What is your favorite way to cook ham?

Introduction: On the Joy of Cooking Ham

Ham, a versatile and delicious meat, is a delight to cook. Cooking ham is not just about the final meal. It's also about the joy of the cooking process itself. From preparing the ham to the final moment when you take it out of the oven, there is something incredibly satisfying about cooking this particular dish. In this article, I will be sharing my favorite ways to cook ham. I assure you, by the end of this article, you will have a new-found appreciation for ham and be eager to try out these methods yourself.

The Classic Oven-Baked Ham

There is nothing like the tradition of a classic oven-baked ham. This method is simple, yet it brings out the flavor of the ham in the most delightful way. First, you'll want to preheat your oven to 325°F and place your ham in a roasting pan. Then, score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes about 1/2-inch apart. You can then brush the ham with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, and mustard to give it a sweet and tangy flavor. Bake the ham for about 20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Let the ham rest before slicing to ensure it stays juicy.

The Slow Cooked Magic

Slow cooking ham is another favorite method of mine. The slow cooker does all the work, and the result is a tender, flavorful ham that practically falls apart. For this method, you'll need a bone-in ham, brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a slow cooker. First, rub the ham with brown sugar, place it in the slow cooker, and pour the pineapple juice over it. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. The sweet and tangy flavor of the pineapple juice will penetrate the ham, giving it a unique taste.

Honey Glazed Ham

A honey-glazed ham is a sweet treat that never disappoints. To make this, you'll need a bone-in ham, honey, brown sugar, and dijon mustard. Combine the honey, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl to create the glaze. After scoring the ham, brush it with the glaze and bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes per pound. The resulting dish is a sweet and savory delight that is sure to impress.

Grilled Ham Steaks

If you're a fan of grilling, ham steaks are a great option. For this method, you'll need ham steaks and your favorite BBQ sauce. Simply brush the ham steaks with the sauce and grill them on each side for about 5 minutes. The BBQ sauce gives the ham a smoky, tangy flavor that is absolutely delicious.

Smoked Ham

Smoking a ham is a bit more involved, but the result is a ham with a deep, smoky flavor that is truly unique. To smoke a ham, you'll need a smoker, a bone-in ham, and your favorite dry rub. Apply the rub to the ham, then smoke it at 225°F for about 20 minutes per pound. The end result is a ham with a rich, smoky flavor that is unlike anything you've ever tasted.

Ham in Beer

Cooking ham in beer is a unique method that gives the ham a unique and delicious flavor. For this method, you'll need a bone-in ham, a can of beer, and your favorite dry rub. Rub the ham with the dry rub, place it in a roasting pan, then pour the beer over it. Bake the ham at 325°F for about 20 minutes per pound. The beer will keep the ham moist and give it a unique flavor.

Instant Pot Ham

If you're short on time, cooking ham in an Instant Pot is a great option. For this method, you'll need a bone-in ham, brown sugar, and pineapple juice. Rub the ham with the brown sugar, place it in the Instant Pot, and pour the pineapple juice over it. Cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes per pound. The Instant Pot will cook the ham quickly, while the pineapple juice will give it a sweet and tangy flavor.

Conclusion: Finding Your Favorite Way

As you can see, there are many ways to cook a ham. Whether you prefer a classic oven-baked ham, a slow-cooked ham, or a unique method like cooking ham in beer, there is a method out there for you. The key is to experiment and find your favorite way to cook ham. So, what are you waiting for? Grab a ham and start cooking!