A perfectly baked ham is a centerpiece of many holiday meals. Whether it’s Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, a delicious ham can bring a sense of warmth and comfort to the table. This recipe will guide you through the process of selecting, preparing, and baking a ham that will impress your guests and have them coming back for more. With a few simple ingredients and some careful attention to detail, you can create a ham that is juicy, flavorful, and sure to be a hit at your next holiday gathering.
Ingredients for Perfect Baked Ham
- 1 fully cooked ham, bone-in or boneless (7-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Whole cloves (optional)
- Pineapple rings (optional)
- Maraschino cherries (optional)
How to Make Perfect Baked Ham
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4 inch deep. If desired, insert whole cloves into the ham at the intersections of the cuts.
- Add Pineapple and Cherries: If using, secure pineapple rings and maraschino cherries to the ham with toothpicks.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
- Heat the Glaze: Heat the glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
Step 3: Bake the Ham
- Brush with Glaze: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush it with some of the glaze.
- Bake the Ham: Bake the ham in the preheated oven, uncovered, for about 10-15 minutes per pound, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham registers 140°F (60°C), basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest and Carve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzling with any remaining glaze.
About the Main Ingredients
Ham
The star of the show, the ham is the main ingredient in this recipe. Choose a fully cooked ham that is bone-in or boneless, according to your preference. A bone-in ham will impart more flavor, while a boneless ham is easier to carve.
Brown Sugar
Brown sugar adds sweetness and helps to caramelize the outside of the ham as it bakes. It also balances the savory flavors of the mustard and vinegar in the glaze.
Honey
Honey adds a natural sweetness to the glaze and helps to create a sticky, caramelized crust on the outside of the ham.
Dijon Mustard
Dijon mustard adds a tangy flavor to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey. It also helps to create a thick, glossy coating on the ham.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar adds a subtle acidity to the glaze, which helps to balance the richness of the ham and cut through any fatty or greasy flavors.
Cloves, Pineapple, and Cherries
These optional ingredients can be used to garnish the ham and add extra flavor. The cloves add a warm, spicy note, while the pineapple and cherries add sweetness and a festive touch.
