Oven Baked Ham: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for a Crowd
Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday gathering or family dinner? Look no further than this oven-baked ham recipe! This classic dish is surprisingly easy to make, yet always delivers impressive flavor and tenderness. This recipe focuses on achieving that perfect balance of smoky sweetness and juicy ham, guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Preparing Your Oven-Baked Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide
Before you begin, let's gather the ingredients. You'll need:
- One fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless): Choose a size appropriate for your guests. A spiral-sliced ham simplifies serving.
- 1 cup brown sugar: This adds a beautiful caramelization and sweetness.
- ½ cup Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy kick that perfectly complements the sweetness.
- ¼ cup honey: For extra richness and glaze.
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: A subtle acidity balances the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: A warm, aromatic spice that enhances the ham's flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Complements the cloves beautifully.
- Whole cloves (optional): For a festive touch and added aroma.
Instructions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even cooking and prevents the ham from drying out.
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Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground allspice until smooth.
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Score the ham (optional): If using a bone-in ham that isn't pre-scored, use a sharp knife to score the fat layer in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
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Place the ham in a roasting pan: Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent the ham from drying out.
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Apply the glaze: Generously brush the glaze all over the ham, ensuring every surface is coated. If using whole cloves, stud them into the scored ham.
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Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste with remaining glaze every 30 minutes.
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Rest: Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Tips for Oven Baked Ham Perfection:
- Don't overcook: Overcooked ham is dry ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the safe internal temperature without overcooking.
- Adjust the glaze: Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors in the glaze to suit your preferences. Consider adding pineapple juice, bourbon, or maple syrup for a unique twist.
- Serve it up: Serve your oven-baked ham with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole – the possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A: Absolutely! Boneless hams cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How do I store leftover ham?
A: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze leftover ham?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover ham for up to 3 months.
This oven-baked ham recipe is your ticket to a memorable meal. With its simple instructions and incredible flavor, it's a surefire way to impress your guests and create lasting memories. Enjoy!
