Ray's 10 lb Ready-to-Bake Country Ham is expertly hand-butchered from our 16 lb Whole Bone-in Country Ham. We carefully remove the skin and excess fat, then score the ham to perfectly absorb your favorite glaze. Inspired by turkey roasting, we include a baking bag to lock in moisture and tenderness. The result is a mouthwatering, tender ham that requires only a third of the usual hands-on prep time for a baked Country Ham.
A TASTE FROM ANOTHER PLACE IN TIME
Ray's Country Ham is more than just ham—it’s heritage. Crafted with century-old curing methods, our salt-cured, air-dried ham reflects traditions from North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Every slice delivers the deep, savory richness of authentic country ham. For over 75 years, Ray's has been a Southern favorite, offering an unmistakable flavor that stands the test of time. Taste true Blue Ridge craftsmanship in every bite.
RICH, BOLD FLAVOR – TRADITIONALLY CURED
While many products labeled “country ham” are unexpectedly mild, Ray’s preserves the deep, savory taste that made Ray Goad’s legendary biscuits famous. Hand-rubbed with a classic blend of salt, sugar, and brown sugar, these Blue Ridge Mountain–cured slices offer a salt-forward, robust flavor reminiscent of bygone Southern diners. If you’re after a truly authentic ham experience—rich, satisfying, and unmistakably Appalachian—this is the taste you’ve been craving.
WHO WILL LOVE THIS HAM
Devoted Country Ham lovers who miss that true, salt-cured taste will feel at home with Ray's Country Ham. It’s a heartfelt gift for those longing to revisit the flavors of traditional curing. If you grew up in the Southeast, where Country Ham & Biscuits were a staple at the breakfast table, family picnics, and funerals, this ham is for you—a reminder that sharing food is more than nourishment; it’s a time to connect, reflect, and celebrate the ties that bring us together.
FIRST-TIME BUYERS: WHAT TO EXPECT
If you’ve never tried real Country Ham, be ready for a bold, salt-forward taste that stands apart from typical supermarket hams. If you prefer a gentler flavor, soak the slices for 12–24 hours (changing the water every few hours) to reduce saltiness, as explained in our Owner’s Manual. This is the original Appalachian style—not sweet or mild like city hams. It’s for those who value true Southern tradition and don’t mind the robust character that made Country Ham a cherished favorite for generations.
COOKING & STORAGE (OWNER’S MANUAL INCLUDED)
You’ll receive an Owner’s Manual with cooking instructions—helpful soaking tips, quick skillet-frying methods, and optional red-eye gravy recipes. Once opened, wrap and refrigerate or freeze for future meals. This flexible format ensures you can enjoy hearty portions of real Blue Ridge Mountain–cured ham when the craving strikes.
A TIMELESS SOUTHERN TRADITION DELIVERED TO YOUR DOORSTEP
Ray Goad was a fast-food pioneer and the first to serve Country Ham & Biscuits, carrying forward a 75-year family tradition of preparing Country Ham using time-honored methods from the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you cherish the bold, old-fashioned ham flavor travelers once sought at Ray’s Restaurants, these center slices and end cuts will take you back. Whether given as a heartfelt gift or enjoyed at your table, this is real Country Ham—preserved, perfected, and made for those who truly appreciate the taste.
If you love Country Ham, we think you will find the rich saltiness and robust flavor of our Country Ham cure just right. However, if you are unfamiliar with Country Ham, we want you to know that this is not your Mother's sweet wet-cured City Ham. We are just as disappointed as our customers when they don't like the salt cured taste that so many of us grew up loving. If you are not sure our Country Ham is right for you, why not order a sample of the taste first?
READY-TO-BAKE COUNTRY HAM – We now offer an authentic premium whole bone-in aged naturally dry-cured Country Ham in Rays Original Blue Ridge Mountain style, custom butchered, vacuum sealed, and ready to oven BAKE-IN-BAG! No-fuss and no-mess. You will be a hero when the centerpiece of your special dinner is a Baked Country Ham that is nothing less than America’s Best!
75-YEAR-OLD FAMILY TRADITION - Rays authentic salt and natural air-cured Blue Ridge Mountain Country Ham uses the methods used on the family farms of the Blue Ridge Mountains since the early days of the American Colonies. Born of necessity and handed from one generation to another, it has now been elevated to a culinary art form.
A TASTE FROM ANOTHER PLACE IN TIME- Today, where once moonshiners and revenuers raced hot cars along Thunder Road, a few facilities owned and operated by the descendants of those early American pioneers are keeping those traditions alive with modern food science techniques that duplicates the annual seasons of Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall.
NOTES ON TASTE- Country hams are drastically different from their more common cousin, the wet-cured city ham. Country Ham is recognized by its expected saltiness and robust flavors.
