Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make ham for your next family gathering or holiday meal?
Look no further than Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham!
This pre-cooked ham is vacuum-sealed with natural juices, making it a convenient and flavorful option for any occasion.
Whether you prefer to use the oven or slow cooker method, we’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions to ensure your ham comes out perfectly juicy and tender.
So, let’s get started on cooking up a delicious Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham that will have your guests coming back for seconds!
How To Cook Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham?
There are two recommended methods for heating up your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham: the oven method and the slow cooker method.
Choosing The Right Size And Type Of Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham
When it comes to choosing the right size and type of Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you’ll want to determine the size of the ham you need based on the number of people you’re serving. A good rule of thumb is to estimate about 1/2 pound of ham per person.
A large 9 x 3 x 13-inch roasting pan is an ideal size to look for when it comes to cooking your ham in the oven. You’ll want to find a pan with a large enough lid to hold the ham without touching the sides, and a depth of 3 to 4 inches will ensure that your ham stays inside without spilling any hot cooking juices.
When it comes to choosing between spiral cut or non-cut hams, it really comes down to personal preference and convenience. Spiral cut hams will smoke up a bit faster and save you the trouble of slicing, while also adding more flavor in between the meat layers. On the other hand, a whole or half ham that is not pre-sliced will give you more slicing freedom to add beautiful diamond scoring on the outside or cut the ham into larger pieces. This option also has a slightly lower chance of drying out as quickly.
Ultimately, the choice between spiral cut and non-cut hams will depend on your preferences and needs. If you’re looking for convenience and ease of preparation, then a spiral cut ham may be the way to go. However, if you’re looking for more control over the appearance and texture of your ham, then a non-cut option may be better suited for your needs.
Preparing And Preheating Your Oven Or Slow Cooker
Preparing and preheating your oven or slow cooker is an important step in ensuring that your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham turns out juicy and flavorful. For the oven method, preheat your oven to a temperature range of 250°F to 350°F. Keep in mind that lower temperatures will require longer cooking times, so adjust accordingly if needed.
Next, place a baking rack inside a shallow roasting pan and place the ham on top of the rack. Cover the pan with aluminum foil to help seal in moisture and place the pan on a rack centered in the middle of the oven. Bake your ham until the internal temperature reaches 140°F at the thickest part, which can take anywhere from 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on the size of your ham and oven temperature.
For the slow cooker method, set your slow cooker on low and put the ham in about 5 hours before dinner for an eight to 10-pound bone-in ham. For a fall-apart tender ham, let it cook longer; 10-12 hours on low.
No matter which method you choose, make sure to follow proper safety precautions when handling raw meat and always use a meat thermometer to ensure that your ham has reached a safe internal temperature before serving. By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham for any occasion.
Glazing And Seasoning Your Ham For Maximum Flavor
Glazing and seasoning your ham is crucial to achieving maximum flavor. A good ham glaze should be sweet and tangy, balanced with savory saltiness from the ham. The glaze should also promote caramelization on the ham’s surface, adding texture and color.
To glaze your ham, wait until the last 15 to 20 minutes of baking. Starting too early could cause the sugar in the glaze to burn, resulting in a bitter taste. Prepare at least one cup of glaze per five to 10 pounds of ham, using a combination of ingredients such as brown sugar, butter, pineapple juice, and spices. Simmer the glaze until thickened, then brush it onto the ham using a basting brush or spoon.
For a brown sugar glaze, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and other spices. This glaze should be warm and delicate with layers of subtle flavor. Remember that the ham is salty on its own, so the sweetness of the glaze should balance out the saltiness.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, use light brown sugar instead of dark brown sugar. You can also make a quick glaze out of preserves like apricot or blueberry. To add a different holiday flavor, replace orange juice with apple cider.
When serving your baked ham, consider adding additional mustard on the side for dipping. Dijon mustard, honey mustard, or yellow mustard all work well with a sweet brown sugar glaze.
Cooking Your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham To Perfection
Cooking your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham to perfection requires some attention to detail, but the process is fairly straightforward. If you have a ham that is spiral-sliced, it is best to set it cut side down on a baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and heat the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the ham is fully cooked and safe to eat.
If you prefer to use an oven bag, simply place your ham in the bag and follow the instructions on the package. This method will help keep your ham moist and tender while cooking.
When it comes to glazing your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham, you have several options. You can use the glaze packet that comes with the ham, or you can make your own glaze using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, or maple syrup. To apply the glaze, simply brush it onto the surface of the ham using a pastry brush.
Once your ham is glazed, return it to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized and the ham is heated through. Be sure to let your ham rest for a few minutes before carving so that the juices can redistribute throughout the meat.
Letting Your Ham Rest And Carving It For Serving
After you have cooked your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham, it is important to let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that it stays moist and flavorful.
To carve your ham like a pro, first, arrange it cut-side down on a large cutting board. If it is a bone-in ham, insert a fork into the center and slice off the largest chunk you can, cutting as close to the bone as possible. Slice that piece vertically into thinner pieces. Next, carve the remaining ham (the part with the bone), slicing horizontally into the bone, then vertically along the side of the bone to remove as much meat as possible. This will cut off the horizontal slices that you just cut so that the meat falls off in pieces.
If you have a spiral-cut ham, simply cut the thin slices away from the bone in a downward motion. They’ll fall off as you work your way around and are ready to serve.
For a boneless ham, slice it like a loaf of bread. If the piece is too large for you to stabilize, cut it in half first, then slice.
Remember to use a large cutting board and choose a sharp butcher knife that is at least as long as the length of your cuts. And don’t forget to let your ham rest for several minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Creative Leftover Ideas For Your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham.
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers from your Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham, don’t let them go to waste! There are plenty of creative and delicious ways to use up every last bit.
One option is to make a breakfast hash with diced potatoes, scrambled eggs, and chopped smoked ham. This hearty dish is perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast.
Another idea is to use the leftover ham slices to make sandwiches with arugula and pesto for a quick and easy lunch. Or, dice up the extra ham and add it to a cheesy pasta dish for a comforting dinner.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try using the ham hock to make a flavorful soup or stew. The smoky flavor of the ham will add depth and richness to any soup recipe.
And of course, you can always enjoy the leftover ham on its own as a snack or quick protein source. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave for a few minutes until warmed through.
No matter how you choose to use your leftover Sam’s Choice Spiral Cut Smoked Ham, these creative ideas will help you make the most of every delicious bite.