Baking Ham: No Roasting Pan, No Problem!

Baking a ham without a roasting pan is possible. You can use a crockpot or an oven-safe dish with a lid. If using a crockpot, place the ham inside and add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the pot. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. If using an oven-safe dish, place the ham inside and add 1/2 cup of water or broth to the dish. Cover with foil and bake at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes per pound.

Bake your ham without drying it out

To bake a ham without drying it out, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, cover the ham with foil before baking. This will ensure the outer layer doesn't dry out before the centre is warmed through.

Secondly, use a roasting pan with a rack and add about 1/2 inch of water to the pan. The water will create a moist heat cooking environment, helping to prevent the ham from drying out.

Thirdly, cook the ham at a lower temperature for a longer period of time. A good rule of thumb is to cook the ham for 10 minutes per pound at 325ºF. This will ensure the ham cooks evenly and doesn't dry out.

Finally, let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, ensuring it stays moist.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and juicy ham without worrying about it drying out.

How to keep a ham moist

A dry ham is a common problem, but there are several ways to ensure your ham stays juicy and moist.

Firstly, it's important to note that ham is best heated at a low temperature over a longer period. A high temperature will cause the outer sections of the meat to cook faster than the interior, resulting in an unevenly cooked ham. A low and slow method is best, with 250 degrees Fahrenheit being recommended. This will take around 4 hours for an 8-pound ham.

One of the simplest ways to keep ham moist is to cover it with foil. This helps to retain moisture and prevent the steam from escaping. If using regular foil, use two layers for best results.

Adding liquid to the pan is another effective way to keep your ham from drying out. This could be water, wine, or stock. The liquid helps to prevent the meat from burning and provides extra moisture for the ham to work with.

Brining the ham for 24 to 48 hours before baking will also help to keep it moist, as well as adding flavour.

A glaze is a great way to add flavour and moisture to your ham. It's best to wait until the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to apply the glaze, to prevent burning.

Finally, using a probe thermometer will help you to accurately judge when your ham is heated through, without overcooking it. The ideal temperature for a fully cooked ham is 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to store baked ham

Storing your baked ham correctly is essential to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to store your baked ham properly:

Refrigerating Baked Ham:

• Firstly, it is important to refrigerate your ham within two hours of cooking.
• Store leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with heavy-duty aluminium foil or plastic wrap.
• Ensure the ham is placed in the coldest section of the refrigerator.
• If you have a ham on the bone, it is recommended to wrap it in a seasoned cloth before storing it in the fridge. You can use a clean tea towel, pillowcase, large piece of calico fabric, or a ham bag. Rinse the cloth in a solution of two cups of white vinegar and two litres of water, then let it dry before wrapping the ham.
• If you don't have space in your fridge for a whole ham, you can remove the meat from the bone in large chunks and store it wrapped in plastic and then foil in the fridge.
• Properly stored ham will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Baked Ham:

• If you want to extend the shelf life of your ham, you can freeze it.
• Wrap the ham tightly in heavy-duty aluminium foil or freezer wrap, or place it in covered airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Mark the package with the contents and date of freezing.
• Frozen ham will maintain its best quality for about 3 to 4 months but can be kept safely beyond that.
• Defrost frozen ham in the refrigerator for 1-2 days before eating, depending on the size of the portions.

Food Safety:

• Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so do not leave ham at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Always wash your hands and ensure your work area, cutting boards, and utensils are thoroughly cleaned with hot soapy water after handling and preparing ham.
• Be cautious of cross-contamination by using separate utensils and cutting boards for raw and cooked meat.
• Check the temperature of your refrigerator regularly with an appliance thermometer to ensure it maintains the proper temperature.
• If you are unsure whether your ham has been stored for too long, it is best to throw it out.

By following these instructions, you can safely store and enjoy your baked ham!

