How to Cook a Fresh Ham Bone-in for Flavorful Dishes

Cooking a fresh ham bone-in can result in a delicious and flavorful dish. This guide will walk you through the process of preparing, cooking, and savoring your ham to perfection. Whether you're looking to serve a hearty meal or use the leftover ingredients in various dishes, these steps will ensure you achieve the best results.

Ingredients

For the Ham:

Fresh ham bone-in Water or broth enough to cover the ham Aromatics: Onions Garlic Carrots Celery Herbs: Bay leaves Thyme Rosemary Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation

Rinse the fresh ham under cold water to remove any excess salt or brine. Pat it dry with paper towels.

Searing (Optional)

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the ham on all sides until browned (about 3-4 minutes per side). This step adds depth of flavor.

Add Aromatics

Remove the ham and set it aside. In the same pot, add chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5-7 minutes).

Add Liquid

Return the ham to the pot and cover it with water or broth. You want enough liquid to cover at least halfway up the ham. Add herbs and season with salt and pepper.

Cooking

Brings the liquid to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. COVER and cook for about 2 to 3 hours or until the ham is tender. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).

Resting

Once cooked, remove the ham from the pot and let it rest for about 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Serving

You can serve the ham warm with sides or use the meat in other dishes like soups, sandwiches, or casseroles. The broth can be strained and used as a base for soups or sauces.

Tips

You can also cook the ham bone-in in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or until tender. Save any leftover meat and broth for future meals. The flavors will deepen over time. For a variation, you can put the ham in a 325°F (163°C) oven in a pan with about an inch of water in the bottom and cook it until the interior temperature reaches a minimum of 145°F (63°C). If the ham has skin and you want a more flavorful exterior, you can score it into diamond shapes by cutting lines an inch or two apart and crossing those with more cuts. Placing a whole clove in the corner of each diamond shape adds more flavor. If it gets too crusty before the inside temperature’s reached, tent it with foil. This method does not work well with spiral-cut hams. One of the best hams I have ever cooked was when a recently divorced friend of ours brought his 3 kids over and we ended up cooking a bone-in ham on the stovetop in water to 160°F (71°C). It was tender, moist, and incredibly flavorful.

Conclusion

Enjoy your delicious ham and the endless possibilities it offers! From warming sides to flavorful soups and casseroles, every part of the ham can be utilized. The process of cooking the ham in water or broth not only makes for a tender and delicious meal but also results in a flavorful broth that can be saved for future use.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I cook the ham?

Cook the ham for about 2 to 3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), ensuring it is tender and safe to consume.

What can I do with leftover ham and broth?

Use the leftover ham in soups, sandwiches, or casseroles. Save the broth to add flavor to other dishes or use it as a base for sauces and soups.

Can I cook a ham bone-in in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the ham in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or until tender. This method is perfect for hands-off cooking and ensures the ham is fully infused with flavor.