How Long to Cook Country Ham Slices in the Oven for Perfectly Tender Meat

Country ham slices are a beloved staple of Southern cuisine When cooked right, they offer an incredible depth of flavor that’s salty, smoky, and irresistibly savory But cooking country ham can be tricky, as the high salt content makes it prone to drying out.

One of the best ways to cook country ham slices is in the oven. The controlled, ambient heat allows the meat to cook slowly while retaining moisture. But exactly how long should you bake country ham slices to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness?

In this article we’ll provide a complete guide to cooking times for country ham slices in the oven. Follow these tips and tricks for ham that’s juicy delicious, and full of old-fashioned flavor.

Before diving into oven cook times, let’s look briefly at what makes country ham special. Country ham refers to a dry-cured ham, a specialty of the Southern United States. It’s rubbed with salt, sugar, and seasonings and aged for months or years, giving it a concentrated, salty taste.

Country hams are often sold whole. But you can also purchase them pre-sliced, which provides individual portions ready to cook. The high salt content means country ham keeps for a very long time when stored properly. It’s also responsible for that signature hearty ham flavor.

When buying country ham slices, look for ones that are:

At least 1⁄4 inch thick – Thinner slices may dry out
Have visible marbling – The fat helps keep it moist
Are cut across the bone – This gives better texture

Now let’s talk about the best way to translate these salty, bold flavors into tender perfection – by baking in the oven.

Oven Cook Times for Country Ham Slices

Cooking country ham in the oven allows the fat to render slowly, keeping it juicy. Here are some general guidelines for oven baked ham:

Temperature: Bake at 325-350°F. Higher temps cause dryness.
Prep: Place slices on a foil or parchment-lined baking sheet. You can brush them with brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for added flavor.
Thinner slices: Cook for 12-15 minutes per pound.
Thicker slices: Cook for 15-18 minutes per pound.
Larger cuts: Cook 18-24 minutes per pound.
Internal temp: Cook until it reaches 140°F. The temp will rise to 145°F as it rests.
Appearance: Look for an external browned, caramelized crust.

Keep a close eye on your ham as it bakes. The dense, salty meat can go from perfect to dried out quickly if overcooked. Using an oven thermometer and meat thermometer helps eliminate guesswork.

Handy Tips for Oven-Baked Country Ham Perfection

Follow these handy tips and tricks for the most flavorful, juicy oven-baked country ham every time:

Soak the ham overnight in water to reduce saltiness before baking.
Add liquids like apple juice, cola, or bourbon to the baking pan. This provides moisture.
Cover the ham loosely with foil at first, then uncover toward the end to brown.
Brush on an oil-based glaze periodically while baking for crispy bits.
Let the ham rest at least 10-15 minutes before slicing for juicier meat.
Always slice across the grain of the meat for tenderness.
Save the bone and ham drippings to make flavorful beans, soup broth, or red-eye gravy.

Get Creative with Your Oven-Baked Country Ham

Once you’ve mastered the oven cook times, get creative with how you use the country ham! Here are just a few delicious ways to put oven-baked ham slices to work:

Pile high on biscuits or toast for an incredible sandwich
Chop and add to scrambled eggs, hash, or omelets
Toss into fresh salads for a salty, smoky twist
Layer in baked beans, soups, or casseroles
Wrap around asparagus or green beans as an appetizer
Place on pizza, tacos, nachos, or baked potatoes for a topping

You really can’t go wrong when you start with tender oven-baked country ham slices. The bold, distinctive flavor pairs well with so many dishes.

Sample Oven-Baking Chart for Country Ham Slices

To summarize, here is a handy oven baking time chart for reference:

Thickness	Oven Temp	Minutes per Pound	Total Time for 1 LB	Internal Temp
1⁄4 inch slices	325°F	12-15 min	15-20 minutes	140° then 145° resting
1⁄2 inch slices	325°F	15-18 min	20-25 minutes	140° then 145° resting
3⁄4 inch slices	350°F	18-24 min	25-35 minutes	140° then 145° resting
1 inch slices	350°F	20-25 min	30-40 minutes	140° then 145° resting

These times are general guidelines, but always rely on a meat thermometer for the most accurate doneness. Remove your country ham from the oven when it reaches around 140°F and the texture looks cooked through. The temperature will continue rising as it rests.

