Welcome to a culinary journey with a classic favorite: double smoked ham! This delight, known for its incredible flavor and succulent texture, has graced dinner tables for generations. Whether it's a holiday feast, a family reunion, or you just want to treat your loved ones to something special, double smoked ham is your go-to dish. Our recipe is simple, using everyday ingredients that enhance the ham's natural goodness without overshadowing it.
Beyond the basic cooking process, you'll discover the joy of creating a homemade glaze that gives your ham that extra oomph of flavor. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience that promises to earn you applause from your dining audience.
Why This Recipe Works
Unmatched Flavor Depth: The beauty of double smoked ham lies in its intense, multidimensional taste profile. By smoking an already smoked ham, you're layering on flavor, making it richer and more complex. The meat absorbs the smokiness not once, but twice, intensifying its savory essence. Our recipe harnesses this process, guiding you to achieve that coveted, deep smoky flavor. Additionally, the homemade glaze caramelizes beautifully on the ham's surface, creating a slightly sweet, irresistibly sticky crust that contrasts perfectly with the meaty interior.
Simplicity and Versatility: While the term 'double smoked' might seem intimidating, this recipe is anything but complicated. It's designed for cooks of all skill levels, with straightforward steps that are easy to follow. You don't need professional equipment or rare ingredients—just a standard smoking setup and the willingness to give your ham a little extra love. Moreover, this dish's versatile nature means you can easily tweak the glaze ingredients to suit your taste or serve the ham alongside various accompaniments, ensuring it fits any dining context. Embracing this method guarantees a stress-free, enjoyable cooking experience that leads to a deliciously memorable meal.
Ingredients
Double Smoked Ham: This is a ham that's been smoked twice for more intense flavor. If unavailable, regular smoked ham is fine.
Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness to the glaze. Substitute with honey or maple syrup if preferred.
Honey: Complements the sugar, balancing sweetness with its unique flavor. Agave nectar can be a substitute.
Mustard: Gives a tangy contrast to the sweetness. Dijon or yellow mustard will work.
Pineapple Juice: Infuses the ham with a fruity accent. Alternative: orange juice or apple juice for a different twist.
Tips
- Allow the ham to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern for better flavor absorption.
- Baste the ham every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), safe for pre-cooked hams.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes after baking before slicing to retain juices and flavor.
How to Serve
Double smoked ham is a versatile dish that can anchor a meal in its robust, smoky-sweet profile. It's crucial to balance the ham’s hearty flavor with lighter side dishes, whether you serve it warm as a main course or cold in various other preparations.
- As a Classic Main Course: Serve your double smoked ham with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or a fresh garden salad. The combination of flavors creates a comforting, traditional meal.
- In Sandwiches or Wraps: Use slices of double smoked ham in hearty sandwiches or wraps, layered with cheese, fresh greens, and a touch of mustard or mayonnaise.
- With Breakfast or Brunch: Incorporate the ham into a luxurious breakfast or brunch, pairing it with scrambled eggs, fresh fruits, and classic buttermilk biscuits.
Similar Recipes
Double Smoked Ham
Ingredients
- 1 double smoked ham around 8-10 pounds
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves optional
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and score the surface with shallow diagonal cuts, creating a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, mustard, pineapple juice, cloves, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to form a smooth glaze.
- Brush the ham generously with half the glaze mixture.
- Cover the ham with foil and bake for about 1 hour.
- Remove the foil, and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Continue baking for another hour, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- The ham is done when a meat thermometer reads 140°F (60°C).
- Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm with your preferred side dishes.
Notes
- Allow the ham to reach room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern for better flavor absorption.
- Baste the ham every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), safe for pre-cooked hams.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes after baking before slicing to retain juices and flavor.