What to serve with baked ham

When it comes to serving a baked ham, there are plenty of side dishes that can complement the flavours of the meat and create a well-rounded meal. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Potatoes

A classic choice to serve with ham, potatoes can be prepared in a variety of ways. Try creamy mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted fingerling potatoes, or even goat cheese mashed potatoes. For something a little more indulgent, you could make potato gratin stacks or potato rolls.

Vegetables

A range of vegetables can be served with ham, either roasted or steamed. Carrots, green beans, and asparagus are all popular choices. For carrots, you could try a honey-glazed spiced variety, or steam them and serve with hot honey butter. Green beans can be prepared in a skillet or air fryer, or you could make a green bean casserole. If you're serving asparagus, grilling or roasting are both great options, or you could make Alfredo asparagus bundles.

Salads

A fresh salad can help balance out the heaviness of the ham. A simple romaine salad with oranges and radishes or a spring mix salad with herbed goat cheese are both good options. If you're looking for something more substantial, a potato salad or macaroni salad is always a hit.

Bread

No meal is complete without some form of bread, and a few slices of crusty roll are the perfect accompaniment to a slice of ham. Cornbread is a great choice, especially when made in a cast-iron skillet. You could also try potato rolls, buttermilk biscuits, or even sweet potato biscuits.

Cheese

Cheese is always a welcome addition to any meal, and there are a few cheesy dishes that go particularly well with ham. Macaroni and cheese is a classic, whether it's the traditional variety or a skillet version with crispy breadcrumbs. You could also try a broccoli cheese and cracker casserole or cheese grits casseroles.

Other Dishes

There are plenty of other side dishes that can be served with ham, including deviled eggs, quiche, and pea dishes like creamed peas or snap pea salads. If you're looking for something a little sweeter, why not try a carrot soufflé or a corn pudding?

How to choose the best ham

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best ham, from the type of ham to the cut, and even the weight. Here's a guide to help you select the perfect ham for your next gathering.

Types of Ham

The three main types of ham are city ham, country ham, and fresh ham.

• City Ham: City ham is the most common type and can be found at most grocery stores. It is wet-cured through a brining process and usually comes fully cooked. If it is uncooked, bake it to 145°F and then let it rest for 3 minutes.
• Country Ham: Country hams are dry-cured and often have a saltier taste. They are typically sold uncooked, but cooked options are also available. Country hams can be very salty and dry, and are often served in thin slices or soaked for 24 hours before cooking.
• Fresh Ham: Fresh hams are uncured and uncooked, making them harder to find. They have a more meaty texture compared to the usual slick slices. You may have better luck finding them at a local butcher shop.

Bone-In vs. Boneless

Another important decision is whether to choose a bone-in or boneless ham. Here are the key differences:

• Bone-in: Bone-in hams offer better flavour and texture. They are sold as half hams, either as the shank end (leaner meat with a classic ham profile) or the butt end (fattier, more tender meat with a trickier T-shaped bone). The bone can also be used for making soups and stews.
• Boneless: Boneless hams are more convenient and easier to carve, but may not have the same flavour as bone-in hams. They are pressed into the familiar oval shape.

How Much Ham to Buy

When deciding how much ham to buy, consider the number of guests you'll be serving and whether you want leftovers. A whole ham can serve up to 30 people, so most people opt for a half ham. As a rule of thumb, plan for 3/4 to 1 pound per person for bone-in ham, and 1/2 pound per person for boneless ham.

Additional Tips

• Cost: Be wary of bargain hams as they often have extra water injected during curing, resulting in bland and spongy meat. Look for labels such as "ham" or "ham with natural juices".
• Carving: Spiral-sliced hams are pre-carved and convenient, but they often come glazed. If following a specific recipe, choose an unglazed ham.
• Leftovers: Ham leftovers can be used in various dishes, such as sandwiches, soups, fried rice, and more. Chop and freeze leftovers in 1- or 2-cup portions to extend their shelf life.

Frequently asked questions