Old-Fashioned Southern Country Ham
Country ham is a timeless Southern delicacy that boasts rich flavors and a beautiful, smoky aroma. Cured traditionally with salt, this ham does not require refrigeration until cooked, making it suitable for special occasions and gatherings. The preparation process can be lengthy, but following the steps carefully ensures that the salt is fully extracted, preventing unpleasant overpowering flavors. Once cooked, this country ham is perfect for slicing and serving alongside buttery biscuits or paired with your favorite sides for a truly satisfying meal. Experience the unique taste of authentic Southern cuisine with this delightful dish that serves a crowd and brings comfort to your table.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Smoked country ham
15 lb (whole, scrubbed and soaked)
Ground cloves
2 tablespoons (for sprinkling)
Light brown sugar
2/3 cup (for glaze)
Cider vinegar
to taste (mixed with sugar to make a paste)
Instructions
1
Scrub the ham thoroughly with a stiff brush to remove any dirt or residue.
2
Submerge the ham in a large pot or cooler, covering it completely with water. Let it soak for 24 hours, then discard the soaking water to begin the desalinization process.
3
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
4
Place the soaked ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up, and again cover it completely with fresh water. Position the pan on the lowest shelf of the oven and bake for 2 hours.
5
After 2 hours, carefully turn the ham over so that the other side is facing up. Cook for an additional 2 hours. The overall cooking time will be between 4 to 4.5 hours (15 to 18 minutes per pound) for optimal tenderness.
6
Once the cooking time is complete, remove the ham from the oven and keep it in the water overnight at room temperature (do NOT refrigerate).
7
The following day, preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
8
Remove the skin from the ham and discard it. Generously sprinkle the exposed fat with ground cloves.
9
Mix the light brown sugar with enough cider vinegar to create a thick paste. Brush this mixture over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.
10
Bake the ham in the oven for 20 to 30 minutes, until the sugar glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Once out of the oven, let it rest for 1 hour before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Old-Fashioned Southern Country Ham?
It is a traditionally salt-cured, smoked ham known for its rich flavors and smoky aroma, typical of Southern cuisine.
Does country ham require refrigeration before it is cooked?
No, because it is cured traditionally with salt, it does not require refrigeration until it has been cooked.
How do you prepare the ham before soaking it?
You should scrub the ham thoroughly with a stiff brush to remove any dirt or residue from the curing process.
How long should you soak a country ham?
The ham should be submerged in water for 24 hours to begin the desalinization process.
Why is soaking the ham necessary?
Soaking extracts the excess salt used during the curing process, preventing the flavor from being unpleasantly overpowering.
What is the initial oven temperature for baking the ham?
The oven should be preheated to 325°F (163°C) for the first stage of cooking.
How should the ham be positioned in the roasting pan?
Place the ham fat side up in a large roasting pan and cover it completely with fresh water.
How long is the total initial baking time?
The total initial cooking time is usually between 4 to 4.5 hours, or approximately 15 to 18 minutes per pound.
When should you turn the ham during the first bake?
You should carefully turn the ham over after the first 2 hours of baking so the other side faces up.
What do you do with the ham after the initial 4-hour bake?
Remove the pan from the oven but keep the ham in the water overnight at room temperature.
Should you refrigerate the ham while it rests overnight in water?
No, the instructions specify that you should not refrigerate the ham while it sits in the water overnight.
When is the ham skin removed?
The skin is removed the following day, after the ham has rested overnight in the water.
What spice is used to season the fat after removing the skin?
Ground cloves are generously sprinkled over the exposed fat.
How do you make the ham glaze?
Mix 2/3 cup of light brown sugar with enough cider vinegar to create a thick paste.
What kind of vinegar is best for the glaze?
Cider vinegar is used to mix with the brown sugar for the glaze.
What is the oven temperature for the glazing step?
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) for the final glazing process.
How long does the ham bake with the glaze?
Bake the ham for 20 to 30 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
How long should the ham rest before slicing?
Let the ham rest for at least 1 hour after taking it out of the oven before you begin slicing.
What are common serving suggestions for country ham?
It is traditionally served with buttery biscuits or various Southern side dishes.
What size ham is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 15 lb smoked country ham.
Can I use a regular ham instead of a country ham?
This recipe is specifically designed for the desalinization and cooking process of a salt-cured country ham.
What texture can be expected from this ham?
The long cooking time at a low temperature ensures optimal tenderness.
Is this a good recipe for a crowd?
Yes, a 15 lb ham serves a large group, making it ideal for gatherings and special occasions.
What should the glaze look like when finished?
The glaze should be bubbly and caramelized after the final high-heat bake.
What tool is recommended for cleaning the ham?
A stiff brush is recommended to remove any dirt or residue.
What happens if I don't discard the soaking water?
If you don't discard the soaking water, the ham will likely remain too salty to enjoy.
Can I use dark brown sugar instead of light?
While the recipe specifies light brown sugar, dark brown sugar can usually be substituted for a deeper molasses flavor.
Is the ham cooked in the oven on a high or low shelf?
The pan should be positioned on the lowest shelf of the oven during the initial bake.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires 4 main ingredients: country ham, ground cloves, light brown sugar, and cider vinegar.
How do I know the ham is tender?
Following the 15 to 18 minutes per pound guideline (roughly 4 to 4.5 hours total) ensures tenderness.