Perfectly Glazed Holiday Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide to Baking in the Oven

Easter Sunday, Christmas, Thanksgiving – these are some of the occasions where many households opt for a classic ham roast. But making a ham in the oven can be intimidating, especially for those who have never done it before. Fear not, for this step-by-step guide will show you how to prepare and cook a succulent ham roast that’s sure to impress your guests.

First things first, you need a quality ham. Look for a bone-in ham with a layer of fat on top. A flavorful glaze made of simple ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, and mustard will give your ham that gorgeous golden hue and sweet and tangy taste. The oven method ensures that the ham is cooked evenly and achieves a crispy, caramelized exterior while maintaining its moisture and tenderness inside. With a little patience and attention to detail, your ham roast will be the centerpiece of your feast.

How to Make a Ham in the Oven: The Ultimate Guide

Whether you’re cooking a ham for a holiday gathering or just a weeknight dinner, cooking it to perfection can seem like a daunting task. Don’t worry! With a few simple steps and a little bit of patience, you can make a delicious, juicy ham that will be the star of your meal. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a ham in the oven, from selecting the right ham to carving and serving.

1. Choosing the Right Ham

The first step in making a delicious ham is selecting the right one. There are two main types of ham: fully cooked and raw. A fully cooked ham is ready to eat and just needs to be heated through, while a raw ham needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F.

2. Preparing the Ham

Before cooking the ham, you’ll need to prepare it by removing the packaging and any visible fat. You can score the ham with a knife in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat.

3. Making a Glaze

A glaze is essential for adding flavor and moisture to your ham. You can make a glaze by combining ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, and mustard.

4. Applying the Glaze

Once you’ve made the glaze, you’ll need to apply it to the ham. Brush the glaze evenly over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored areas.

5. Roasting the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Cook the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

6. Basting the Ham

While the ham is cooking, baste it every 30 minutes with the pan juices. This will help keep the meat moist and flavorful.

7. Resting the Ham

After the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender.

8. Carving the Ham

To carve the ham, place it on a carving board and remove any strings or skewers. Slice the ham thinly against the grain.

9. Serving the Ham

Transfer the sliced ham to a platter and serve hot or at room temperature. Garnish with fresh herbs or fruit for a festive touch.

10. Leftover Ham

If you have leftover ham, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can use it in recipes such as quiches, sandwiches, and soups.

In conclusion, making a ham in the oven is not as difficult as it may seem. By following these simple steps, you can make a delicious, juicy ham that will impress your guests. Happy cooking!

10 Easy Steps on How to Make a Ham in the Oven

Ham is one of those classic dishes that we often associate with holidays, but it can be enjoyed at any time of the year. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, follow these simple steps to make a delicious ham in the oven.

Step 1: Choose Your Ham

When selecting your ham, there are two main types to choose from: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in hams tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while boneless hams are easier to slice and serve. Decide what matters most to you before making your purchase.

Step 2: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F, and arrange the oven rack to the lowest position.

Step 3: Prepare Your Ham

Remove any packaging or netting from the ham, and place it in a roasting pan. If your ham has a layer of fat, score it in a diamond pattern to help it cook evenly.

Step 4: Add Your Glaze (Optional)

If you’re using a glaze, now is the time to apply it. Brush the glaze over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly. Some popular glazes include honey mustard, brown sugar, and pineapple.

Step 5: Add Liquid

Add one cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan to prevent the ham from drying out.

Step 6: Cover Your Ham (Optional)

If you want to keep your ham moist, you can cover it with foil or a lid for the first hour of cooking. This will trap in the moisture and prevent the ham from drying out.

Step 7: Bake Your Ham

Place the ham in the oven and bake for approximately 18-20 minutes per pound. Check the ham’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer, making sure it reaches at least 140 degrees F.

Step 8: Baste Your Ham (Optional)

If you’re not using a cover on your ham, you can baste it with the juices at the bottom of the roasting pan every 30 minutes. This will add flavor and keep the ham moist.

Step 9: Let Your Ham Rest

Once your ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, making it juicier and more flavorful.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice your ham and serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or mac and cheese. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, or frozen for later use.

Now that you know how to make a ham in the oven, why not try it out for your next family gathering or Sunday dinner? With these simple steps, you’ll have a delicious and impressive dish that everyone will enjoy.

Preparing the Ham for Baking

Now that you have the perfect ham and the ideal oven temperature, it’s time to prepare the ham for baking. This section will guide you through the steps in preparing your ham for the oven.

Trimming the Ham

Before placing the ham in the oven, trim off any unwanted parts such as excess fat and skin from the surface of the meat. Make a criss-cross pattern on the surface of the ham using a sharp knife. This helps the flavors penetrate through the meat and ensures even cooking.

Basting Your Ham

Basting is a crucial step in ham preparation as it helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful. Pour a mopping sauce of your choice over the ham, making sure to coat it well. Honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup work well as a glaze and add a lovely sweetness to the meat.

Adding Flavors to Your Ham

Spices and herbs have the potential to elevate your ham’s flavor profile. You can add any combination of flavors to the basting sauce and keep brushing it over the ham throughout the cooking process. Adding cloves or cinnamon sticks to the ham’s surface will impart a warm, spicy flavor that is perfect for holiday dining.

Covering the Ham

While it is optional to cover your ham while it bakes, doing so can help keep the moisture in and prevent the ham from drying out. Some prefer to wrap their ham in aluminum foil while others use a baking bag. Either way, make sure that the ham is covered tightly to keep in the moisture.

Checking the Ham’s Temperature

Cooking time for a ham may vary depending on its weight and the oven temperature you’re using. It’s crucial to ensure that your ham has reached a safe internal temperature before serving it. Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the ham in the thickest part of the meat. If the temperature reads 165°F, your ham is done.

Now that you have the inside scoop on preparing your ham for baking, it’s time to go ahead and put the knowledge into practice. Vary the flavorings and spices to get the perfect taste you crave-whether you prefer sweet or savory ham, you can always have it delectably moist and flavorful.

Enjoy Your Delicious Ham!

Now that you know how to make a ham in the oven, you have a yummy addition to any meal or gathering. Remember to carve your ham before it cools down too much, and you can enjoy it hot or cold. Thanks for reading and join us again soon for more delicious cooking tips and recipes!