How to Cook Smithfield Anytime Ham?
To cook Smithfield Anytime ham, first soak the ham in water for at least 36 hours for Genuine Smithfield ham or 24 hours for Country ham, changing the water every few hours.
After soaking, wash the ham thoroughly with warm water and scrub it with a brush to remove pepper and surface mold.
Then, wrap the ham in heavy-duty aluminum foil and place it in the oven with 4 to 5 cups of water.
Preheat the oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the ham for approximately 3 hours or 20 minutes per pound.
Ensure the internal temperature reaches 163 degrees Fahrenheit using a meat thermometer.
Once cooked, let the ham cool to room temperature for one hour.
The ham can be served at room temperature or have the skin and fat removed.
For a sweet coating, sprinkle the fat side of the ham with brown sugar and breadcrumbs and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes.
The cooked ham can also be used in various dishes such as soups, seasoning beans or vegetables, or served on biscuits or pan-fried with red-eye gravy.
It’s important to slice the ham properly, starting about two inches from the hock and making straight cuts down to the bone.
Spiral Sliced and Hardwood Smoked hams should be refrigerated or re-frozen upon receipt, while Spiral Sliced Bone-In hams can be refrigerated for 7 to 10 days and Hardwood Smoked hams for up to two weeks.
Different hams have different storage recommendations, with Spiral Sliced and Hardwood Smoked hams able to be frozen for three months.
It’s also possible to reheat fully cooked hams in aluminum foil on low heat.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Smithfield Anytime Ham has been around since the 1930s, making it one of the oldest processed ham brands in the United States.
2. The curing process for Smithfield Anytime Ham involves aging the ham for at least six months, resulting in a rich and intense flavor.
3. In 1985, Smithfield Anytime Ham became the official ham supplier for the White House, and it has been served at several presidential dinners and events since then.
4. Smithfield Anytime Ham is made from a specific breed of pig called the Berkshire, known for its marbling and tender meat, resulting in a superior ham product.
5. The signature saltiness of Smithfield Anytime Ham comes from a traditional dry-curing method using sea salt, which gives the ham its unique flavor profile.
Soaking The Ham
Smithfield Anytime Favorites Ham products are fully cooked and require minimal heating. However, to enhance the flavor and reduce the saltiness, genuine Smithfield Hams should be soaked for 36 hours or longer, while Country Hams should be soaked for 24 hours or longer.
During the soaking process, the water should be changed every few hours to draw out the excess salt from the ham. This helps to create a more balanced and flavorful final product. After the soaking period, the ham should be washed thoroughly with warm water and scrubbed with a brush to remove any pepper or surface mold.
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Once the ham has been soaked and cleaned, it is important to prepare it for cooking. Start by wrapping the ham in heavy-duty aluminum foil to help retain moisture during the cooking process. Place the wrapped ham in a roasting pan or baking dish.
To ensure moist and tender results, add 4 to 5 cups of water to the bottom of the pan. This will help create steam and prevent the ham from drying out.
Baking The Ham In The Oven
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the ham in the oven and bake for approximately 3 hours or 20 minutes per pound.
- It is crucial to monitor the internal temperature of the ham to ensure it is cooked properly.
- Use a meat thermometer and make sure it reaches 163 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature for one hour.
- This resting period allows the flavors to settle and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and delicious ham.
– Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Place the ham in the oven and bake for approximately 3 hours or 20 minutes per pound.
– Monitor the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer.
– Cook until the ham reaches 163 degrees Fahrenheit.
– Remove the ham from the oven and let it cool to room temperature for one hour.
– Resting allows flavors to settle and juices to redistribute for a more tender ham.
Sweet Coating For The Ham (Optional)
For those who prefer a sweeter flavor profile, you can add a delicious coating to the ham. Sprinkle brown sugar and breadcrumbs onto the fat side of the ham. Then, place the ham in a preheated 400 degrees Fahrenheit oven for approximately 15 minutes or until the coating becomes brown and caramelized.
This sweet coating adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the ham and enhances its overall taste. However, if you prefer a traditional, less sweet ham, this step can be omitted.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and breadcrumbs onto the fat side of the ham.
- Place the ham in a preheated 400 degrees Fahrenheit oven for approximately 15 minutes.
- The sweet coating adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the ham.
Alternative Cooking Method
Apart from baking in the oven, there is another method to cook Smithfield Anytime Ham. You can cook it in a large roasting pan with cool water. Bring the water to 190 degrees Fahrenheit, just below simmering point, and cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 163 degrees Fahrenheit. This cooking method takes approximately 25 minutes per pound.
The alternative cooking method provides a slightly different texture and flavor profile to the ham, making it a versatile option for those who prefer a different taste experience.
