Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-prepare ham for your next family dinner or holiday gathering?
Look no further than Kirkland’s Applewood Smoked Ham!
This fully cooked and boneless ham is not only flavorful, but also versatile in its preparation. Whether you prefer to reheat it “low and slow” or simply bake it in the oven, there are many ways to cook this ham to perfection.
In this article, we will explore some of the best methods for cooking Kirkland’s Applewood Smoked Ham, so you can impress your guests with a delicious and juicy main course.
So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham?
Method 1: Low and Slow
One way to keep your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham moist and tender is to reheat it “low and slow”. Preheat your oven to 275F and cook the ham for approximately 18 minutes per pound. Baste the ham occasionally with any juices that accumulate to ensure it stays moist. This method ensures that the ham is heated slowly, so that the outside slices don’t dry out while the center is warming up.
For an 8-lb spiral sliced ham, this method should take approximately 2 hours and 24 minutes. If your ham is larger or smaller, simply adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Method 2: Roasting
Another great way to cook Kirkland’s Applewood Smoked Ham is to roast it in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350F and place the ham in a roasting pan on a rack to allow for airflow all around the ham. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130F, which should take approximately 2 hours depending on the size of your ham. Allow the ham to rest until it reaches 140F before serving.
If you have plenty of time, consider roasting at a lower temperature for a longer period of time to ensure even heating throughout the ham. Use a probe thermometer to check the temperature and ensure that it is cooked to perfection.
Method 3: Baking
If you’re short on time, baking Kirkland’s Applewood Smoked Ham is a quick and easy option. Preheat your oven to 350F and place the ham in a glass baking dish covered with aluminum foil. Cook for about an hour, checking the internal temperature frequently after one hour of cooking. Once the internal temperature reaches between 140F and 160F, remove from the oven and let it cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Choosing The Right Cooking Method
When it comes to cooking Kirkland’s Applewood Smoked Ham, it’s important to choose the right cooking method that fits your schedule and desired outcome. If you have plenty of time and want a moist and tender ham, the low and slow method is a great option. This method ensures that the ham is heated slowly, so that the outside slices don’t dry out while the center is warming up.
If you prefer a crispy exterior and tender interior, roasting the ham in the oven is a great option. Roasting at a lower temperature for a longer period of time allows for even heating throughout the ham.
For those short on time, baking is a quick and easy option. However, it’s important to check the internal temperature frequently to ensure that it doesn’t dry out.
No matter which method you choose, using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham is crucial to ensure that it is cooked to perfection. With these options, you can choose the cooking method that best fits your needs and enjoy a delicious Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham, there are a few steps you should take to ensure it turns out perfectly. First, you’ll want to make sure the ham is fully thawed if it was frozen. This can be done by placing the ham in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking.
Once the ham is thawed, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. Remove any packaging and rinse the ham under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels and place it in a roasting pan or baking dish.
If your ham comes with a glaze packet, you can use this to add extra flavor to your ham. Follow the instructions on the packet to mix up the glaze and apply it to the ham. If your ham doesn’t come with a glaze packet, you can make your own by mixing together ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices.
Before cooking, you may also want to score the ham by making shallow cuts in a criss-cross pattern across the surface. This will allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and also give it an attractive appearance once it’s cooked.
Finally, cover the ham with aluminum foil or a lid and place it in the oven or slow cooker according to your chosen cooking method. By taking these simple steps to prepare your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and impressive main course for your next special occasion meal.
Reheating The Ham Low And Slow
When reheating Kirkland’s Applewood Smoked Ham, the “low and slow” method is a great option to keep the meat moist and tender. This method involves preheating your oven to 275F and cooking the ham for approximately 18 minutes per pound. Baste the ham occasionally with any juices that accumulate to ensure it stays moist. This method ensures that the ham is heated slowly, so that the outside slices don’t dry out while the center is warming up.
For best results, place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and add a little bit of water to the bottom of the pan. Cover the whole thing tightly with foil to keep the moisture in. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out while it reheats.
