Making Sam’s Choice Ham doesn’t need to be a chore. With this step-by-step guide, you can quickly and easily make a delicious ham that is sure to impress your family and friends.
What You’ll Need to Make Sam’s Choice Ham
Before you start cooking your ham, you’ll need to make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You’ll need a 3-5 pound Sam’s Choice ham, an oven-safe baking dish, a thermometer, and if you’d like a unique flavor, you’ll need the glaze of your choice, like honey or brown sugar.
When you’re ready to start cooking, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the ham in the baking dish and cover it with the glaze of your choice. Place the thermometer in the thickest part of the ham and bake for 1-2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Once you have all the necessary ingredients, it’s time to prepare your oven. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This is important, as making ham at a lower temperature will result in an undercooked product.
Be sure to check the temperature of your oven with an oven thermometer to ensure that it is accurate. If the temperature is too low, your ham may not cook properly and could be unsafe to eat. If the temperature is too high, your ham may burn or become dry.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham for Cooking
Take the ham out of its packaging and place it in the baking dish. Score the surface with a sharp knife and add in any toppings or glazes that you wish. Many people opt to baste the ham with garlic, herbs, and spices.
If you are using a glaze, make sure to brush it on the ham before baking. This will help to create a flavorful and crispy crust. Additionally, you can add a few tablespoons of water to the bottom of the baking dish to help keep the ham moist while it cooks.
Step 3: Bake the Ham
Once the ham is properly prepared, it’s time to put it into the oven. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer at the halfway mark to make sure your ham is getting cooked all the way through.
When the ham is finished baking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful dish. Enjoy!
Step 4: Glazing the Ham
After you’ve baked the ham for the necessary amount of time, it’s time to add a glaze. Take your glaze of choice and spread it generously over the surface of the ham. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has caramelized and set over the surface of the ham.
When the glaze has finished baking, remove the ham from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the glaze to set and give the ham a beautiful, glossy finish. Enjoy your delicious glazed ham!
Step 5: Finishing the Ham
Once your glaze has set and your ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. If you have any leftovers, make sure to wrap them up in saran wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to five days.
When reheating the ham, make sure to do so in a preheated oven at 350°F. Place the ham in a shallow baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for 10-15 minutes, or until the ham is heated through. If you want to crisp up the glaze, remove the foil for the last few minutes of cooking.
Tips for Making the Perfect Sam’s Choice Ham
- Score the surface of the ham: This will help the heat get evenly distributed throughout the ham.
- Cover the baking dish with foil: Doing this will keep your ham moister while still allowing it to cook properly.
- Baste with liquids while cooking: Basting will help keep your ham juicy and flavorful.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Cooking Sam’s Choice Ham
While preparing Sam’s Choice Ham is quite straightforward, here are some common issues you might encounter, along with solutions to those issues.
- Undercooked: If your ham isn’t reaching the desired temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, try increasing the cooking time slightly and checking with a thermometer every 10 minutes until it’s cooked through.
- Dry: If you’re finding your ham to be too dry, try basting it with a little bit of liquid like apple juice or wine every 30 minutes during cooking.
- Tough: If your ham is too tough, it may be overcooked. Next time, reduce your cooking time or keep an eye on the temperature with a thermometer to ensure it doesn’t get overcooked.
If you follow these steps, you should have no problems making delicious Sam’s Choice Ham. Enjoy!
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