Baking a ham might seem daunting, reserved for holidays and special occasions. But what if I told you that a delicious, impressive baked ham is surprisingly easy to achieve, even on a weeknight? This recipe is designed for simplicity and flavor, delivering a juicy, flavorful ham that will have everyone asking for seconds. Forget complicated brines and fussy techniques – this is all about maximizing taste with minimal effort. Let’s dive in and unlock the secrets to the perfect easy baked ham!
**Why This Recipe Works**
This recipe shines because it prioritizes ease of preparation without sacrificing flavor. We’re using a pre-cooked ham, which drastically reduces the cooking time and risk of drying out. The focus is on creating a flavorful glaze that caramelizes beautifully and infuses the ham with deliciousness. We avoid complex ingredients and techniques, making this a truly approachable recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
**What You’ll Need**
Before we begin, gather your ingredients. This recipe uses simple, readily available components that you likely already have in your pantry.
* **Ham:** The star of the show! You’ll need a pre-cooked ham, typically a spiral-cut ham. A bone-in ham will generally be more flavorful, but a boneless ham works just as well. The size of the ham will depend on how many people you’re serving. A 5-7 pound ham is usually sufficient for 8-10 people. Look for a ham that is labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.” This means it’s safe to eat without further cooking, but baking it with a glaze elevates the flavor and texture.
* **Brown Sugar:** This forms the base of our glaze, adding sweetness and contributing to a beautiful caramelization. Both light and dark brown sugar work well. Dark brown sugar will give a slightly richer, molasses-like flavor.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Adds a tangy bite that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar. Dijon mustard also helps the glaze adhere to the ham.
* **Honey:** Contributes to the glaze’s viscosity and adds a subtle floral sweetness. You can substitute maple syrup if you prefer.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** A touch of acidity that cuts through the richness of the ham and enhances the other flavors. White vinegar can be used as a substitute in a pinch, but apple cider vinegar offers a more nuanced flavor.
* **Ground Cloves:** A small amount of ground cloves adds warmth and depth to the glaze. Be careful not to overdo it, as cloves can be overpowering. Nutmeg or allspice can be used as a substitute.
* **Pineapple Juice (Optional):** Adding pineapple juice will add sweetness and make the glaze more fluid and easier to brush.
**Equipment**
* **Roasting Pan:** A large roasting pan with a rack is essential for baking the ham. The rack allows air to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking.
* **Aluminum Foil:** Used to cover the ham during the initial baking period to prevent it from drying out.
* **Small Saucepan:** For preparing the glaze.
* **Basting Brush:** For applying the glaze to the ham.
* **Meat Thermometer:** Crucial for ensuring the ham is heated to the correct internal temperature.
**Step-by-Step Instructions: The Easy Baked Ham Recipe**
Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the recipe itself. Follow these simple steps for a perfectly baked ham every time.
**Step 1: Prepare the Ham**
* Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This helps the glaze adhere better.
* If your ham has a skin or rind, you can score it in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut too deep into the meat. Scoring the skin allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and creates a visually appealing presentation.
* Place the ham on the rack in the roasting pan.
**Step 2: Make the Glaze**
* In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice (if using), and ground cloves.
* Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure all the sugar granules are fully dissolved. A grainy glaze will not caramelize properly.
* Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.
**Step 3: Bake the Ham**
* Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
* Pour about half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Use a basting brush to reach all the crevices, especially in a spiral-cut ham.
* Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This prevents the ham from drying out during the initial baking period.
* Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the ham. A general rule of thumb is to bake for 10-12 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
**Step 4: Glaze and Finish Baking**
* Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil.
* Brush the remaining glaze over the ham, again ensuring it’s evenly coated.
* Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). This higher temperature will help the glaze caramelize and create a beautiful, glossy finish.
* Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Keep a close eye on the ham to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to get too dark, you can loosely cover the ham with foil again.
**Step 5: Rest and Serve**
* Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful result. Tent it loosely with foil while it rests.
* Carve the ham and serve. For a spiral-cut ham, simply run a knife along the bone and then separate the slices. For a non-spiral-cut ham, slice it thinly against the grain.
**Tips and Variations**
* **Add some zing:** For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze mixture.
* **Fruit it up:** Incorporate fruit into the glaze. Crushed pineapple, orange marmalade, or even cherry preserves can add a delicious fruity dimension.
* **Spice it differently:** Experiment with different spices. Ground ginger, cinnamon, or even a pinch of smoked paprika can add unique flavors to the glaze.
* **Use different liquids:** Try using apple juice, orange juice, or even bourbon in place of the apple cider vinegar for a different flavor profile.
* **Garnish:** Garnish the ham with fresh herbs, such as parsley or rosemary, before serving for a beautiful presentation.
* **Slow Cooker Option:** While this recipe focuses on baking, you can also adapt it for a slow cooker. Place the ham in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over it, and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until heated through. Baste with the glaze occasionally during cooking. You can then transfer the ham to a baking sheet and broil it for a few minutes to caramelize the glaze (watch carefully to prevent burning).
* **Leftover Ham Ideas:** Don’t let that leftover ham go to waste! Use it in sandwiches, soups, salads, omelets, or even as a pizza topping. Ham and cheese sliders are always a hit! Ham fried rice or diced and added to mac and cheese are also excellent options. Consider making ham stock with the bone for a flavorful soup base.
* **Preventing Dryness:** The key to preventing a dry ham is to avoid overcooking it. Using a meat thermometer is essential. Also, be sure to cover the ham with foil during the initial baking period to trap moisture.
**Serving Suggestions**
A baked ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:
* **Potatoes:** Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato casserole are all excellent choices.
* **Vegetables:** Green beans, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, corn on the cob, or a mixed green salad provide a healthy and flavorful counterpoint to the richness of the ham.
* **Bread:** Dinner rolls, biscuits, or cornbread are perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze.
* **Salads:** A fruit salad, coleslaw, or pasta salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.
* **Desserts:** A classic dessert like apple pie, pecan pie, or chocolate cake is the perfect ending to a ham dinner.
**Troubleshooting**
* **Glaze is Burning:** If the glaze is burning, lower the oven temperature slightly or loosely cover the ham with foil.
* **Ham is Drying Out:** Make sure you’re covering the ham with foil during the initial baking period. You can also baste the ham with pan juices or a little bit of water or broth to keep it moist.
* **Glaze Isn’t Thickening:** If the glaze isn’t thickening, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes longer before applying it to the ham.
* **Ham is Too Salty:** Ham is naturally salty, so be mindful of adding too much salt to the glaze. You can also serve the ham with side dishes that are lower in sodium.
**Nutrition Information (Approximate)**
*Note: Nutrition information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used and the size of the ham.*
* Serving Size: 3-4 ounces
* Calories: 250-350
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Saturated Fat: 5-10 grams
* Cholesterol: 70-90 mg
* Sodium: 800-1200 mg
* Carbohydrates: 10-20 grams
* Sugar: 10-20 grams
* Protein: 20-30 grams
**Conclusion: Enjoy Your Effortless Baked Ham!**
There you have it! A simple, yet incredibly delicious, baked ham recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can create a centerpiece dish that will impress your family and friends. So, go ahead, give it a try, and experience the joy of a perfectly baked ham without the fuss. Enjoy!