How To Cook A Picnic Ham In The Oven

How To Cook A Picnic Ham In The Oven

Having a picnic is a delightful way to enjoy the outdoors while enjoying delicious food. And what better centerpiece for your picnic spread than a perfectly cooked picnic ham? Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a flavorful ham, cooking it in the oven is a foolproof method that guarantees tender and juicy results. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to cook a picnic ham in the oven, so you can impress your guests or satisfy your own taste buds.

What Is a Picnic Ham?

First things first, let’s clarify what a picnic ham actually is. Also known as a shank ham, a picnic ham comes from the lower section of the pig’s leg. It typically contains a bone and has a slightly smaller size compared to a traditional whole ham. The picnic ham offers a rich, meaty flavor that is perfect for roasting in the oven.

Preparation and Seasoning

Before you start cooking your picnic ham, it’s important to prepare and season it properly to enhance its flavor and ensure the best results. Follow these steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to maintain a low and slow cooking temperature, allowing the ham to cook evenly and retain its juiciness.
2. Remove any packaging or wrapping from the ham and place it on a rack set inside a roasting pan, with the fatty side facing up. This will help the fat to baste the ham as it cooks.
3. Score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern. This will not only make it visually appealing but also allow the seasonings to penetrate deeper into the meat.
4. Brush the ham with a glaze or marinade of your choice. Popular options include honey and mustard, maple syrup, or a combination of brown sugar and spices. The glaze will add a sweet and savory flavor to the ham.
5. Season the ham with your favorite spices and herbs. A simple combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika works wonders, but feel free to get creative with your seasonings to suit your taste.

Cooking and Basting the Ham

Once your picnic ham is prepared and seasoned, it’s time to cook it to perfection:

• Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the glaze. This will help prevent the glaze from burning and keep the ham moist throughout the cooking process.
• Place the roasting pan with the ham in the preheated oven and cook according to the weight of the ham. As a general guideline, allow 18-20 minutes of cooking time per pound of ham.
• Approximately halfway through the cooking time, remove the foil and baste the ham with the drippings from the pan. Basting will help enhance the flavor and keep the meat moist.
• Continue cooking the ham, basting every 20-30 minutes, until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and tender ham.

Serving Suggestions

Your deliciously cooked picnic ham is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your picnic feast:

• Slice the ham into thin or thick slices, depending on your preference, and arrange them on a platter.
• Pair the ham with your favorite condiments, such as mustard, cranberry sauce, or a tangy barbecue sauce.
• Serve the ham alongside freshly baked rolls or bread for making sandwiches.
• Add some vibrant and refreshing sides like a mixed green salad, potato salad, or grilled vegetables.
• Don’t forget to bring along some refreshing beverages, like lemonade or iced tea, to complete your picnic experience.

So there you have it—the secret to cooking a delectable picnic ham in the oven. With a little preparation and a lot of love, you can create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your picnic outing or any other gathering. Follow these steps, get creative with your seasonings, and enjoy the delicious rewards that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Happy cooking and happy picnic-ing!