If you have a spiral sliced ham, place it on a sheet of heavy-duty foil, cut-side down. Wrap the ham tightly with the foil and bake at 300F for about 15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer registers 140F when inserted into the thickest part of the meat, not touching bone.
When reheating leftover cooked ham, make sure to reheat it to a temperature of at least 165F. This temperature also applies to hams that come from places that are not USDA inspected.
Avoid reheating leftovers in a slow cooker as the USDA doesn’t recommend it. However, if you’re warming up pre-cooked ham, you can put it in your slow cooker to heat through with just enough water or broth to cover the bottom of the liner. Make sure the ham is kept at a minimum temperature of 140°F for safe consumption.
Baking The Ham In The Oven
Baking the Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham in the oven is a popular and easy method. To begin, preheat your oven to 350F. Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. If your ham has a plastic disk on the bone, remove it and discard it.
Next, cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil and roast it for about 12-15 minutes per pound, or according to package directions. While the ham is roasting, you can prepare the glaze by combining the glaze ingredients and bringing them to a boil. Then, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes before cooling it.
About 15 minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven and turn up the heat to 425F. Brush the ham with the glaze and return it to the oven until the glaze is caramelized and the ham has reached a safe cooking temperature. Be sure to use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the ham has reached at least 145F.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can substitute orange juice with pineapple juice in the recipe. During the last half hour of cooking time, pour the glaze over the ham along with crushed pineapple and bake uncovered. Decorate with sliced pineapple rings and maraschino cherries before serving.
Remember to let your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham rest for about 10-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This will ensure that your ham is juicy and flavorful.
Glazing And Seasoning Options
Glazing and seasoning your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham can take it to the next level of deliciousness. Here are some options to consider:
1. Glaze Packet: Kirkland’s ham comes with a small package of glaze to coat the ham with. Simply mix the glaze with water in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once your ham has been in the oven for about two hours, remove your ham and pour the glaze over top and brush it in between the slices as well. Then, turn your oven up to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and put your ham back in the oven uncovered for eight to 10 minutes, then let the ham sit out of the oven for about 10 minutes before serving.
2. Brown Sugar Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently with a whisk, just until the glaze comes to a boil. Remove from heat immediately. Once your ham is almost done cooking, remove it from the smoker and open up the foil. Drain off any excess cooking liquid and set aside for serving. Turn the ham over onto its side and brush liberally with the brown sugar honey glaze. Place the glazed ham into your oven on High broil. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
3. Pineapple Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard powder, and cornstarch. Cook over medium heat until thickened, stirring constantly with a whisk. Once your ham is almost done cooking, remove it from the smoker and open up the foil. Drain off any excess cooking liquid and set aside for serving. Turn the ham over onto its side and brush liberally with the pineapple glaze.
4. Dry Rub: Mix together brown sugar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Rub this mixture all over your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham before cooking. This will create a flavorful crust on your ham that will complement its smoky flavor.
No matter which option you choose, make sure to baste occasionally while cooking to keep your ham moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions And Leftover Ideas
Once you’ve cooked your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham, there are plenty of serving suggestions and leftover ideas to consider. Here are a few:
1. Ham Casseroles: Use leftover ham to make a variety of casseroles, such as ham and potato casserole, ham and broccoli casserole, or ham and cheese breakfast casserole.
2. Soups: Add diced ham to your favorite soups for added flavor and protein. Ham and bean soup, split pea soup, and corn chowder are all great options.
3. Pasta Dishes: Use diced ham in pasta dishes like carbonara, mac and cheese, or Alfredo.
4. Breakfast Ideas: Make a breakfast sandwich with sliced ham, egg, and cheese on an English muffin. Or use diced ham in a breakfast skillet with potatoes, onions, and peppers.
5. Ham Salad: Chop leftover ham into small pieces and mix with mayo, mustard, chopped pickles, and celery for a delicious ham salad.
6. Grilled Ham and Cheese: Use leftover ham to make a classic grilled ham and cheese sandwich.
With these serving suggestions and leftover ideas, you can enjoy your Kirkland Applewood Smoked Ham in a variety of ways beyond just the initial meal.