How to Cook 8 Lb Ham
First, let’s get one thing straight: an 8 lb ham is already fully cooked. You’re not trying to make it safe to eat; you’re just trying to make it taste amazing. Think of it as a pre-made superstar that just needs a little stage makeup and a warm spotlight. This takes all the pressure off.
You can’t really mess this up unless you set it on fire, and even then, you’d probably just have a very fancy, smoky ham. Take a deep breath. You’ve got this.
Step 1: The Thaw (If Frozen)
If your ham is a frozen brick, you need to plan ahead. Let it thaw in the fridge for about 2-3 days. It’s like defrosting a giant, meaty iceberg that only contains flavor.
If you forget and it’s still a rock on the morning of, don’t panic. You can submerge it (in its original packaging!) in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes. It’s like giving your ham a very long, very boring bath.