Country ham, with its robust, salty flavor and distinctive curing process, is a Southern culinary staple. While often enjoyed pan-fried or grilled, many wonder if baking sliced country ham in the oven is a viable option. The answer is a resounding yes! However, achieving perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful sliced country ham in the oven requires understanding the nuances of this cured meat and employing the right techniques. This article will delve into the details of baking sliced country ham, providing a comprehensive guide to ensure a delicious and satisfying result.
Understanding Country Ham
Before diving into the oven-baking process, it’s essential to understand what distinguishes country ham from other types of ham. Country ham is dry-cured, a process involving salting, smoking, and aging the ham for an extended period. This traditional curing method results in a product with a significantly lower moisture content and a much saltier, more intense flavor than city ham, which is typically wet-cured. The saltiness of country ham is a key characteristic that needs to be considered when preparing it.
The Salt Factor
The inherent saltiness of country ham is both its defining feature and the primary challenge in cooking it. Improperly prepared, country ham can be overwhelmingly salty and unpalatable. The goal is to balance the saltiness while preserving the ham’s unique flavor and achieving a tender texture. Several techniques can be employed to mitigate the saltiness, including soaking, simmering, and using specific cooking methods that help draw out excess salt.
Sliced vs. Whole Country Ham
This article specifically focuses on cooking sliced country ham in the oven. A whole country ham requires a different approach, typically involving soaking, simmering, and a longer baking time. Sliced country ham, being thinner, cooks much faster and is more susceptible to drying out. Therefore, the techniques discussed here are tailored to the specific characteristics of sliced country ham.
Preparing Sliced Country Ham for Baking
Proper preparation is crucial for achieving the best results when baking sliced country ham. This involves addressing the saltiness and ensuring the ham is adequately hydrated to prevent it from drying out during the baking process.
Rinsing or Soaking the Ham
The first step in preparing sliced country ham is to rinse or soak it in water. This helps to remove excess salt from the surface of the ham. The duration of the soaking depends on the saltiness of the ham and your personal preference.
- For a milder flavor, rinse the slices under cold running water for a few minutes.
- For a more significant reduction in saltiness, soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes to an hour, changing the water periodically.
Taste a small piece of the ham after soaking to determine if it has reached your desired level of saltiness. If it’s still too salty, you can soak it for a longer period. However, avoid over-soaking, as this can leach out too much flavor.
Patting Dry and Adding Moisture
After rinsing or soaking, pat the ham slices dry with paper towels. This is important to prevent the ham from steaming in the oven, which can result in a rubbery texture. To compensate for the dryness of country ham, consider adding a touch of moisture before baking. This can be done by brushing the slices with a small amount of melted butter, olive oil, or even a mixture of honey and Dijon mustard. These additions not only add moisture but also contribute to the flavor profile of the ham.
Baking Sliced Country Ham in the Oven: Step-by-Step
Now that the sliced country ham is properly prepared, it’s time to move on to the baking process. This section will provide a step-by-step guide to baking sliced country ham in the oven, ensuring a tender and flavorful result.
Preheating the Oven and Preparing the Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature, typically 325°F (160°C). This lower temperature allows the ham to cook gently and evenly, preventing it from drying out or becoming overly salty. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the ham from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Arranging the Ham Slices
Arrange the ham slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overlapping the slices, as this can prevent them from cooking evenly. If necessary, use multiple baking sheets to ensure that all the slices are arranged in a single layer.
Baking Time and Temperature
Bake the ham slices in the preheated oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly browned. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of the slices and the temperature of your oven. Keep a close eye on the ham to prevent it from drying out.
Adding a Glaze (Optional)
If desired, you can add a glaze to the ham during the last few minutes of baking. A glaze can add sweetness and enhance the flavor of the ham. Some popular glaze options include:
- Honey-mustard glaze: Combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard.
- Brown sugar glaze: Mix brown sugar with a touch of vinegar or pineapple juice.
- Maple syrup glaze: Brush the ham with pure maple syrup.
Apply the glaze evenly over the ham slices during the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
Checking for Doneness
The ham is done when it is heated through and slightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Sliced Country Ham
To ensure perfectly baked sliced country ham every time, keep these additional tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking is the biggest enemy of country ham. It will become dry and tough.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the ham is cooked to the proper temperature without overcooking it.
- Adjust Soaking Time: Adjust the soaking time based on the saltiness of the ham and your personal preference.
- Consider the Thickness of the Slices: Thicker slices will require a longer baking time than thinner slices.
- Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different glazes and seasonings to customize the flavor of your baked country ham.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the ham to rest for a few minutes after baking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product.
- Serve Immediately: Sliced country ham is best served immediately after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Baked sliced country ham can be served in a variety of ways. It’s a delicious addition to breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Breakfast: Serve with scrambled eggs, grits, and red-eye gravy.
- Lunch: Use in sandwiches or wraps.
- Dinner: Serve with mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread.
