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specially when paired with a savory or sweet glaze. The glaze helps to balance the salty richness of the ham with delicious sweet and spicy notes.
2. **Easy to Prepare:** Though it looks like an elaborate dish, baked ham is actually quite easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a showstopping meal.
3. **Feeds a Crowd:** A baked ham can serve many people, making it an ideal choice for larger gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. Plus, it makes great leftovers for sandwiches or soups.
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### **Ingredients for Baked Ham**
The beauty of baked ham lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need for the ham and the glaze:
#### **For the Ham:**
– **1 bone-in ham** (about 8-10 pounds; you can choose either a fully cooked or a partially cooked ham)
– **Whole cloves** (optional, for studding the ham)
#### **For the Glaze:**
– **1 cup of brown sugar** (light or dark, depending on your preference)
– **½ cup of honey**
– **¼ cup of Dijon mustard** (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
– **¼ cup of apple cider vinegar** (or you can use orange juice for a different flavor)
– **1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon** (optional, for added warmth)
– **1 tablespoon of ground cloves** (optional, for a spiced flavor)
Feel free to adjust the proportions of the glaze ingredients to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey or brown sugar; if you like a spicier kick, increase the amount of mustard or vinegar.
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### **How to Make Baked Ham**
Now, let’s dive into the simple steps that will guide you to the perfect baked ham.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Ham**
1. **Preheat your oven** to 325°F (165°C). This low and slow cooking method ensures that your ham will stay tender and juicy.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, you can score it in a criss-cross pattern with a sharp knife. This allows the glaze to seep into the meat and adds flavor. Don’t score too deeply—just enough to penetrate the fat.
3. Optional: If you’d like to add extra flavor, stud the ham with whole cloves. Simply insert the cloves into the fat at regular intervals across the surface of the ham.
#### **Step 2: Make the Glaze**
1. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the sugar has dissolved, and the glaze is smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken slightly.
2. Once the glaze has reached your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and set it aside. You’ll use this glaze to baste the ham during cooking.
#### **Step 3: Bake the Ham**
1. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can use a bed of vegetables (like onions, carrots, or potatoes) to elevate the ham slightly.
2. Brush the ham generously with the glaze, making sure it’s fully coated. Reserve some of the glaze to brush onto the ham later.
3. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham, or 160°F (71°C) for a partially cooked ham. Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes during the cooking process, ensuring the ham becomes beautifully caramelized.
#### **Step 4: Finish and Serve**
1. When the ham is nearly done, remove the foil for the last 20-30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to brown and become sticky and caramelized.
2. Once the ham has reached the desired temperature and the glaze has formed a shiny, golden crust, remove it from the oven.
3. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures each slice is tender and juicy.
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### **Serving Suggestions for Baked Ham**
Baked ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with many sides. Here are some great ideas for serving alongside your ham:
– **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted potatoes, carrots, and Brussels sprouts make a great complement to the savory flavor of the ham.
– **Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or slightly sweetened mashed sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the saltiness of the ham.
– **Green Beans or Asparagus:** A light, vegetable side like green beans or asparagus will balance out the richness of the ham.
– **Cornbread or Dinner Rolls:** Soft, fluffy rolls or cornbread are perfect for sopping up any leftover glaze or juices.
– **Fruit Salads or Roasted Fruit:** A fruit salad with citrus, berries, or even roasted apples can add a sweet, refreshing contrast to the savory ham.
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### **Tips for Making the Best Baked Ham**
1. **Choose the Right Ham:** Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful and juicy compared to boneless ones. However, boneless hams are easier to carve. Choose what works best for your preferences and needs.
2. **Low and Slow Cooking:** Baking the ham at a low temperature ensures that it stays moist and tender. Be patient—this step makes a huge difference in the final texture.
3. **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your ham is cooked properly. For fully cooked hams, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C); for partially cooked hams, aim for 160°F (71°C).
4. **Glaze Variations:** Get creative with your glaze! Add ingredients like orange juice, maple syrup, or brown mustard to give your ham a unique flavor. For a smoky touch, you can even add a little bourbon or whiskey to the glaze.
5. **Leftovers:** Don’t let the leftovers go to waste! Use the leftover ham for sandwiches, omelets, soups, or casseroles.
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### **Conclusion**
Baked ham is a dish that never fails to impress. Whether for a special holiday or a casual family dinner, it’s the kind of main dish that brings people together. With its tender texture, rich flavor, and the irresistible glaze, this baked ham recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time, leaving you with more time to enjoy your guests and less time spent in the kitchen. So the next time you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your meal, look no further than this perfectly baked ham.