Enjoy Authentic, Old-Fashioned Flavor

When you need comfort food with rich, nostalgic flavor, oven-baked country ham slices can’t be beat. Use this handy guide for cooking times and temperatures, and soon you’ll be serving up the essence of Southern cuisine.

From biscuits and eggs to salads and casseroles, oven-baked country ham takes any dish up a notch. Now you have the know-how to cook it perfectly every time. Just be ready for rave reviews when you master tender, juicy country ham with bites of browned, crispy edges!

how long to cook country ham slices in the oven

More Delicious Ways to Enjoy Country Ham Slices

Good job on learning how to cook country ham slices! Now it’s time to try your hand at some other tasty recipes. These recipes, which range from hearty breakfasts to fancy dinners, use the rich flavor of country ham in every bite. For a classic Southern treat, try the Southern-Flavored Biscuits. For a more traditional meal, try the Traditional Red-Eye Gravy. For a unique twist, try the Savory Ham Carbonara, which combines the saltiness of ham with the creaminess of pasta. Each recipe provides a new way to enjoy country ham, enhancing your meals with its distinct flavor. Share your tips and techniques for cooking country ham slices in the.

Choose the Right Ham

Before you start cooking, it’s important to select the best country ham slices for your meal. Look for slices that are thick and well-marbled with fat. The fat adds richness and keeps the ham moist during cooking.

Pick country ham slices that have a lot of fat marbling.
To keep the slices from drying out while they’re cooking, make sure they’re thick.
If you want the most flavor and freshness, buy a whole country ham and cut it yourself.

Preparing country ham slices involves a few simple steps to enhance their flavor. Follow these steps for optimal taste and texture:

Soak the ham slices in water for four to six hours or overnight to make them less salty. Change the water a few times during soaking.
Use a paper towel to gently pat the slices dry to get rid of extra water.
Cut the fat off the edges of the ham slices so they don’t curl up while they’re cooking.

There are various cooking methods you can use to prepare delicious country ham slices. Choose the one that suits your taste and available equipment:

To pan-fry country ham slices, follow these steps:

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
Put the ham slices in the pan and cook them for three to four minutes on each side, or until the outside turns golden brown.
Take the slices out of the pan and let them cool down for a few minutes before serving.

Baking country ham slices is a great option if you want to cook larger quantities at once. Here’s how:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Put the ham slices on a baking sheet that has been lined with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
Bake the slices for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re warm all the way through and the edges are just a little crispy.
Let them cool down for a few minutes after taking them out of the oven.

Country ham slices are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few suggestions to enjoy your cooked country ham:

For a traditional Southern breakfast, serve with biscuits, grits, scrambled eggs, and sausage.
For a tasty lunch, make sandwiches with country ham slices, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
For a tasty protein boost, add slices to salads or pasta dishes.
Enjoy on its own as a flavorful snack or appetizer.

Now that you know how to cook country ham slices perfectly, it’s time to enjoy their rich, salty taste. These little pieces of heaven will add a touch of Southern charm to your meals whether you bake them or fry them in a pan. So go ahead, get cooking, and savor the flavors of the South!.

Cooking Country Ham Slices

FAQ

How to cook Hobe’s country ham slices in the oven?

Soak overnight in cold water. Wrap ham completely in heavy aluminum foil, in a manner to retain juices and pour approximately 1 ½ cups of water inside the aluminum wrap. Bake at 350° degrees for approximately 20 minutes per pound.

How long to cook fully cooked ham slices?

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Place the ham on a rack in a large baking pan and add about 1/4- to 1/2 inch of water to the pan. If the ham is labeled “fully cooked” (does not require heating), heat it in the oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or to an internal temperature of 140 F.

Is country ham already cooked?

What better way to enjoy a slice of good ol’ country ham than right off the slicer? All of our Country Ham is aged for at least 90 days to ensure the authentic country ham flavor you know & love and this offering is fully cooked, too.