Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make ham for your next special occasion or holiday dinner? Look no further than Sam’s Choice Bone-In Spiral-Cut Ham!
This premium smoked ham is glazed with brown sugar and hickory smoked to seal in all of the natural juices, delivering the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors in every bite. But how do you cook it to perfection without overcooking or drying it out?
In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to make a succulent and moist Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more. So, let’s get started!
How To Cook Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham?
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove all packaging materials and place the ham in a shallow roasting pan with the flat side facing down.
Step 2: Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern on the ham’s surface. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
Step 3: Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to cover all exposed areas. You can use the glaze that comes with the ham or make your own glaze using brown sugar, water, fructose, gelatin, spices, and maltodextrin.
Step 4: Cover the ham with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
Step 5: Increase the oven temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting the ham every 10 minutes with the glaze. This will help to caramelize the glaze and give the ham a beautiful golden brown color.
Step 6: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it tender and juicy.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before cooking your Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure that it turns out moist and flavorful. Here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Thaw the ham if it is frozen. If the ham is frozen, it needs to be thawed in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. It is important to allow enough time for the ham to thaw completely before cooking.
Step 2: Remove all packaging materials from the ham and discard them. If there is a plastic wrap around the ham, remove it carefully and make sure not to damage the meat.
Step 3: Trim off any excess fat from the ham. While some people prefer to leave the fat on for added flavor, too much fat can make the ham greasy and unappetizing. Use a sharp knife to carefully trim off any large pieces of fat.
Step 4: Score the ham by making diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern on the surface of the meat. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add flavor.
Step 5: Apply the glaze to the ham. You can use the glaze that comes with the ham or make your own glaze using brown sugar, water, fructose, gelatin, spices, and maltodextrin. Make sure to cover all exposed areas of the ham with the glaze.
By following these preparation steps, you can ensure that your Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham turns out moist and flavorful. With proper preparation and cooking, this delicious ham will be a hit at any special occasion or holiday meal.
Choosing The Right Cooking Method
When it comes to cooking Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham, there are several methods to choose from. The most common methods include oven baking, slow cooking, grilling, and microwaving. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your needs.
If you prefer a traditional approach, oven baking is the way to go. It’s a simple and straightforward method that requires minimal preparation. However, it does take longer than other methods and requires constant attention to ensure that the ham doesn’t dry out.
If you’re short on time or prefer a hands-off approach, slow cooking is a great option. This method allows you to set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy weeknights or large gatherings. The downside is that the ham may not have the same crispy texture as oven-baked or grilled ham.
Grilling is another option for those who want to add a smoky flavor to their ham. This method requires a bit more effort and attention but can produce delicious results. However, grilling can be tricky when it comes to ham because it can easily dry out or burn.
Finally, microwaving is the quickest and easiest method but may not produce the same results as other methods. Microwaving can cause the ham to become rubbery or tough, so it’s important to use caution and follow the instructions carefully.
Ultimately, the best cooking method for Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham depends on your personal preferences and the occasion. Consider factors such as time, effort, flavor, and texture when deciding which method to use.
Glazing The Ham For Maximum Flavor
Glazing the ham is an important step in maximizing its flavor. A good ham glaze should be sweet and tangy, with a balance of flavors that complements the saltiness of the ham. There are many different glaze recipes to choose from, but some of the most popular ingredients include honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, mustard, vinegar, and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
To apply the glaze to the ham, you can use a heatproof spatula or a pastry brush. A spatula works well for thicker glazes, while a brush is better for more liquid ones. For larger hams, it’s a good idea to apply the glaze in stages, so that it has time to penetrate the meat and caramelize. You can also brush the glaze with honey or maple syrup after about 30 minutes to make it sweeter and more glossy.
When making your own glaze, be sure to balance the sweetness and tanginess of the ingredients. Brown sugar and honey are great for sweetness, while mustard and vinegar add tang. Spices like cinnamon and cloves can add warmth and depth of flavor. You can also experiment with different flavors by using fruit preserves or apple cider instead of orange juice.
Once you’ve applied the glaze to the ham, cover it with foil and bake it in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, basting the ham every 10 minutes with the glaze. This will help to caramelize the glaze and give the ham a beautiful golden brown color.
Finally, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it tender and juicy. With these tips for glazing your ham, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a delicious and flavorful dish.
Cooking And Monitoring The Ham
Cooking and monitoring the ham is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. To ensure that your ham is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should reach 140°F for a fully cooked ham.
If you are using a digital instant-read thermometer, it will provide you with an accurate reading within seconds. A traditional instant-read thermometer may take a little longer to measure the temperature, but it is still an effective tool. Another option is a probe-style digital thermometer, which can be inserted into the ham with a wire leading out of the oven door to a digital display that monitors the temperature.
Baste the ham every 10 minutes with the glaze during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help to caramelize the glaze and give the ham a beautiful golden brown color. If you notice that the ham is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with foil.
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and make it tender and juicy. Use a sharp knife to slice the ham thinly and serve it with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Serving And Storing Leftovers
After you’ve cooked and served your Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham, you may have some leftovers. Here are some tips on how to serve and store them properly:
To serve leftovers, simply slice the ham into thin pieces and reheat them in the oven or microwave. You can also use the leftover ham to make sandwiches or add it to soups and stews for extra flavor.
To store leftovers, wrap the sliced ham in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze it for up to two months.
When reheating leftover ham, make sure to do so thoroughly to avoid any bacterial growth. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the ham reaches 165°F.
If you’re planning to freeze the leftover ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents and store it in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the ham in the refrigerator overnight before reheating it.
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your Sam’s Choice Brown Sugar Ham even after the holiday season is over.