What To Know
- Place the ham on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to remove the skin.
- A leg ham is made from the hind leg of the pig, while a shoulder ham is made from the front leg.
- You can check if a ham is cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham.
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and feasting. And what’s a Christmas feast without a delicious leg ham?
If you’re looking for the best leg ham for your Christmas table, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about choosing, cooking, and carving the perfect leg ham.
Choosing the Best Leg Ham
The first step to finding the best leg ham is choosing the right type. There are two main types of leg ham:
- Bone-in ham: This type of ham is cooked with the bone still in. It’s more flavorful than boneless ham, but it can be more difficult to carve.
- Boneless ham: This type of ham is cooked without the bone. It’s easier to carve than bone-in ham, but it can be less flavorful.
Once you’ve chosen the type of ham you want, you need to decide on the size. A good rule of thumb is to allow 1/2 pound of ham per person. So, if you’re expecting 10 guests, you’ll need a 5-pound ham.
Cooking the Perfect Leg Ham
Once you’ve chosen your ham, it’s time to cook it. There are two main ways to cook a leg ham:
- Baking: This is the most common way to cook a leg ham. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the ham for 18-20 minutes per pound.
- Smoking: This method gives ham a delicious smoky flavor. If you have a smoker, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for smoking a leg ham.
Carving the Leg Ham
Once your ham is cooked, it’s time to carve it. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the ham.
2. Place the ham on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to remove the skin.
3. Score the ham by making shallow cuts across the surface. This will help the ham to carve more easily.
4. Cut the ham into thin slices and serve.
Glazing the Leg Ham
If you want to add a little extra flavor to your ham, you can glaze it. There are many different types of glazes you can use, so feel free to experiment. Here’s a simple glaze recipe you can try:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Serving the Leg Ham
Once your ham is cooked and carved, it’s time to serve it. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- With roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables are a great way to complement the salty flavor of ham. Try roasting carrots, potatoes, and onions with your ham.
- With mashed potatoes: Mashed potatoes are another classic side dish for ham. They’re creamy and comforting, and they pair perfectly with the savory flavor of ham.
- With glazed carrots: Glazed carrots are a sweet and tangy side dish that will add a pop of color to your Christmas table.
Storing Leftover Leg Ham
If you have any leftover ham, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To store the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2 months. To freeze the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What’s the difference between a leg ham and a shoulder ham?
A: A leg ham is made from the hind leg of the pig, while a shoulder ham is made from the front leg. Leg hams are typically larger and more flavorful than shoulder hams.
Q: How do I know if a ham is cooked?
A: You can check if a ham is cooked by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. The ham is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: Can I cook a ham in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can cook a ham in a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker and add enough water to cover the ham by about 1 inch. Cook the ham on low for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
