven for any occasion.
Glazing And Basting The Ham For Extra Flavor
While Hillshire Farm hams are delicious on their own, adding a glaze can take them to the next level of flavor. A glaze not only adds sweetness but also helps to caramelize the surface of the ham, giving it a beautiful golden color and a crispy texture. To make a glaze for your Hillshire Farm ham, you can use a variety of ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, and fruit juices.
To add a glaze to your ham, remove it from the oven about 30 minutes before it reaches the desired internal temperature. Brush the glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. Return the ham to the oven and continue cooking until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
To enhance the flavor even more, you can baste your ham with its own juices or with additional glaze during cooking. Basting helps to keep the ham moist and infuses it with even more flavor. To baste your ham, simply use a spoon or brush to scoop up some of the juices or glaze from the bottom of the pan and pour it over the top of the ham.
If you want to get creative with your glazes, try adding spices like cinnamon, cloves or star anise for a warm and comforting flavor. Pineapple rings or orange slices can also be added to the top of the ham for an extra burst of sweetness.
Remember that glazing and basting should be done in moderation as too much can cause burning or charring. Be sure to keep an eye on your ham while it cooks and adjust your glazing and basting accordingly. With these tips, you can create a delicious and flavorful Hillshire Farm ham that will be sure to impress your guests.
Letting The Ham Rest And Carving It For Serving
After letting your Hillshire Farm ham rest for at least 10 minutes, it’s time to carve and serve it. Carving a ham may seem daunting, but with a few tips and tricks, you can do it like a pro.
First, place the ham on a cutting board with the cut side facing down. This will make it easier to carve and provide stability as you slice. Use a large cutting board with plenty of space to work.
Next, use a sharp butcher knife to make clean, even slices. Cut parallel to the bone, starting at the shank end and working your way towards the center of the ham. You can make the slices as thick or thin as you prefer.
As you slice, use a carving fork to hold the ham in place and prevent it from sliding around on the cutting board. Once you’ve sliced all the way around the ham, remove any remaining meat from the bone by cutting along the bone with your knife.
If you want to add a glaze to your ham, apply it during the last 30 minutes of cooking and be sure to brush it into all of the crevices made by scoring the skin. This will add extra flavor and moisture to your ham.
Finally, arrange your sliced ham on a platter and serve it with your favorite sides. With these tips, you’ll be able to carve and serve your Hillshire Farm ham like a pro.