Learn how to cook a whole, boneless ham with the best glaze. It’s an easy option for entertaining because they come pre-cooked. All you do is add flavor.
It’s funny to me that ham can seem daunting to make since it almost always comes pre-cooked. It doesn’t matter if you cook a whole ham with the bones in it or a boneless ham like this recipe calls for. All you’re really doing is heating the ham through and adding flavor.
That’s why ham is so great for entertaining. The meat is already cooked, so you don’t have to worry about whether it’s too rare or too well done. All you have to do is add the finishing touches.
Cooking an Ossian ham is a fantastic way to create a delicious centerpiece for any special occasion. With nearly 80 years of ham-making experience Ossian has perfected the art of smoking meats to bring out incredible flavors. While Ossian hams come fully cooked and ready to serve properly reheating them is key to bringing out their signature taste.
Follow this simple guide to learn how to cook an Ossian ham at home. We’ll provide tips on choosing the right ham, preparing it for cooking, calculating cook times, glazing techniques, resting, serving, and more. With these easy instructions, you’ll be able to make this savory, bone-in ham that will wow your family or dinner guests.
Selecting the Perfect Ossian Ham
Choosing the right Ossian ham is the first step to success. Here are a few factors to keep in mind
- Size: Consider how many people you are serving. A general rule of thumb is 1/3 to 1⁄2 pound of ham per person. An 8 to 15 pound smoked ham serves 10 to 30 people.
- Bone-in or Boneless: Bone-in hams have more flavor. The bone adds richness, moisture, and taste. Boneless is easier to carve but can dry out faster.
- Fresh or Frozen: Choose fresh whenever possible, as thawing frozen hams impacts texture and juiciness.
- Flavor: Ossian offers different smoked ham flavors like brown sugar, honey cured, applewood smoked, and more. Choose your favorite!
Opt for a bone-in fresh Ossian ham in the appropriate size for the number of guests. This will ensure the most flavorful and tender results.
Preparing the Ossian Ham for Cooking
Take these steps to get your ham ready for the oven:
- Remove Packaging: Unwrap ham and discard any plastic, paper, netting, or ties. Rinse if desired.
- Score the Fat: Use a sharp knife to cut slits in a diamond pattern across the ham’s fatty outer layer. This allows the glaze to be absorbed.
- Sit at Room Temp: Take ham out of refrigerator and let sit for 30 minutes to 1 hour before cooking.
- Choose a Pan: Place ham in a roasting pan or baking dish. Add 1-2 inches of water or fruit juice to the bottom to keep it moist.
Your ham is now ready for the oven!
Calculating Ossian Ham Cook Times
Cooking your ham low and slow is the trick to perfection. Follow these guidelines:
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Cover ham tightly with foil and place fat-side up in the pan.
- Cook approximately 20-25 minutes per pound. For example, an 8 pound ham bakes for 160-200 minutes.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check doneness. Heat to at least 140°F.
- Baste with glaze during last hour and remove foil. This helps caramelize the outside.
- Increase heat to 400°F if browning is desired. Watch closely to avoid burning.
These low, steady cook times ensure the interior stays tender and juicy. Use a meat thermometer for perfect results.
Crafting the Perfect Ossian Ham Glaze
A deliciously sweet and sticky glaze takes your Ossian ham to new heights. Whip up a basic glaze with:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1⁄4 cup honey
- 1⁄4 cup apple juice or pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1⁄2 teaspoon cloves
Simmer the ingredients together over medium heat until thickened to a glaze consistency. Brush over ham during the last hour of cooking. For added flavor, try these glaze ideas:
- Brown sugar & orange juice with cinnamon
- Apple jelly & mustard glaze
- Sweet chili sauce and crushed pineapple
- Bourbon, maple syrup & black pepper
- Cherry cola glaze with crushed pecans
Get creative and use ingredients your guests will love! Brushing on glazes infuses tons of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking an Ossian Ham
Follow these simple steps for foolproof ham preparation:
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Remove ham from packaging and rinse if desired. Score fat. Allow to sit at room temp for 30-60 mins.
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Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham fat-side up in a pan with 1-2 inches of liquid.
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Cover tightly with foil. Cook for 20-25 minutes per pound. Monitor temperature.
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Make glaze by simmering sweet ingredients like brown sugar, honey, and juice until thick.
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After 2 hours, brush on 1/3 of glaze. Return to oven for 15 minutes.
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Brush on half of remaining glaze. Cook 15 more minutes.
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Brush final glaze and cook 15 final minutes to caramelize it.
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Let rest for 15-20 mins before slicing and serving!
It’s that easy to make a mouthwatering Ossian ham!
Handy Tips for Resting, Slicing, and Serving
Follow these handy tips for the finishing touches:
- After baking, let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows juices to redistribute.
- Use an electric knife or long, thin carving knife to slice ham into thin, even pieces.
- Cut perpendicular to the bone, curving back towards it to release each slice.
- Serve ham warm or at room temperature. Heat leftovers to 140°F.
- Pair ham with classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, baked beans, or mac and cheese.
- Garnish sliced ham with extra glaze, parsley, diced fruit, or pineapples.
- Refrigerate leftovers for 5-7 days. Ham also freezes well for 2-3 months.
Proper resting and slicing ensures your ham stays juicy. Creative sides and garnishes make it a festive centerpiece!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Ossian Ham
For additional guidance on preparing an Ossian ham, here are answers to some common questions:
Should I remove the skin before cooking?
No, leave it on! The skin helps seal in moisture and is easy to remove after cooking.
Can I use a cooking bag?
Yes, you can cook the ham in an oven-safe plastic bag to boost tenderness. Just follow the same cook times.
What if my ham is too salty?
Soak it in water for 1 hour before cooking to reduce saltiness. Rinsing after cooking also helps.
My ham is very large. How long do I cook it?
For hams over 15 pounds, allot about 15-18 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.
Can I speed up cook time at a higher temp?
Not recommended. Cooking low and slow consistently delivers the juiciest texture. Patience is key!
Should I flip the ham during cooking?
No need to flip. Juices will redistribute during resting. Placing fat-side up minimizes dryness.
Following this easy Ossian ham recipe and cooking tips will allow you to impress your guests with a gorgeously glazed ham, bursting with juicy flavor in every slice. With a little preparation and patience, your ham will be the star of any gathering. Happy cooking!
Ways To Use Leftover Ham
A big part of the reason I bake a ham is so I can use the tasty meat in other recipes. Here are some of my favorite ham recipes that would be perfect for your leftovers:
Have a great day! -Christine xo
How Do You Cook A Boneless Ham?
This is the really easy part. The ham only needs to be put in a baking dish with water and a lid. It steams and heats in the oven for about an hour, I usually do 15 minutes per pound.
Now, you can stop right there. The ham is pre-cooked, as I’ve mentioned, and it’s totally safe to eat at this point. But, I prefer to add some flavor and texture with a glaze.
The glaze I use is very simple – some butter, brown sugar, orange zest, and spices. In several steps, it is brushed all over the ham, and between steps, it is put back in the oven to caramelize.
After baking, the ham needs to rest for at least 15 minutes before it can be sliced so it stays juicy. But the great thing about it is that it tastes great whether it’s hot or cold. Perfect for leftover ham sandwiches and more!.
If you have a lot of tasty ham fat left over, it’s time to make my homemade ham gravy to go with your meal.