Cottage roll ham is a delicious affordable cut of meat that’s perfect for feeding a crowd. Also known as cottage ham or cottage pork shoulder this cured, boneless shoulder cut has a slightly corned beef-like flavor. With the right prep and roasting method, you can make a show-stopping centerpiece ham loaded with old-fashioned flavor.
As a busy home cook who loves hosting I’ve perfected my technique for baking cottage roll ham over the years. Follow my tested tips below for choosing preparing, and roasting cottage ham to tender, juicy perfection every time.
What is Cottage Roll Ham?
Cottage roll ham is made from the pork shoulder or butt. It’s wet cured using a brine solution giving it a salty, corned beef-like taste. Other characteristics to look for:
- Boneless – Should be cut from the shoulder/butt section
- Good marbling – This keeps the meat moist during cooking
- Light spice flavors – Corning spices, not smoked ham flavors
- 4-7 pounds – Size to suit your gathering
The cured meat is shaped into a roll, netted or tied, and sold prepackaged at grocery stores It’s an affordable alternative to pricey hams or roasts
Step-By-Step Guide to Cook Cottage Ham
Follow my simple steps for roasting cottage roll ham in the oven to perfection:
Prep the Ham
- Unwrap ham fully and rinse well. This removes excess salt from curing process.
- Pat extremely dry with paper towels. Dry surface is crucial.
- Place ham fat side up in a roasting pan or baking dish.
- Score fat in a diamond pattern. This allows fat to render and crisp.
- Rub seasoning or glaze all over exterior (details below).
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, celery to pan for aroma and flavor.
- Cover ham tightly with foil to seal in moisture.
Bake Low and Slow
- Preheat oven to 275°F.
- Bake ham covered for 18-20 minutes per pound. For a 5 lb ham, bake for 90-100 minutes.
- Uncover last 30 minutes to brown exterior.
Test for Doneness
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp reaches 160°F when done.
- Let rest 15 minutes before slicing for juices to redistribute.
Carve and Serve
- Carve across the grain into thin slices.
- Arrange slices nicely on a platter or board.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or fruit salsa.
- Serve with mustards, pickles, biscuits, honey butter.
Flavoring a Cottage Ham
Plain roasted cottage ham tastes great, but glazes, rubs and aromatics can take it up a level:
- Sweet glazes – Orange marmalade, maple syrup, pineapple juice, brown sugar
- Savory rubs – Rosemary, thyme, sage, garlic, olive oil, mustard
- Aromatics – Onion, garlic, carrots, celery
For glazes, brush on ham during the last 30 minutes of roasting. For rubs, coat exterior before baking. Place aromatics in the roasting pan.
Handy Tips for Perfect Results
- For food safety, thaw frozen ham 1-2 days in fridge before baking.
- Bake from fully thawed or fresh for most moist texture.
- Foil prevents drying but unwrap at end for nice crust.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness.
- Let ham rest before slicing for juicier meat.
- Carve across the grain for tenderness.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftover baked cottage roll ham can be used in all kinds of dishes:
- Breakfast – Ham and cheese omelets, breakfast tacos, biscuits
- Lunch – Ham salad sandwiches, paninis, flatbread pizza
- Dinner – Split pea soup, fried rice, pasta, quiche
- Snacks – Deviled eggs, ham roll-ups
Jazz up leftover ham with new seasonings and sauces. Cottage ham also freezes well for longer storage. With proper care, one ham provides days of diverse meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have more questions about roasting cottage roll ham? Here are some common FAQs:
What temperature should I bake the ham? Use a slow oven at 275°F or quick hot oven around 375°F.
How long does it take to bake? Around 15-20 minutes per pound. A 5 lb ham bakes for 75-100 minutes.
To wrap in foil or not? Wrapping traps in moisture but uncover at end for browning.
What is the minimum safe internal temp? Reach 160°F in thickest part before removing ham.
Can I bake cottage ham from frozen? Yes but thaw 1-2 days in fridge for best moisture. Add baking time if starting from frozen.
How do I reheat leftovers? Slice and reheat ham covered in oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
An Impressive and Tasty Main Dish
With proper preparation and roasting, you can make a showstopping baked cottage roll ham with fantastic old-fashioned flavor. Just allow ample time for the low, slow baking method to render the meat beautifully moist and tender. Roast up a cottage ham for your next celebration or Sunday supper. Your guests will be coming back for seconds!
