How Long to Cook Kirkland Ham? Perfect Ham Every Time
The correct cooking time for a Kirkland ham depends on whether it’s a fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (requiring only reheating) or an uncooked ham (requiring full cooking). Generally, you’ll need to bake a fully cooked Kirkland spiral-sliced ham for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F, while an uncooked ham requires significantly longer, following instructions based on its weight and the specific recipe.
Understanding Kirkland Ham
Kirkland hams, available exclusively at Costco, are a popular choice for holidays and large gatherings due to their size, price, and generally good quality. The term “Kirkland ham” typically refers to their spiral-sliced, fully cooked ham, which offers convenience. However, Costco occasionally offers other types of ham as well, making it crucial to identify which type you have before proceeding.
Identifying Your Kirkland Ham Type
Before even thinking about cooking time, you need to determine if you have a fully cooked or uncooked ham. This drastically impacts cooking time and internal temperature requirements.
Fully Cooked Spiral-Sliced Ham: This is the most common type. It’s pre-cooked and only needs to be reheated to a safe internal temperature. Look for “fully cooked” or “ready to eat” on the packaging. The spiral slicing also makes it easy to identify.
Uncooked Ham: These require significant cooking time to reach a safe internal temperature. The packaging will explicitly state that it’s uncooked and will include cooking instructions.
Always check the product label for the most accurate and up-to-date cooking instructions, as these can vary.
Calculating Cooking Time for Fully Cooked Spiral-Sliced Ham
Since most Kirkland hams are fully cooked, we’ll focus on reheating them. The general guideline is 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F (160°C). However, this is just an estimate. The actual time will vary based on your oven and the ham’s starting temperature.
Here’s a simple table to help you estimate cooking time:
| Ham Weight (lbs) | Approximate Cooking Time (hours) |
|---|---|
| 8 | 1 hour 20 minutes – 1 hour 36 minutes |
| 10 | 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours |
| 12 | 2 hours – 2 hours 24 minutes |
| 15 | 2 hours 30 minutes – 3 hours |
Step-by-Step Cooking Process for Fully Cooked Spiral-Sliced Ham
Here’s a simple guide to reheating a Kirkland spiral-sliced ham:
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare: Remove the ham from its packaging. Discard any excess juices. You can rinse the ham if desired, but it’s not necessary.
- Glaze (Optional): If using a glaze, prepare it according to the recipe. You can find countless delicious ham glaze recipes online, often involving ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and fruit juices.
- Cover: Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Add about 1/2 inch of water or broth to the bottom of the pan to help keep the ham moist. Cover the ham tightly with foil.
- Bake: Bake according to the time calculated based on the ham’s weight (approximately 10-12 minutes per pound).
- Glaze (Last 30 Minutes): During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with your prepared glaze every 10 minutes.
- Rest: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender ham.
Importance of Using a Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring your ham is heated to the correct temperature. For a fully cooked ham, the internal temperature should reach 135-140°F (57-60°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Overcooking dries out the ham. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to prevent this.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: Adding water or broth to the bottom of the roasting pan helps keep the ham moist.
- Skipping the Rest Period: Resting the ham allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product.
- Ignoring the Package Instructions: Always refer to the instructions on the packaging, as they may contain specific information for your particular ham.
- Using Too High of a Temperature: A lower temperature (325°F) allows the ham to heat gently and evenly without drying out.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While baking is the most common method, you can also reheat a Kirkland ham using other methods:
- Slow Cooker: This method is great for keeping the ham moist. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F.
- Smoker: This adds a delicious smoky flavor. Follow smoking guidelines for ham, maintaining a temperature of around 250°F.
- Instant Pot: Some Instant Pot recipes exist for heating hams, but are less common due to size constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my ham is already warm when I take it out of the packaging? Does that affect the cooking time?
No, while the ham may feel warmer than refrigeration temperature, it’s crucial to still follow the recommended cooking time based on its weight and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature of 135-140°F.
Can I cook my Kirkland ham in a convection oven?
Yes, you can, but reduce the oven temperature by 25°F. Convection ovens circulate air, which cooks food faster. Monitor the internal temperature closely to avoid overcooking.
My glaze is burning before the ham is fully heated. What should I do?
If your glaze is burning, cover the ham loosely with foil to protect it. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly.
How do I prevent my spiral-sliced ham from drying out?
To prevent drying, cook the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan with about 1/2 inch of liquid. Cover the ham tightly with foil during most of the cooking time.
What is the ideal internal temperature for a Kirkland ham?
For a fully cooked Kirkland spiral-sliced ham, the ideal internal temperature is 135-140°F (57-60°C). Do not exceed this temperature to avoid drying out the ham.
Can I freeze leftover Kirkland ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftover ham for later use. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or store it in an airtight container. It’s best to use frozen ham within 2-3 months for optimal quality.
What is the best way to carve a spiral-sliced ham?
Spiral-sliced hams are already partially sliced, making carving easy. Simply run a knife along the bone to release the slices. Then, separate the slices with a fork.
My ham is bone-in. Does that affect the cooking time?
Bone-in hams can take slightly longer to heat through than boneless hams. Ensure you insert the meat thermometer away from the bone for an accurate reading. The bone can also add more flavor.
Can I use a dry rub instead of a glaze?
Yes, you can. Apply the dry rub generously to the ham before cooking. A dry rub can add a delicious savory flavor.
How long can I safely leave cooked ham at room temperature?
Cooked ham should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature. Refrigerate leftovers promptly.
What are some good side dishes to serve with Kirkland ham?
Popular side dishes for ham include mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, and dinner rolls. Consider seasonal vegetables for a fresh and flavorful accompaniment.
Where can I find good ham glaze recipes?
Many websites and cookbooks offer delicious ham glaze recipes. Search online for “ham glaze recipes” to find a variety of options, from sweet and fruity to savory and spicy. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite.