Glazed Perfection: Mastering Baked Ham with Sweet Gravy
Baked ham is a classic centerpiece for holiday gatherings, family dinners, and special occasions. Its savory, smoky flavor, combined with a sweet and tangy glaze, creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. While many recipes focus solely on the glaze, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of preparing a perfectly baked ham, from selecting the right ham to crafting a luscious, sweet gravy that complements the richness of the meat.
**Why This Recipe Works**
This recipe is designed for both novice and experienced cooks. It emphasizes simple techniques and readily available ingredients, ensuring a delicious and impressive result every time. The key is to balance the savory ham with a sweet and flavorful glaze, and then use the pan drippings to create a gravy that ties everything together.
**Selecting the Right Ham**
Before you begin, it’s crucial to choose the right ham. Here’s what to consider:
* **Type of Ham:** Hams are typically categorized as follows:
* **City Ham:** These are the most common type, fully cooked and ready to eat. They are typically wet-cured, resulting in a moister texture.
* **Country Ham:** Dry-cured and often smoked, country hams have a saltier, more intense flavor and require more preparation before cooking.
* **Fresh Ham:** An uncured, raw pork leg. This requires a longer cooking time and careful attention to internal temperature.
For this recipe, we recommend a **fully cooked, bone-in city ham**. The bone adds flavor and helps keep the ham moist. A spiral-cut ham is also a good option as it allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
* **Size:** Estimate about ½ pound of bone-in ham per person. For a gathering of 10 people, a 5-pound ham would be ideal.
* **Quality:** Look for a ham that is well-marbled and has a consistent color. Avoid hams with excessive liquid in the packaging.
**Ingredients**
* **For the Ham:**
* 1 (5-7 pound) fully cooked, bone-in city ham
* Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
* **For the Glaze:**
* 1 cup packed brown sugar
* ½ cup honey
* ¼ cup Dijon mustard
* ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
* 2 tablespoons orange juice
* 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* ½ teaspoon ground cloves
* Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a hint of heat)
* **For the Sweet Gravy:**
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups ham drippings (from the baking pan)
* 1 cup chicken broth (low sodium)
* ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
* 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or more, to taste)
* 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or more, to taste)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Equipment**
* Large roasting pan with a rack
* Small saucepan
* Basting brush
* Meat thermometer
* Whisk
**Instructions**
**Part 1: Preparing the Ham**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Adjust the rack in the oven so that the ham will be in the center.
2. **Prepare the Ham (Optional):** If your ham has a thick skin, you can score it in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates a visually appealing presentation. Be careful not to cut too deeply, just through the skin.
3. **Insert Cloves (Optional):** If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the points of the diamond pattern. This adds a subtle aroma and a festive touch.
4. **Place Ham in Roasting Pan:** Place the ham in the roasting pan on the rack. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan. This helps to keep the ham moist during baking. Ensure the water level doesn’t touch the ham.
**Part 2: Making the Glaze**
1. **Combine Glaze Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, cinnamon, ground cloves, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. **Simmer the Glaze:** Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the glaze has slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
**Part 3: Baking the Ham**
1. **Baste the Ham:** Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the ham. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
2. **Bake the Ham:** Cover the roasting pan tightly with foil. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. For example, a 6-pound ham will take about 60-72 minutes, plus the glazing time.
3. **Glaze Again:** Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking. Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes, ensuring it’s evenly coated. This will create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
4. **Final Temperature:** Continue baking until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). This ensures the ham is heated through without being overcooked.
5. **Rest the Ham:** Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Tent the ham loosely with foil during the resting period.
**Part 4: Making the Sweet Gravy**
1. **Strain the Drippings:** Carefully remove the ham from the roasting pan. Strain the pan drippings through a fine-mesh sieve into a heatproof bowl or measuring cup, discarding any solids.
2. **Melt Butter:** In the same roasting pan (or a separate saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat.
3. **Make a Roux:** Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the roux is lightly golden. This will help thicken the gravy.
4. **Add Drippings and Broth:** Gradually whisk in the strained ham drippings, making sure to break up any lumps. Then, whisk in the chicken broth.
5. **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the gravy to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. If the gravy is too thick, add a little more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reduces.
6. **Add Flavor:** Stir in the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more brown sugar for sweetness or apple cider vinegar for tanginess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. **Add Cream (Optional):** For a richer gravy, stir in the heavy cream during the last minute of cooking.
8. **Serve:** Serve the warm gravy alongside the sliced ham.
**Carving the Ham**
1. **Position the Ham:** Place the ham on a large cutting board. If it’s a bone-in ham, locate the bone.
2. **Slice Around the Bone:** Using a sharp carving knife, make a series of slices parallel to the bone. Then, run the knife along the bone to release the slices.
3. **Serve:** Arrange the ham slices on a platter and serve immediately with the sweet gravy.
**Tips for Success**
* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooked ham can be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
* **Baste Frequently:** Basting the ham with the glaze every 10 minutes during the last 30 minutes of baking will create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
* **Rest the Ham:** Allowing the ham to rest before carving is crucial for retaining its juices and ensuring a tender result.
* **Adjust the Glaze:** Feel free to adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the glaze to your liking. You can add more brown sugar for sweetness, apple cider vinegar for tanginess, or Dijon mustard for a more savory flavor.
* **Make-Ahead Gravy:** The gravy can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Use Quality Ingredients:** Using high-quality ingredients, such as a good-quality ham and fresh spices, will make a noticeable difference in the final flavor of the dish.
**Variations**
* **Pineapple Glaze:** Substitute pineapple juice for the orange juice in the glaze for a tropical twist. You can also add some crushed pineapple to the glaze.
* **Maple Glaze:** Use maple syrup instead of honey in the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Cherry Glaze:** Add cherry preserves or cherry juice to the glaze for a fruity and festive flavor.
* **Spicy Glaze:** Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Bourbon Glaze:** Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a sophisticated and flavorful twist.
* **Honey-Mustard Glaze:** Increase the amount of Dijon mustard in the glaze and add a touch of honey for a classic honey-mustard flavor.
**Serving Suggestions**
Baked ham with sweet gravy is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides.
* **Classic Sides:**
* Mashed Potatoes
* Sweet Potato Casserole
* Green Bean Casserole
* Scalloped Potatoes
* Cornbread
* **Fresh Sides:**
* Asparagus
* Broccoli
* Green Salad
* Fruit Salad
* **Bread:**
* Dinner Rolls
* Biscuits
* **Desserts:**
* Apple Pie
* Pecan Pie
* Pumpkin Pie
**Storage**
* **Leftover Ham:** Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be used in sandwiches, salads, soups, or casseroles.
* **Leftover Gravy:** Store leftover gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Freezing:** Both the ham and the gravy can be frozen. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze the gravy in a freezer-safe container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
**Nutrition Information (Per Serving)**
*Note: The nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*
* Calories: Approximately 400-500
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 20-30 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Sodium: Varies depending on the ham and broth used
**Conclusion**
Baking a ham with sweet gravy is a rewarding culinary experience. With careful preparation and attention to detail, you can create a delicious and impressive centerpiece that will be the star of any meal. This recipe provides a comprehensive guide, from selecting the right ham to crafting a flavorful glaze and a luscious gravy. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly unforgettable dish!