Appleton Farms makes some of the most delicious hams on the market. If you’ve purchased one of their hams for an upcoming holiday or special occasion, you likely want to know how to cook an Appleton Farms ham perfectly. Don’t worry – with this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything needed to cook your Appleton Farms ham and wow your guests.
Overview of Appleton Farms Hams
Appleton Farms offers various hams, including:
- Bone-in hams
- Boneless hams
- Spiral sliced hams
- Hickory smoked hams
- Hams with brown sugar or honey glaze
Their hams range in size from 4-10 lbs. Some are sold fully cooked while others require baking. Appleton Farms uses quality pork and artisan curing methods to produce delicious, high-quality hams.
Choosing Your Appleton Farms Ham
When selecting your ham, consider:
- Bone-in vs boneless: Bone-in hams have more flavor but boneless are easier to slice
- Spiral cut: These are presliced in a continuous spiral for easy serving
- Smoked or unsmoked: Smoked hams like hickory have a deeper flavor
- Glazed or unglazed: Glazes add sweetness and moisture
Check the packaging for cooking instructions, as methods vary between hams.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here are general guidelines for cooking your Appleton Farms ham:
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Thaw the Ham: If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator 1-2 days before cooking for even heating.
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Preheat the Oven Preheat to 325°F. Use a roasting pan with a rack for air circulation.
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Prepare the Ham: Remove packaging and place ham fat side up. Pour any juices from package into the pan.
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Cover with Foil: Cover ham tightly with foil to lock in moisture during cooking.
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Bake the Ham: Cook at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound. A 10 lb ham bakes for 150 minutes.
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Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to test doneness. Ham should reach 135-140°F.
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Apply Glaze: If using a glaze, brush it on 30 mins before done. Return to oven to set glaze.
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Let Ham Rest: Let ham rest 10-15 mins before slicing for juicy results.
FAQs About Cooking Appleton Farms Ham
How long does it take to cook an Appleton Farms ham?
Cooking time depends on size, but allow 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. A 7 lb ham bakes for about 105 minutes.
Can I use a glass baking dish instead of a roasting pan?
Yes, a glass baking dish works fine as long as it fits the ham snugly. Use a shallow pan with at least 2-inch sides.
When do I add the glaze packet?
Reserve 1/3 of the glaze and brush it on 30 minutes before the ham is finished cooking. Use the rest once removed from the oven.
Do I need to add liquid to the roasting pan?
Adding some broth, juice, or water isn’t required but can add moisture. Use 1/2 cup or less.
How do I know when the ham is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer to test for 135-140°F in the thickest part. Also check for slight shrinkage from the bone.
Can I cook an Appleton Farms precooked ham cold?
Yes, hams labeled “fully cooked” can be served cold straight from the fridge.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover ham?
You can reheat ham low and slow in the oven or microwave. Cover it and use lower power to prevent drying out.
Serving Your Beautiful Baked Ham
Once your ham is cooked, it’s time to impress your guests! Follow these serving tips:
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Let the ham rest 10-15 minutes before slicing for juiciest meat.
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Carve across the grain in thin slices for tender ham.
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Arrange slices neatly on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs.
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Serve with classic sides like potatoes, veggies, biscuits, etc.
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Offer a spoon for the glaze so guests can add sweetness.
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Refrigerate promptly any leftovers.
With this foolproof guide, you’re ready to bake an Appleton Farms ham like a pro! From choosing the right ham to testing for doneness, these tips will help serve a mouthwatering main dish. Wow your family with your skill when you make the perfect juicy and delicious Appleton Farms glazed ham!
