We will give you instructions how to cook as well as a recipe for a homemade glaze.
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In fact, when I started this blog, I wrote about reasons not to buy a boneless ham. So why am I reviewing a boneless ham? This isn’t the boneless ham I usually review. When I think of a boneless ham, I picture the following. This is the only thing that came to mind for me. This ham looks very unnatural.
That is a ham that has been pressed, formed, modeled into a log shape. Very unnatural. Nothing I want to be a part of. Now take a look at this boneless ham from Costcos Kirkland brand. This is what the Master Carve ham at Costco actually use to look like. They since have only sold it has a half ham. I wanted to provide the visual for you so you can see that it looks like whole.
Doesnt look like your grandmas boneless ham now does it. While the boneless meat is cut out, the meat is not pressed into a log shape. Instead, a thin, almost heart-shaped piece of meat is used. Jump to:
Kirkland Signature’s master carve ham is a staple item for many Costco shoppers These tender, boneless smoked hams are fully cooked so they just need to be heated through before serving. Properly warming these hams ensures you get the most flavor and enjoy the right texture.
With a few simple steps, you’ll have a juicy, warm ham ready for your next gathering Here is everything you need to know about heating a Kirkland master carve ham
Get to Know the Ham
Kirkland’s master carve ham is applewood smoked for incredible flavor. Since it’s boneless, you get more edible meat per pound without wasting money on a big bone. These hams weigh about 4 pounds each, making them the perfect size for a family meal or smaller holiday gathering.
The ham contains no added water or broth like many supermarket hams. So you get 100% natural pork flavor in every bite. It’s lean, low fat, and high in protein too.
Preheat the Oven
The ham comes fully cooked so no lengthy roasting is required. To warm it up, just preheat your oven to 350°F. The relatively low oven temperature ensures the ham heats through gently without drying out.
Wrap in Foil
Take the ham out of the packaging and wrap it very tightly in aluminum foil. Make sure there are no air gaps or openings in the foil. The airtight foil pouch traps steam to keep the ham nice and moist while heating.
Bake According to Size
Place the foil-wrapped ham directly on the oven rack or a baking sheet. Let it bake for 12-15 minutes per pound. An average 4 pound ham takes about 1 hour to heat through. For food safety, it must reach an internal temperature of 130°F.
Rest and Slice
When the ham is fully heated, remove it from the oven and let it rest wrapped in foil for 10 minutes. Then take off the foil, slice into portions, and serve your warm, juicy ham.
Serving Suggestions
A Kirkland master carve ham makes a perfect entrée for gatherings and holidays. It goes great with classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, and salad.
For everyday meals, try dicing the ham and adding it to omelets, pasta bakes, or stir fries. You can also slice it for sandwiches, pizza toppings, and more.
Storage Tips
These hams come with a use-by date about 2 months after purchase. Once opened, the ham lasts 3-5 days refrigerated. For maximum freshness, slice only as needed instead of all at once.
Wrap leftover ham tightly and store for sandwiches or other recipes. You can also freeze ham slices or chunks in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using frozen ham.
Master the Kirkland Ham
Kirkland’s master carve ham is incredibly convenient, budget-friendly, and delicious. With a few simple heating instructions, you can enjoy juicy, warm ham any night of the week. Mastering these applewood smoked hams makes it easy to bring some gourmet flavor to your family’s table.
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ℹ️ In Natural Juices
This ham is marked as “ham in natural juices”. Your cheap hams are labeled as “ham and water product”. If you add water to these, the ham costs more because you’re paying for the extra weight of the water.
Also water does nothing but delute the flavor of the ham. A ham in natural juices is required to be at least 18. 5% protein where as a ham and water product can contain any amount of water. A Cooks brand ham contains 23% added ingredients!.
Read my post “Whats in Ham” to find out what’s in this ham and other hams. A lot of water was added to this ham, which I think makes it taste pretty bland.
One of the tastiest hams I have had. It has less added water than the cheap hams I normally buy the flavor shines stronger. Also I found that the ham itself wasnt overly salty. I have had hams that after eating I had to drink a gallon of water to stay hydrated.
The texture was melt in your mouth good and the ham had plenty of moisture.
RELATED – I also have reviewed the Spiral Ham from Costco.
More often than not I find myself disagreeing with the instructions given on a piece of meat. But this time I had no complaints.
Put it in an oven set to 350 degrees and roast it until it reaches 130 degrees on the inside. Then let it rest until it reaches 140 degrees. They say it should only take 10 minutes, but it took me 15 to 20 minutes to carry over those last 10 degrees.
Overall cooking time was about 2 hours.
I would even roast the ham at a lower temperature for a longer time if you have a lot of time to cook it. A longer temperature allows the ham to re-heat (yes it has already been cooked) more evenly.
In order to get the temperature right, you need a thermometer. I recommend a probe thermometer that remains in the meat the entire cooking time. Just stick it in the most center part of the ham. Since there are no bones to worry about, it is rather easy to find the sweet spot.
The thermometer that I use is DOT® Simple Alarm Thermometer from ThermoWorks.
I cooked the ham in my KitchenAid roasting pan. I placed it on the rack in the pan so that there could be airflow all around the ham.
You could also just cut it up and brown it in a pan with a little oil. I have done that before. Its a great way to caramelize the ham pieces.
At some point Costco decided to stop including the glaze with the ham. I was originally disappointed until I created a recipe for my very own glaze. I think mine is better!.
Get my recipe for my Homemade Red Currant Glaze
The instructions on the ham originally said to apply the glaze with in last 20 minutes of cooking. When the ham was at 120 degrees, I took it out and applied my glaze.
I brushed the glaze on with my Oxo Silicone Basting Brush. One of the best kitchen tools I have. Easy to brush things on and it actually comes off the brush and it easy to clean. Cant say enough good things about this brush.
Quick & Easy: Kirkland Signature Master Carve Ham 2-Ways
FAQ
How do you heat a fully cooked Kirkland ham?
How long to cook Kirkland ham in oven?
How do you heat up a precooked ham without drying it out?
How do you cook a Kirkland Master carve Ham?
Here’s how to cook Kirkland Master Carve Ham: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Remove the plastic wrapper and cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. Place the meat flat side down in a baking dish with 2” sides. Bake for 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 130 degrees.
Can you cook Kirkland Master carve Ham at Costco?
The Kirkland Signature Master Carve Ham at Costco is fully cooked, and you can warm it up in the oven. See the complete instructions for details, but we suggest heating a lower temperature, covered, with juices to retain moisture. Don’t overheat or it can dry out. All opinions expressed on CostContessa are our own.
How much does a Kirkland Master carve half ham cost?
The Kirkland Signature Master Carve Half Ham is Costco item number 46655 and costs $2.99 per pound. Pieces ranged from 4-6 lbs. or about $13-$18 per each piece.
How do you cook a Kirkland half Ham?
Cooking a Kirkland half ham is easy and delicious! To start, preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan with about 1/4 inch of water at the bottom. Cover tightly with foil and cook for 18-20 minutes per pound (for an 8-10 lb half ham).