How to Make a Delicious Honey Baked Ham
A perfectly glazed honey baked ham is a crowd-pleasing centerpiece for any special occasion, from Easter Sunday to holiday gatherings. With a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can create a mouth-watering, sweet, and savory masterpiece that's sure to impress your family and friends.
Choosing the Right Ham
The first step in making a honey baked ham is selecting the perfect ham. Look for a bone-in ham with a thick layer of fat, as this will help keep the meat moist and flavorful during the baking process. A Smithfield or spiral-cut ham is a good choice, as they are easy to find in most grocery stores and come with a built-in glaze packet.
The Importance of a Good Glaze
A good glaze is what sets a honey baked ham apart from other types of ham. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a sweet, sticky, and aromatic coating that caramelizes to perfection in the oven. You can use a store-bought glaze packet or make your own using a mixture of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices.
The Basic Recipe
Here's a basic recipe for a honey baked ham that serves 8-10 people:
- 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a baking sheet or roasting pan, fat side up. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, mustard, cloves, and cinnamon. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of the pan and cover the ham with aluminum foil.
Baking the Ham
Bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Every 20 minutes, brush the ham with the pan juices and glaze to keep it moist and sticky. Remove the foil for the last 20-30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Glazing the Ham
While the ham is baking, mix together a second batch of glaze using the remaining ingredients. This will help to create a thick, sticky glaze that's perfect for brushing over the ham during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. You can also add some chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the glaze for extra flavor.
Serving the Ham
Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Slice the ham thinly against the grain and serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a green salad.
With these simple steps and a little practice, you'll be making a delicious honey baked ham like a pro in no time. So go ahead, impress your family and friends with this crowd-pleasing recipe, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
