Self-Instruct
Baking a ham may sound like a daunting task, but with the right steps and ingredients, it can be a really easy and delicious dish to prepare for any occasion. A baked ham makes a perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners, potlucks or even a family gathering. You just need to follow a few simple instructions and tips to make sure your ham is perfectly baked to moist, tender and flavorous perfection.
Choosing a Ham:
Before jumping into the cooking process, choosing the right type of ham is important. Hams are generally categorized into two types - bone-in and boneless. Bone-in hams are those with the bone intact, while boneless hams have the bone removed. Either option works for baking, but bone-in hams are typically more flavorful and tender as the bone adds more moisture to the meat during the baking process.
When choosing a ham, also consider the size of the ham as well as the number of people you're cooking for. A good rule of thumb is to plan for 3/4 to 1 pound of ham per person, depending on whether or not you want leftovers.
Ingredients:
Once you've selected the perfect ham, you'll need to gather the rest of the ingredients to bake it. You'll need a few basic ingredients to create a delicious glaze for your ham. Here are some common ingredients used for a ham glaze:
- Brown Sugar
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Dijon Mustard
- Pineapple Juice
- Orange Juice
- Cloves
- Cinnamon
These ingredients can be used in different combinations to create a glaze that can enhance the flavor and sweetness of the ham. If you have a favorite glaze recipe, feel free to use it. Otherwise, you can try making a simple yet delicious glaze by mixing brown sugar, honey, mustard and pineapple juice.
Preparing the Ham:
Before baking the ham, there are a few steps you should take to ensure that it cooks evenly and becomes moist and flavorful.
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Place your ham in a roasting pan with the fatty side facing up. If there's a rind or skin on the ham, remove it with a sharp knife, leaving a thin layer of fat.
3. Score the ham diagonally with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch apart in a crisscross pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and give it an attractive appearance.
4. Brush the glaze onto the ham, covering it completely. You can also use a basting brush to apply the glaze in between the cuts in the ham.
5. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake the ham for about 15-20 minutes per pound or until a meat thermometer inserted into the center of the meat reaches 140°F.
6. About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil and brush some additional glaze over the top of the ham. Continue basting the ham with the glaze every 10 to 15 minutes until it's done.
7. Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it tender and moist.
8. Slice the ham and serve it warm with your favorite sides.
Tips for Baking a Ham:
1. Make sure to use a meat thermometer while baking the ham to ensure that it's cooked to the right temperature.
2. Basting the ham every 10-15 minutes with the glaze will add more flavor and help the ham maintain its moisture.
3. If the ham starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from burning.
4. Adding cloves or cinnamon to the glaze can add a unique, flavorful twist to the dish.
5. Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or can be frozen for up to three months.
In conclusion, baking a ham is an easy and delicious way to feed a crowd for any occasion. With a few simple steps, you can make a tender, moist and flavorful ham that will leave your guests wanting more. Be sure to choose the right ham, prepare it properly and add your favorite glaze to it. With these tips and tricks, you'll have a perfectly baked ham that will be a hit at any gathering.