How to Cook a Smoked Daisy Ham to Perfection

Smoked daisy ham is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or anytime you want to enjoy its rich, smoky flavor. Also known as a pork shoulder roll or Boston butt, the daisy ham gets its name from the marbled layer of fat running through the center that resembles a daisy bloom when sliced. With a few simple steps, you can cook your daisy ham perfectly to bring out its very best flavors and textures.

Selecting the Right Daisy Ham

When choosing your smoked daisy ham, look for one that feels heavy for its size, with glossy, intact skin and aromas of smokiness. The size needed depends on how many people you plan to serve. Figure about 1/3 to 1/2 pound of ham per person. Popular sizes range from 4 to 12 pounds.

Daisy hams come fully cooked or fresh and uncooked. A fully cooked ham just needs gentle reheating while an uncooked one requires more time in the oven or slow cooker to reach safe internal temperatures.

Preparing Your Ham for Cooking

Before cooking your smoked daisy ham start with a few simple prep steps

• Remove any packaging and rinse under cool water. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.

• If desired, lightly score the fatty outer skin. Use a sharp knife to cut a diamond pattern about 1/16” deep. This helps the glaze adhere.

• For flavorful browning, you can rub the skin with a little vegetable oil.

• For a more elegant presentation, leave the netting or butcher’s string intact while cooking. Remove it just before slicing and serving.

Glazing and Seasoning Suggestions

One of the best parts of daisy ham is the opportunity to add flavor with glazes, rubs and mustards. Here are some ideas:

• Sweet glazes – Brown sugar, maple syrup, honey, orange marmalade, pineapple juice, etc. Simmer to reduce into a sticky glaze.

• Savory glazes – Spicy brown mustard, grainy mustard, whole grain mustard, Dijon, etc.

• Spice rubs – Dry mixtures of brown sugar, smoked paprika, cloves, ginger, cinnamon, allspice, etc.

• Herb rubs – Minced rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, mustard, chili powder, cumin, etc.

Brush the glaze or rub generously over the ham 15-30 minutes before it finishes cooking so the flavors really set in.

Baking Your Smoked Daisy Ham to Perfection

Baking is a foolproof way to cook your daisy ham low and slow for the best texture and moisture.

• Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham fat side up in a roasting pan.

• For fully cooked ham, bake 10-15 minutes per pound until heated through to 130°F.

• For uncooked ham, bake 20-30 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

• Glaze or season halfway through and again towards the end.

• Let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing into thin pieces across the grain.

Approximate bake times for common sizes:

• 4 lb ham: 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
• 6 lb ham: 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours
• 8 lb ham: 2 hours 20 minutes to 2 hours 45 minutes
• 10 lb ham: 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
• 12 lb ham: 3 hours 40 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes

Moist and Tender Slow Cooker Method

Using a slow cooker or Crock-Pot is hands-off way to achieve incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone daisy ham.

• Place ham in at least 6-quart slow cooker and add 1-2 cups of water, apple juice, or ginger ale.

• Cook on low setting about 8-10 hours for a medium ham, adding 1 hour per pound.

• Halfway through, brush with your favorite glaze or rub.

• Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temp of 145°F.

Grilling Your Ham for Smoky Flavor

Grilling imparts delicious char and smoky notes to daisy ham.

• Prepare a medium grill, around 350°F. Place ham directly on grates.

• Cook over medium heat 15-20 minutes per pound with the lid closed as much as possible.

• Rotate ham every 20-30 minutes for even browning.

• Glaze during the last 30-60 minutes of grilling time.

• Check internal temperature and remove from grill once it reaches 145°F.

Carving and Serving Your Smoked Daisy Ham

Once your daisy ham is cooked to perfection, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to reabsorb for moister meat.

• Place cooked ham on a cutting board. Remove any netting or butcher’s string.

• Using a sharp knife, cut thin slices across the grain of the meat.

• Arrange slices nicely on a platter. Spoon any glaze over the top.

• Serve while hot alongside classic pairings like scalloped potatoes, baked beans, corn pudding, biscuits, etc.

Get creative with leftovers! Dice for omelets, sandwiches, soups, fried rice, pasta dishes, and more. Refrigerate 3-4 days or freeze sliced ham up to 2 months.

Troubleshooting Your Smoked Daisy Ham

Follow these tips if any issues arise on your journey to smoked daisy ham success:

• Dry or tough texture – Avoid overcooking and let ham rest before slicing. Also glaze generously.

• Bland flavor – Use bold glazes, mustards, and spice rubs for maximum flavor.

• Still pink when done – Smoked hams often retain a pink tint even when fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer.

• Uneven cooking – Rotate periodically and tent with foil if edges brown too fast.

• Undercooked – Return to oven until internal temp reaches 145°F.

With the right prep, seasonings, and cooking method, your smoked daisy ham is sure to earn rave reviews. The possibilities are endless for creating a memorable centerpiece for your next gathering with this incredibly versatile cut of pork.