There are few dishes that embody the essence of comfort and celebration quite like a beautifully baked ham. Whether it’s for a holiday meal, a family gathering, or a Sunday dinner, baked ham is a centerpiece that’s both impressive and relatively easy to prepare. With its sweet, savory glaze and tender, juicy meat, a well-cooked ham is the perfect dish for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers for days to come.

If you’ve ever been intimidated by the idea of baking a ham at home, fear not. This simple recipe will guide you through the steps to achieve a flavorful, succulent ham with a delicious glaze that your family and guests will love. Let’s dive in and discover how to make the perfect baked ham!

Why Bake a Ham?

Ham is a versatile and flavorful cut of meat that is often reserved for special occasions, but it doesn’t have to be complicated to make. Baked ham is not only delicious, but it also offers the convenience of leftovers that can be used in sandwiches, soups, or salads throughout the week. The beauty of ham is that it’s already cooked when you buy it (unless you opt for a raw ham), so all you’re really doing is reheating it while infusing it with your choice of flavors through a glaze.

This recipe focuses on using a bone-in, fully cooked ham, which is ideal for baking. The bone adds extra flavor, and the meat around it becomes incredibly tender as it cooks. You can use a spiral-sliced ham if you prefer, but the steps remain the same.

Ingredients for Baked Ham

For this baked ham recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Ham:

• 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked ham
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or melted butter) for rubbing the ham

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard, if preferred)
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or orange juice for a sweeter taste)
• 1/4 cup honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional for a warm, spicy note)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional for a subtle kick)

Instructions for Baking Ham

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ham

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature ensures that the ham heats slowly and evenly, which keeps it moist and flavorful.

Next, prepare your ham by removing any packaging, including the plastic cap that often covers the bone. If there’s any excess fat on the surface of the ham, trim it off, but leave a thin layer to help keep the meat juicy as it cooks. Pat the ham dry with paper towels and rub the entire surface with olive oil or melted butter. This helps the glaze stick and adds flavor.

Step 2: Score the Ham

To allow the glaze to penetrate the ham and give it a beautiful, caramelized finish, you’ll want to score the surface. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts in a diamond or crisscross pattern about 1/2-inch deep across the top and sides of the ham. Scoring the ham also helps with the presentation, as the glaze will settle into the cuts, giving the ham a glossy, attractive look.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

Now it’s time to prepare the glaze! In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, and any optional spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, or cloves). Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Once the glaze is ready, set it aside.

Step 4: Bake the Ham

Place the prepared ham on a roasting pan or baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. If you have a rack to place the ham on, that will help keep it elevated and cook more evenly, but it’s not necessary.

Now it’s time to bake! Brush a generous amount of glaze over the top and sides of the ham, making sure to get into the scored areas. Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes to build up layers of flavor.

Step 5: Final Glaze and Caramelization

After 1.5 to 2 hours of baking, remove the foil and give the ham one final glaze. Return it to the oven uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is golden and caramelized. The surface of the ham should have a beautiful, sticky shine.

During this final step, keep an eye on the ham to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn. If the glaze starts to darken too much, you can tent the ham loosely with foil again and continue baking until the ham reaches the desired color.

Step 6: Let the Ham Rest and Serve

Once the ham is done baking and the glaze is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.

When slicing, cut along the bone, starting at the larger end and working your way to the smaller end. The slices should be about 1/2-inch thick, but you can adjust according to your preference.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Ham

• Choose the right size ham: A 8-10 lb ham is typically perfect for a family of 6-8 people, but you can adjust the size based on the number of guests you’ll be serving.
• Make extra glaze: If you love that sticky, sweet glaze, you can double the recipe and reserve some to serve on the side for dipping.
• Use a meat thermometer: To be sure your ham is perfectly heated through, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach about 140°F (60°C) if it’s fully cooked. If you’re cooking a raw ham, you’ll want the temperature to reach 190°F (88°C) to make it tender enough for easy slicing.
• Leftover ham ideas: Leftover baked ham is incredibly versatile. Use it in sandwiches, soups, salads, or casseroles. It also freezes well for later use in recipes like ham and cheese quiches or ham croquettes.

Final Thoughts

Baked ham is the kind of dish that never fails to impress. With just a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can create a tender, flavorful ham with a beautiful caramelized glaze that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a hearty family dinner, this baked ham recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. So go ahead, preheat that oven, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Happy baking!