Serving And Storage Recommendations
For the best flavor, it is recommended to serve Smithfield Anytime Ham at room temperature. This allows the flavors to shine and ensures maximum enjoyment of the ham. The sliced ham can be eaten on biscuits or pan-fried, then served with “red-eye gravy” for a Southern-inspired meal.
Additionally, Smithfield Anytime Ham can be used in various other dishes. It can be:
- Added to soups to enhance their flavor
- Used to season beans or vegetables
- Incorporated into a variety of other recipes
When carving the ham, start about two inches from the hock and make the first cut straight through to the bone. As you proceed, slant the knife slightly for each succeeding cut and slice down to and partially around the bone. Decrease the slant as the slices become larger. It is recommended to start by cutting slices off the large end of the ham and then make cuts along the natural seams of the ham’s surface parallel to the bone.
Different types of ham have different storage recommendations:
- Spiral Sliced and Hardwood Smoked hams should be refrigerated or re-frozen upon receipt.
- Spiral Sliced Bone-In Hams can be refrigerated for 7 to 10 days.
- Genuine Virginia Boneless Spiral Ham and Hardwood Smoked hams can be refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Both types can be kept frozen for three months.
Dry Cured Bacon, another product from Smithfield, can be refrigerated for up to two months or frozen for up to six months.
Fully cooked hams do not require further preparation, but they can be reheated in aluminum foil on low heat if desired. Uncooked hams need to be soaked before cooking, with the soaking time depending on personal taste preference and the type of ham.
To thaw Spiral Sliced Hams, it is recommended to allow approximately 5 hours per pound in the refrigerator. Hardwood Smoked Hams need 2 to 3 days of refrigeration for complete thawing.
When heating a spiral sliced ham, ensure that it is completely thawed before placing it in the oven. Heat the ham at 275 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 12 minutes per pound. For other hams, the recommended cooking temperature is 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should be cooked approximately 15 to 20 minutes per pound until heated through.
To bring out the flavor of Smithfield or country ham, it is recommended to slice it very thin with a sharp knife. Boneless hams can be sliced from the small end, while smoked hams can be sliced slightly thicker if desired.
For storage, uncooked country hams can be left hanging in a cool dry area at room temperature. Genuine Smithfield hams can be stored for up to two years, and country hams for up to six months without any deterioration. Cooked country hams, Genuine Smithfield hams, and unopened slices can be safely stored for at least 6 weeks under refrigeration. If you have cooked hams, it is advisable to remove the bone before freezing. Gourmet slices should be consumed within a few days of opening to ensure maximum freshness.
With these expert tips and mouth-watering recipes, you can now cook Smithfield Anytime Ham like a pro and create delicious meals that your family and guests will love. Enjoy the flavors and versatility that Smithfield Anytime Favorites Ham products bring to your kitchen!
- Don’t forget to serve Smithfield Anytime Ham at room temperature for the best flavor.
- Experiment with using it in soups, with beans or vegetables, or in various other recipes.
- When carving, start about two inches from the hock and make the first cut straight through to the bone.
- Different types of ham have different storage recommendations.
- Fully cooked hams do not require further preparation.
- Thaw Spiral Sliced Hams in the refrigerator.
- Heat spiral sliced ham at 275 degrees Fahrenheit, and other hams at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Slice Smithfield or country ham very thin to bring out the flavor.
- Store uncooked country hams hanging in a cool dry area at room temperature.
- Use opened gourmet slices within a few days for maximum freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you cook a Smithfield anytime sliced ham?
To cook a Smithfield anytime sliced ham, you have two options. For a quick and delicious result, warm the ham slices in a hot skillet on the stove. Simply heat the slices for approximately 30 seconds per side over medium-high heat until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for a convenient and speedy cooking process. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a microwave-safe plate, then cover them loosely with plastic wrap. Microwave the ham on high power for 7 to 10 seconds per slice, and voila -a flavorful and tender ham is ready to be enjoyed.
Is Smithfield Anytime ham already cooked?
Yes, Smithfield Anytime ham is indeed already cooked. This convenient product allows you to enjoy the mouthwatering, handcrafted flavor of Smithfield hams whenever you desire, with minimal effort required. These fully cooked hams simply need a quick heating, which not only saves you time in the kitchen but also ensures a delicious eating experience. So, go ahead and indulge in the irresistible taste of Smithfield Anytime ham at any time of the day.
How do you cook an already cooked Smithfield ham?
To cook an already cooked Smithfield ham, you can simply slice and serve it without any further preparation. If you prefer a warm ham, you can also reheat it in aluminum foil on low heat (275 degrees) until it becomes slightly warm. However, it’s important to note that uncooked hams require soaking before cooking due to their dry cured nature.
How to cook a Smithfield smoked ham?
To cook a Smithfield smoked ham, start by preheating the oven to 325F. Take the ham out of its packaging and place it, cut side down, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Cook the ham in the oven for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it is heated through. Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it stand, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This will ensure the ham remains moist and flavorful when served.