How To Cook Country Ham Slices
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
4 mins
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Total Time
34 mins
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Servings
4 servings
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Calories
73 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
How To Cook Country Ham Slices
Description
This recipe guides cooking thin, shrink-wrapped country ham slices by first soaking them in warm water for up to 30 minutes. This soaking reduces the intense saltiness characteristic of country ham. After drying thoroughly, the slices are pan-fried over medium heat with a small amount of butter, cooked about 2 minutes on the first side and up to 2 minutes on the second side.
Holding the ham slices flat with a spatula during cooking prevents curling and promotes even browning. The ham shrinks as it cooks, so starting with larger slices ensures sufficient serving size. Once cooked, the ham is drained briefly on paper towels to remove excess fat.
Country ham slices can be served hot alongside biscuits or toast, with optional accompaniments like pimento cheese or Red Eye Gravy. This method yields savory, tender slices ideal for breakfast plates or sandwiches.
Choosing thinly sliced, shrink-wrapped country ham and soaking thoroughly before cooking are keys to balancing flavor and texture. Avoid salting the ham further until tasted, as it is typically very salty.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon butter
- .25 lb country ham slices
Instructions
- Unwrap the country ham and separate the slices.
- Soak the slices in a bowl ¾ full of warm water for 30 minutes.
- Remove the slices from the water and dry well.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat until the skillet is hot.
- Add ½ teaspoon of butter to the pan and immediately place the slice of country ham down on the butter. Use your spatula to hold the slice so that it doesn’t curl up. Heat slice for to 2 minutes on side one.
- Turn the country ham and repeat for 45 seconds - 2 minutes on side two.
- Remove the country ham slice to a paper towel lined plate to drain.
- Serve hot with biscuits or toast.
Notes
- Use shrink-wrapped, thin-cut country ham slices for best cooking results.
- Soak the ham slices in warm water for up to 30 minutes to reduce saltiness.
- Dry ham well before frying to achieve better browning and reduce spatter.
- Hold ham slices flat with a spatula during cooking to prevent curling.
- Serve hot with biscuits or toast; country ham pairs well with pimento cheese and Red Eye Gravy.
- Country ham shrinks when cooked, so plan multiple slices per serving.
- Do not add salt before tasting, as country ham is naturally salty.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 73 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 73kcal | 4% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 5g | 8% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 19mg | 6% |
| Sodium | 341mg | 14% |
| Potassium | 81mg | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 16IU | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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