Mastering the Art of Cooking Pit Ham in the Oven

As a seasoned home cook and pit ham enthusiast, I’ve spent years perfecting my technique for oven-roasting these deliciously juicy cuts of meat. When done right, oven-cooked pit ham can deliver incredibly moist, fall-off-the-bone flavor that will wow your guests.

In this article I’ll share my tried-and-true method for cooking pit ham in the oven along with tips to guarantee perfect results every time. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or Saturday night dinner, let’s get that ham in the oven!

What is Pit Ham?

Before we get cooking, let’s start with the basics Pit ham refers to a particular cut and preparation style of cured ham Here’s what makes it special

• Comes from the hind leg of the pig

• Dry cured with salt, then smoked over a wood fire pit

• Sold fully cooked or partially cooked

The pit-smoking process gives the ham a distinctive smoky, rich flavor. Meanwhile, the natural juices are locked in so it stays incredibly moist when cooked. Choose a partially cooked ham for maximum flavor.

Benefits of Cooking Pit Ham in the Oven

While pit ham can be grilled or smoked, the oven offers some advantages:

• Convenient and accessible – no need for specialty equipment

• Cooks evenly from all sides

• Easier temperature control compared to grilling

• Captures fat drippings for making sauce or glaze

• Allows flavor infusion from surround liquids

• Can cook overnight unattended

When using the right technique, the oven yields incredibly tender and juicy results every time.

Step-by-Step Method for Oven-Roasted Pit Ham

Follow these simple steps for flavored, moist pit ham worth bragging about:

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in partially cooked pit ham (8 – 12 lbs)
• 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
• 1⁄4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1⁄4 cup pineapple juice or apple cider
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves

Directions:

1. Prepare the pan: Place ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. Add 1 cup water to prevent drying out.

2. Make the glaze: Mix brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, mustard, garlic powder and cloves. Reserve 1/3 of glaze for serving.

3. Coat the ham: Brush ham generously with 2/3 of the glaze mixture. Cover tightly with foil.

4. Roast: Cook ham at 325°F for 15-20 minutes per pound until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

5. Uncover and glaze: Remove foil after 2 hours. Brush with more glaze every 30 minutes until done.

6. Rest and serve: Let ham rest 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with reserved glaze.

The sweet and savory glaze flavors the ham as it cooks. Basting it regularly keeps the meat deliciously moist. Resting before carving allows juices to reabsorb.

Handy Tips for Oven-Roasted Pit Ham

To ensure roasting success, keep these tips in mind:

• For easier carving, ask the butcher to cut the pit ham in half.

• Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temp. Get an accurate read by inserting it into the thickest part without touching bone.

• Add root vegetables like potatoes, carrots and parsnips to the roasting pan for one-pan sides.

• Make a flavorful sauce from the browned drippings by adding broth, wine or cider and reducing.

• Let leftovers cool completely before storing sealed in the fridge for 5-7 days.

• Slice and freeze portions in an airtight container for up to 4 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Creative Flavor Combinations for Pit Ham Glazes

While brown sugar and honey make a classic glaze, get creative with these tasty pit ham glaze ideas:

• Orange marmalade and spicy mustard

• Pineapple juice and ginger

• Apple butter and cinnamon

• Fig jam and balsamic vinegar

• Peach preserves and chipotle peppers

• Guava jelly and lime zest

• Cherry cola and soy sauce

• Blackberry jam and coffee

Experiment with sweet, savory and spicy flavors to put your signature spin on oven-roasted pit ham.

Serving Suggestions for Pit Ham

A perfect oven-cooked pit ham deserves an equally amazing spread of side dishes and appetizers. Here are some of my favorites:

• Pit ham biscuits – Shredded ham layered between fluffy biscuits is a Southern classic.

• Deviled eggs with pit ham – Finely chopped ham elevates traditional deviled eggs.

• Pit ham croquettes – Mix shredded ham into mashed potato croquettes and fry until crispy.

• Spinach salad with ham – Toasted nuts, berries and a vinaigrette complement the salty ham.

• Split pea soup with ham – Diced ham adds flavor to this cozy winter soup.

• Ham and melon – For an appetizer, wrap cantaloupe and honeydew slices with ham.

However you serve it up, oven-roasted pit ham is guaranteed to be the star of any meal!

Satisfying and Simple Oven-Cooked Pit Ham

I hope my decades of experience cooking pit ham in the oven have convinced you to give this satisfying technique a try. With the step-by-step instructions and handy tips provided above, you can look forward to juicy, full-flavored results sure to impress.