Top 5 Ham To Order: Your Ultimate Buying Guide

Imagine the perfect holiday meal. The centerpiece is a juicy, flavorful ham, glistening and ready to be carved. But how do you get that ham to your table exactly when you need it, perfectly cooked and tasting amazing? For many, the thought of ordering a ham can bring on a little stress. There are so many choices, and you want to make sure you pick the one that will wow your family and friends.

Choosing a “Ham To Order” isn’t just about picking a meat; it’s about planning a special occasion. You might worry about the ham arriving too late, or not being the right size for your gathering. Perhaps you’re unsure about different cuts, glazes, or cooking methods. These little worries can make the whole process feel like a puzzle.

But what if we told you that ordering the perfect ham can be simple and even fun? In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make a confident choice. You’ll learn how to pick the best ham for your needs, understand what makes a ham “to order” special, and get tips to ensure your meal is a huge success. Get ready to discover how easy it is to have a delicious, stress-free ham experience!

Top Ham To Order Recommendations

No. 1
Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Black Forest Ham Deli Meat, 9 oz
  • One 9 oz package of Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Deli Meat, Black Forest Ham
  • Sliced deli meat is made with perfectly seasoned, slow roasted ham
  • Black Forest deli ham has 60 calories per serving and no added nitrites or nitrates, except for those naturally occurring in sea salt and celery juice powder
  • Hillshire Farm lunch meat is fully cooked and ready to eat in your favorite sandwich
  • Hillshire Farm ham is double sealed for absolute freshness
No. 2
Smithfield Anytime Favorites Cubed Ham, 8 OZ
  • Fully Cooked Flavor - The legendary artisan taste of Smithfield ham, now comes in a number of fully cooked options for your convenience.
  • Perfect for Any Recipe - Our tasty diced ham is the perfect addition to any recipe. From salads and omelets, to appetizers and casseroles, our premium ham is sure to be a hit with all of your family and guests.
  • Quick and Convenient - Our fully cooked meats are the perfect food for those hectic weeknight meals or a last-minute weekend get together. With over 20 delicious cuts and flavors, we have you covered.
  • Ready to Eat - The Anytime Favorites line offers ready to eat convenience, with the flavor and quality you've come to expect from Smithfield.
  • The Ideal Pork Everytime - Whether you are preparing pork roast, ham, bacon or any of our other amazing pork items, Smithfield has the perfect product for any snack, meal or celebration.
No. 3
Amazon Grocery, Black Forest Uncured Ham, 16 Oz
  • One 16-ounce tray of Black Forest Uncured Ham
  • Family size and fully cooked
  • No artificial preservatives
  • No added hormones
  • No nitrates or nitrites added
No. 4
Oscar Mayer Chopped Ham & Water product Deli Lunch Meat, 16 oz Package
  • One 16 oz plastic pack of Oscar Mayer Chopped Ham & Water Product Sliced Lunch Meat
  • Oscar Mayer Chopped Ham & Water Product Sliced Lunch Meat is made with quality meat and packed with flavor
  • Ham slices have a rich, smoked flavor
  • Add Oscar Mayer lunch meat to sandwiches, wraps or deli platters
  • Fully cooked chopped ham lunch meat is ready to eat
No. 5
Smithfield, Anytime Favorites Hickory Smoked Fully Cooked Diced Ham, 8 oz
  • Fully Cooked Flavor - The legendary artisan taste of Smithfield ham, now comes in a number of fully cooked options for your convenience.
  • Perfect for Any Recipe - Our tasty diced ham is the perfect addition to any recipe. From salads and omelets, to appetizers and casseroles, our premium ham is sure to be a hit with all of your family and guests.
  • Quick and Convenient - Our fully cooked meats are the perfect food for those hectic weeknight meals or a last-minute weekend get together. With over 20 delicious cuts and flavors, we have you covered.
  • Ready to Eat - The Anytime Favorites line offers ready to eat convenience, with the flavor and quality you've come to expect from Smithfield.
  • The Ideal Pork Everytime - Whether you are preparing pork roast, ham, bacon or any of our other amazing pork items, Smithfield has the perfect product for any snack, meal or celebration.
No. 6
Oscar Mayer Carving Board Slow Cooked Ham Sliced Deli Meat, 7.5 oz Pack
  • 7.5 OZ PACK: One 7.5 oz pack of Oscar Mayer Carving Board Slow Cooked Ham Sliced Deli Meat
  • OSCAR MAYER HAM: Made with 100% ham
  • ON-THE-GO MADE EASY: Perfect for on-the-go, busy lifestyles
  • 60 CALORIES PER SERVING: Our ham deli meat contains 60 calories per serving
  • ENDLESS WAYS TO ENJOY: Slow cooked ham is ideal for sandwiches, wraps, salads, charcuterie boards and on-the-go snacking
No. 7
Hillshire Farm Ultra Thin Sliced Deli Lunch Meat, Smoked Ham, 16 oz
  • One 16 oz package of Ultra Thin Sliced Deli Lunch Meat, Smoked Ham
  • Made with perfectly seasoned, slow smoked ham and no artificial flavors
  • Juicy, flavorful, and 97% fat-free
  • Double-sealed package for absolute freshness
  • Fully cooked and ready-to-eat
No. 8
Smithfield Prime Fresh Pre Sliced Honey Ham, 8 OZ
  • One 8oz package of Smithfield Prime Fresh Pre Sliced Honey Ham
  • Sliced ham lunch meat delivers that classic flavor your family loves
  • Ham slices are easy to pile on your favorite deli creations
  • Deli-style ham is ideal for sandwiches or wraps
  • Deli ham comes in a resealable package to maintain freshness

Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Ham: A Delicious Decision!