- Appetizer: Serve as part of a charcuterie board with cheese, crackers, and fruit.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with careful preparation and baking, you may encounter some common problems when cooking sliced country ham. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
- Ham is too salty: Soak the ham for a longer period before baking. You can also try simmering the ham in water or milk for a few minutes before baking.
- Ham is too dry: Ensure that you are not overcooking the ham. Also, consider adding more moisture before baking by brushing it with butter, oil, or a glaze.
- Ham is tough: This is usually a result of overcooking. Be sure to use a meat thermometer and remove the ham from the oven when it reaches 145°F (63°C).
Recipe Variation
You can also cook the sliced country ham with red-eye gravy in the oven. Place the sliced ham in a baking dish. In a saucepan, mix strong brewed coffee (or water) with a little of the pan drippings. Bring to a simmer on the stove, then pour over the ham. Bake at 325 degrees F for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. Serve the baked ham with the resulting red-eye gravy.
Conclusion
Baking sliced country ham in the oven is a simple and effective way to enjoy this Southern delicacy. By understanding the characteristics of country ham, preparing it properly, and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can achieve perfectly cooked, tender, and flavorful sliced country ham every time. Remember to address the saltiness, avoid overcooking, and experiment with different flavors to create a dish that suits your taste. Enjoy!
Can I cook sliced country ham in the oven, and is it a recommended method?
Yes, you can absolutely cook sliced country ham in the oven. Baking is a gentle and even way to heat the ham slices, preventing them from drying out too quickly, which can happen when frying or grilling. It’s a great option if you want to cook several slices at once or if you prefer a less greasy cooking method.
The key to successful oven-baked country ham is moisture. Adding a small amount of liquid, like water, apple juice, or even cola, to the baking dish and covering it tightly with foil will help to steam the ham while it bakes. This keeps the slices tender and flavorful, rather than tough and overly salty.
What temperature and baking time are best for cooking sliced country ham in the oven?
A moderate oven temperature works best for cooking sliced country ham. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This allows the ham to heat through gently without scorching the edges. Slow and steady is the name of the game to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
For baking time, generally, you’ll want to bake the ham slices for about 15-20 minutes, but this will depend on the thickness of the slices. Check for doneness by ensuring the slices are heated through and slightly sizzling. Remember to let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Do I need to soak sliced country ham before baking it in the oven?
Whether or not you need to soak sliced country ham before baking it depends on its saltiness. Country ham is known for its high salt content, so if you find it too salty for your taste, soaking can help draw out some of that salt. This is especially important if you plan to serve it as a main course.
To soak, place the ham slices in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes to an hour, changing the water every 15 minutes. Taste a small piece after soaking to see if the saltiness has been reduced to your liking. Keep in mind that soaking will also dilute some of the ham’s characteristic flavor, so don’t overdo it.
Should I add any liquid to the baking dish when cooking sliced country ham?
Yes, adding a small amount of liquid to the baking dish is highly recommended when cooking sliced country ham in the oven. This creates a steamy environment that helps to keep the ham moist and tender, preventing it from drying out during the baking process. The liquid also helps to baste the ham, adding another layer of flavor.
Good liquid options include water, apple juice, brown sugar-sweetened water, or even a small amount of cola. Use just enough liquid to cover the bottom of the baking dish, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Be sure to tightly cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to trap the steam and maximize the moisture retention.
Can I glaze sliced country ham while baking it in the oven?
Yes, glazing sliced country ham while baking it in the oven is a fantastic way to add extra flavor and a beautiful caramelized finish. The glaze will adhere to the ham during the baking process, creating a delicious and visually appealing crust. Many people opt for a sweet glaze to balance the saltiness of the country ham.
A simple glaze can be made from ingredients like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even a combination of these. Apply the glaze during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. Baste the ham slices with the glaze a few times to ensure even coverage. Keep a close eye on the ham to prevent the glaze from burning.
What are some good side dishes to serve with oven-baked sliced country ham?
Oven-baked sliced country ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, both sweet and savory. The saltiness of the ham is often balanced by sweeter sides, such as fruit salads, baked apples, or sweet potato casserole. Southern classics like grits, biscuits, and red-eye gravy are also popular accompaniments.
For a more balanced meal, consider serving the ham with green beans, collard greens, or roasted vegetables. Scrambled eggs, especially when served on top of grits with country ham, make a delightful breakfast or brunch option. The versatility of country ham allows it to be enjoyed in numerous ways, depending on your preference.
How do I store leftover oven-baked sliced country ham?
To properly store leftover oven-baked sliced country ham, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap. This will help to prevent the ham from drying out in the refrigerator. Storing it properly will extend its shelf life and maintain its quality.
Refrigerated, cooked country ham will typically last for 3 to 5 days. Be sure to label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze the ham for up to 2 months. When reheating, do so gently to avoid drying it out; a quick pan-fry or a brief warming in the oven works well.