Are you looking for a delicious, easy-to-make ham dish that can impress your family and friends? Whether it's for a festive holiday dinner, a Sunday meal, or just because you've got a craving, this post will walk you through how to make a simple and tasty ham recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor. With straightforward instructions and minimal ingredients, you'll find this recipe not only satisfying but also a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to get started:
- 1 pre-cooked ham (choose bone-in for flavor or boneless for convenience)
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1⁄2 cup of honey
- 1⁄2 cup of orange juice
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- Whole cloves (optional for decoration)
- Fresh pineapple slices or canned, drained (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s dive into how to prepare your ham:
1. Preparing the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan.
- If you are using pineapple, secure slices onto the ham using toothpicks or whole cloves.
2. Making the Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, orange juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Stir until the mixture is well combined and the sugar has dissolved. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
3. Glazing and Baking
- Brush the ham with a generous amount of glaze.
- Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake for 15 minutes per pound. Brush the ham with more glaze every 30 minutes.
- If your ham is already cooked (most pre-cooked hams are), bake until the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C) to ensure it’s heated through.
4. Resting the Ham
- Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven.
- Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, making your ham moist and flavorful.
Tips for Perfect Ham
- Choose the Right Ham: Bone-in hams generally offer better flavor, while boneless hams are easier to carve.
- Glaze Consistency: If the glaze seems too thin, you can boil it longer to thicken it, or add a bit more sugar or honey.
- Pineapple: For a twist, you can also use pineapple juice in place of orange juice in the glaze.
🍲 Note: For a crispy glaze, broil the ham for the last 5-10 minutes, but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some ideas on how to serve your delicious ham:
- Mashed Potatoes: Serve alongside creamy, buttery mashed potatoes to soak up the ham juices.
- Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or sautéed green beans provides a healthy balance.
- Roasted Vegetables: Complement the ham with roasted root vegetables for a festive and satisfying meal.
As you delve into the joy of crafting this easy ham recipe, remember that the beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the depth of flavor it brings to your table. Each slice, glazed with the sweet and tangy concoction, not only offers a delightful taste but also adds warmth to any gathering. Let this recipe be a testament to the fact that you don't need to spend hours in the kitchen to produce a meal that's both impressive and comforting. Whether it's the joyous holiday season or just a regular dinner, your ham, prepared with care, will undoubtedly be the highlight, bringing people together over a shared appreciation for good, home-cooked food. Enjoy the process, savor the flavors, and share the love with every bite.
How long should I cook the ham for?
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The ham should be baked at 15 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 140°F (60°C). The exact time can vary, but for a 7-pound ham, it would be approximately 105 minutes of cooking.
Can I use a different glaze?
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Absolutely, you can customize the glaze to your taste. Common alternatives include using maple syrup or apricot preserves. The key is balancing sweetness with a bit of acidity or spice.
Is it necessary to rest the ham?
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Yes, resting the ham is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it is tender and juicy. It also helps to set the glaze and makes carving much easier.
What do I do if my glaze burns?
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If the glaze starts to burn, lower the oven temperature, tent the ham with foil, or reduce the amount of sugar in your glaze for the next time.
