Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Pulled Ham! There’s something truly magical about the aroma of slow-cooked ham wafting through the house. It’s like a warm hug that pulls you in and makes you feel right at home. I discovered this gem a few years ago, and it quickly became a staple for family gatherings, barbecues, and cozy weeknight dinners. The sweet and tangy barbecue sauce mingles with the savory flavors of the ham, creating a dish that just begs to be devoured. Trust me, the first time you taste it, you’ll be hooked! Plus, it’s so versatile—you can serve it on soft buns, pile it on a plate with your favorite sides, or even toss it in a salad. Whatever way you choose to enjoy it, Pulled Ham is sure to win hearts and stomachs alike!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up the best Pulled Ham you’ll ever taste. Trust me, each one plays a crucial role in building that incredible flavor!
- 2 lbs boneless ham (I love using a good quality cut for maximum flavor)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand will do—go for the one that makes your taste buds dance!)
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar (this adds the perfect tang)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for that sweet, caramelized goodness)
- 1 tablespoon mustard (I prefer yellow mustard, but feel free to experiment!)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (it complements the ham beautifully)
- Salt and pepper to taste (seasoning is key, so don’t skip this!)
How to Prepare Pulled Ham
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing your Pulled Ham! This process is super straightforward, but every step is essential for achieving that mouthwatering result.
Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). This is crucial because starting with a properly heated oven ensures even cooking and helps the flavors meld beautifully. Plus, low and slow is the name of the game here, giving your ham that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave!
Prepare the Ham
Next, grab that boneless ham and place it in a roasting pan. I really recommend using a boneless cut because it shreds so easily and is super convenient for serving. No one wants to wrestle with a bone while trying to enjoy their meal! Make sure it’s sitting snugly in the pan so it can soak up all those delicious juices.
Make the Sauce
Now, let’s whip up that sauce! In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s well mixed. Each ingredient plays a role here: the vinegar adds tang, the sugar brings sweetness, and the mustard gives it a little kick. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water!
Bake the Ham
Pour that luscious sauce over the ham, making sure it’s well-coated. Cover the pan tightly with foil—this helps trap all that moisture for a juicy ham. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when a meat thermometer reads 145°F (63°C). The meat should be tender and fragrant, filling your kitchen with amazing aromas!
Shred and Serve
Once the ham is cooked to perfection, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This step is important—trust me! It allows the juices to redistribute, making shredding easier. Use two forks to shred the ham into bite-sized pieces. You can serve it on soft buns with coleslaw for a classic pulled ham sandwich, or pile it high on your plate with your favorite sides. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible flavor with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
- Super easy to prepare—just set it and forget it!
- Versatile dish that works for sandwiches, salads, or as a main course.
- Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
- Makes your kitchen smell heavenly while it cooks!
Tips for Success
To really nail your Pulled Ham, here are a few pro tips that I swear by! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning to match your personal taste—add more mustard for a tangy punch or a bit of extra brown sugar if you like it sweeter. Also, if you have time, let the ham marinate in the sauce for a few hours before cooking; it really enhances the flavor! And remember, patience is key—let it rest after baking to keep it juicy. Trust me, these small tweaks can make a big difference in your final dish!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Pulled Ham properly is key to keeping it delicious for days to come! Once you’ve enjoyed your meal, let any leftovers cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer the pulled ham into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. If using the microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming. On the stovetop, gently heat it over low heat, adding a splash of barbecue sauce or water to keep it moist. Just be careful not to overheat it, or it might dry out!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, but here’s a general breakdown for one serving of Pulled Ham:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
This dish is not only delicious but also packed with protein to keep you satisfied!
FAQ about Pulled Ham
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love using boneless ham for its ease of shredding, you can also use bone-in ham. Just keep in mind that it may take a bit longer to cook and you’ll need to remove the bone before shredding.
How spicy is this Pulled Ham?
The spice level is pretty mild, thanks to the sweet barbecue sauce. If you like a little kick, consider adding some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. It’s all about what makes your taste buds happy!
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Definitely! If you prefer a hands-off approach, just place your ham and sauce ingredients in a slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6-8 hours. It’ll be just as delicious and tender!
What’s the best way to serve Pulled Ham?
I love serving it on soft buns with crunchy coleslaw for the perfect sandwich. But you can also serve it over rice or alongside roasted veggies for a hearty meal. The options are endless!
Can I freeze Pulled Ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers! Just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It should be good for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating, and you’re good to go!
Pulled Ham: 5 Savory Secrets for Comfort Food Bliss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A savory dish made with slow-cooked ham, shredded and served in a variety of ways.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless ham
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- In a bowl, mix barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ham.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 2-3 hours.
- Remove the ham and let it rest for 15 minutes.
- Shred the ham using two forks.
- Serve with your choice of sides or on buns.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Great for sandwiches or as a main dish.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Pulled Ham, Shredded Ham, Barbecue Ham