How to Cook a Smithfield Hardwood Smoked Half Ham to Perfection

A Smithfield hardwood smoked half ham is a delicious centerpiece for special occasions and holiday meals. When prepared properly it has a wonderfully smoky flavor and tender juicy meat. This step-by-step guide will teach you how to cook a store-bought Smithfield half ham to get perfect results every time.

Overview of Cooking a Smithfield Half Ham

Here’s a quick summary of the process:

• Select a 7-9 lb Smithfield bone-in or boneless half ham.

• Thaw completely in the refrigerator if frozen,

• Preheat oven to 325°F.

• Place ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan.

• Loosely cover ham with foil

• Bake 15-20 minutes per pound until 140°F internal temperature.

• Remove foil last 10 minutes if browning glaze.

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Tips for Choosing the Right Smithfield Ham

When selecting your Smithfield half ham, consider:

• Bone-in – Gives great presentation with more intense ham flavor.

• Boneless – Easier to carve and serve, better for smaller groups.

• Size – A 7-9 lb half ham serves 8-12 people.

• Spiral cut – Has slices already cut in for easy serving.

• Hardwood smoked – Has deep smoky flavor from natural wood smoking.

Thawing a Frozen Smithfield Ham

• Place frozen ham in refrigerator 2-3 days to thaw.

• Change wrapping if ice crystals form to prevent freezer burn.

• Do not thaw at room temperature or in warm water.

• Once thawed, use within 3-5 days.

Preparing and Cooking the Ham

Follow these simple steps for baking your Smithfield half ham:

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.

• Place ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. This allows air flow.

• Loosely cover with foil, leaving openings for smoke to escape.

• Bake ham for 15-20 minutes per pound until 140°F internal temperature.

• For a 7 lb ham, bake about 2 hours 10 minutes.

• For a 9 lb ham, bake about 2 hours 45 minutes.

• Remove foil last 10 minutes if glazing or browning the outside.

Test Doneness and Internal Temp

• Insert thermometer into the thickest part of ham, avoiding bone.

• Heat until internal temp reaches 140°F for food safety.

• If ham is undercooked, continue baking and test again in 15 minutes.

• Once ham reaches 140°F, it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.

Letting Ham Rest Before Carving

Always let your baked Smithfield half ham rest before slicing:

• When ham reaches 140°F, remove it from the oven.

• Loosely cover with foil and let rest 15-20 minutes.

• This allows juices to redistribute so meat stays moist.

• For whole hams, rest 20 minutes. For half hams, rest 15 minutes.

• After resting, transfer to a cutting board and carve.

Serving and Carving the Ham

To serve your Smithfield half ham:

• Carve with an electric knife for thin, even slices.

• Cut across the grain of the meat.

• For bone-in ham, slice around the bone.

• Arrange slices on a platter and serve warm.

• Pair ham with biscuits, roasted veggies, salads, and desserts.

Glazing a Smithfield Half Ham

For delicious flavor and presentation, glaze your ham:

• In last 10 minutes of baking, remove foil.

• Score fat cap and brush ham with your favorite glaze.

• Increase oven heat to 400°F to caramelize glaze.

• Bake 10 more minutes until glaze is sticky.

• Try brown sugar, honey, spiced apple, or pineapple glazes.

Storing Leftover Smithfield Ham

Properly stored, leftover baked ham stays fresh for use in other recipes:

• Allow ham to cool completely, then refrigerate.

• Store airtight in fridge up to 5 days.

• Reheat slices wrapped in foil at 325°F until warmed through.

• Ham also freezes well up to 2-3 months for longer storage.

• Use ham in omelets, sandwiches, soups, casseroles and more!

Serving Ideas for Smithfield Half Ham

Serve your baked Smithfield ham with classic side dishes:

• Baked macaroni and cheese

• Scalloped potatoes or sweet potato casserole

• Green bean casserole or glazed carrots

• Warm yeast rolls or buttery biscuits

• A fresh green salad

• For dessert, apple or pumpkin pie

Tips for Moist, Tender Smithfield Ham

• Cook at a low 325°F temperature to prevent drying out.

• Loosely cover in foil to retain moisture and smoke flavor.

• Allow ham to rest before slicing so juices redistribute.

• Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked ham.

• Refrigerate promptly and use leftovers within 5 days.

FAQs About Cooking Smithfield Ham

How long does a 9 lb Smithfield half ham take to bake?

About 2 hours 45 minutes at 325°F.

Should I flip the ham while baking?

No, place cut-side down the entire time. Flipping is not needed.

Can I use a pre-made glaze on my Smithfield ham?

Yes, feel free to use a store-bought glaze if you prefer.

What if my ham is too salty?

Soak in water 4-8 hours before cooking to reduce saltiness. Rinse well.

Can I cook a Smithfield half ham in an oven bag?

Yes, you can place it in a foil lined oven bag and bake as directed.

Conclusion

With this simple baking technique, you can make a mouthwatering Smithfield hardwood smoked half ham. Low and slow heat with foil prevents drying out. Letting the ham rest before slicing allows juices to redistribute so you get wonderfully tender and flavorful results. Serve this hearty ham as the centerpiece of your next special meal!