Looking for amazing ham that’s just right for your meal? “Ham to Order” services let you get just the cut you want, when you want it. This guide helps you find the best ham for any occasion.

1. Key Features to Look For

When you order ham, think about what makes it special for you.

Size and Cut
  • Whole Ham: Great for big parties or holidays. It’s usually a big, impressive centerpiece.
  • Half Ham: A good choice for smaller families or when you want leftovers. You can get the shank end (meatier) or the butt end (more tender).
  • Boneless Ham: Easy to slice and serve. It’s often a bit more expensive.
  • Bone-in Ham: The bone adds flavor as it cooks. It can be a little trickier to carve.
  • Spiral Sliced: The ham is pre-sliced in a spiral. This makes serving super simple.
Flavor Profile
  • Sweet Glazed: Often has a brown sugar, honey, or maple glaze. It’s a popular choice for holidays.
  • Smoked: Ham that is smoked over wood chips. This gives it a deep, savory flavor.
  • Cured: Ham that has been preserved with salt and sometimes other spices. This gives it a salty, rich taste.
  • Uncured: Ham that is not cured with nitrates. It often has a milder flavor.

2. Important Materials (What Ham is Made Of)

Ham comes from pigs. The quality of the pig and how it’s raised makes a big difference.

  • Pork Leg: This is the part of the pig used for ham.
  • Curing Agents: Salt, sugar, and sometimes nitrates are used to preserve the ham and add flavor.
  • Spices and Seasonings: Many hams have added spices like pepper, garlic, or herbs.
  • Glazes: Sweet glazes can be made with brown sugar, honey, fruit juices, or even spices.

3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Many things can make your ham taste better or not so good.

What Makes Ham Great:
  • High-Quality Pork: Pigs raised with good care often produce tastier, more tender meat.
  • Proper Curing: The right amount of salt and time makes ham flavorful and preserves it well.
  • Skilled Smoking: If the ham is smoked, the type of wood and how long it’s smoked matters a lot.
  • Freshness: Ham that is ordered close to when you need it will taste the best.
  • Good Glaze: A well-made glaze adds a wonderful sweet and savory layer.
What Can Make Ham Less Great:
  • Lower-Quality Pork: This can result in dry or less flavorful ham.
  • Over-Curing: Too much salt can make the ham taste too salty.
  • Poor Smoking: If not done right, smoking can make the ham taste bitter or bland.
  • Dryness: Ham can become dry if it’s cooked too long or not stored properly.
  • Artificial Ingredients: Some hams might have added fillers or artificial flavors that some people don’t prefer.

4. User Experience and Use Cases

Ordering ham to order is about getting exactly what you need.

Easy Ordering
  • You can often choose the exact size and type of ham you want online or by phone.
  • Many services offer different cooking options, like fully cooked or ready-to-cook.
  • Delivery straight to your door saves you a trip to the store.
Great for Many Occasions:
  • Holiday Feasts: Ham is a classic for Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving dinners.
  • Family Gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that feeds many people.
  • Weekend Brunches: A delicious addition to a lazy weekend meal.
  • Sandwiches and Salads: Leftover ham is perfect for lunches throughout the week.
  • Special Dinners: Even for a smaller, special meal, you can order the perfect-sized ham.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ham to Order

Q: What does “Ham to Order” mean?

A: “Ham to Order” means you can pick the exact size, cut, and sometimes flavor of ham you want, and it’s prepared or delivered for you.

Q: How do I know what size ham to order?

A: A good rule of thumb is about half a pound of ham per person for the main meal. If you want lots of leftovers, order a bit more.

Q: Can I order ham that is already cooked?

A: Yes, many “Ham to Order” services offer fully cooked hams that you just need to warm up.

Q: What’s the difference between a bone-in and boneless ham?

A: A bone-in ham has the bone still in it, which adds flavor. A boneless ham has had the bone removed, making it easier to slice.

Q: How long does ham last after I order it?

A: Fully cooked ham usually lasts about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. It’s best to check the packaging for specific storage times.

Q: Is ham healthy?

A: Ham is a good source of protein. However, it can be high in sodium and fat, so it’s good to enjoy it in moderation.

Q: Can I freeze ham?

A: Yes, you can freeze ham. It’s best to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. Frozen ham can last for 1-2 months.

Q: What are common flavors for “Ham to Order”?

A: Common flavors include honey-glazed, brown sugar, maple-glazed, smoked, and sometimes even spiced or herb-crusted.

Q: How do I reheat a fully cooked ham?

A: You can reheat ham in the oven at a low temperature (around 300-325°F or 150-160°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of about 140°F (60°C). You can add a little liquid to the pan to keep it moist.

Q: Where can I find “Ham to Order” services?

A: Many local butchers, specialty meat shops, and some online retailers offer “Ham to Order” options. Grocery stores also sometimes have this service, especially around holidays.