Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham Recipe
Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham
Dishes don’t stick around virtually unchanged for three centuries unless they are something truly special, and this Southern Maryland favorite certainly fits the bill. From the founders of the Maryland colony to the tables of today, Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham remains the hallmark of an unforgettable holiday feast.
Total time: 6 Hours
Serves: 18
Ingredients
☐ One 20- to 22-pound corned ham, boned
☐ 10 pounds cabbage
☐ 1 1/2 pounds kale
☐ 3 pounds onion
☐ 3 tablespoons crushed red pepper
☐ 2 tablespoons black pepper
☐ 1 package cheesecloth
Step 1: Making your first Southern Maryland Stuffed Ham can be intimidating, but each step is easy, the actual active prep time is really only about a half hour, and the results are simply stunning. So take your time and go for it! The first step, trim the excess fat from the ham and preheat the oven to 400°.
Step 2: To make the stuffing, wash the cabbage, kale and onions in cold water, then chop the vegetables and mix thoroughly in a large bowl with the red and black pepper.
Step 3: Cut slits all over the ham about 2 inches deep and the same across. Generously fill the slits and the cavity where the bone was with your stuffing. There are great videos online showing some techniques.
Step 4: Tie the ham with a string back in its original shape, wrap with cheese cloth and tie again. Cover the ham with aluminum foil and bake for five hours.
Step 5: Drain the ham and cool overnight in the refrigerator. Serve cold.