Not so sweet baked ham –Cooking a baked ham can seem intimidating, but with the right recipe, it transforms into a delightful experience that fills your home with warmth and incredible aromas. Here, I’ll guide you through the process of creating the best baked ham that will surely impress your family and friends.
Best Baked Ham Recipe
To start, let’s take a look at an appetizing image of what our finished baked ham will look like:
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to create your delicious baked ham:
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Whole cloves for studding the ham
Instructions
Now, let’s dive into the simple steps to prepare your ham:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan cut side down.
- If your ham has a rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves for added flavor and presentation.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon until well combined.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored areas.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes with the melted glaze that drips into the pan. Uncover the ham during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for thorough cooking.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the ham with your favorite sides and enjoy the sweet, savory flavors!
This baked ham recipe is sure to become a staple for your family gatherings and holiday celebrations. With its delightful glaze and succulent texture, it will bring smiles to the table and create memorable moments around the dinner scene. Enjoy your cooking adventure!