As Easter approaches, I find myself reminiscing about the traditions and flavors that make this holiday special. One dish that holds a special place in my heart is a beautifully baked ham with a luscious brown sugar glaze. Today, I want to share with you my personal recipe for cooking a delicious ham in the oven, infused with the warmth and sweetness of a homemade brown sugar glaze.
1. How To Cook Fully Cooked Ham in the Oven
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: Varies depending on the ham size
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven is preheating, take a moment to prepare the glaze.
Step 2: Prepare the Glaze
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Stir the ingredients until they are well blended, forming a thick and smooth glaze.
Step 3: Score the Ham
Place the fully cooked ham on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4-inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create an appealing presentation.
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Generously brush the glaze over the entire surface of the scored ham, ensuring it covers the top and sides. Allow the glaze to seep into the cuts you made during scoring, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Place the glazed ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan. Cover the pan with aluminum foil, sealing it tightly. This will help retain moisture during the cooking process. Put the pan in the preheated oven and let the ham bake according to the following guidelines:
For bone-in hams: Cook for approximately 15 minutes per pound. For example, if your ham weighs 10 pounds, bake it for about 2.5 hours.
For boneless hams: Cook for approximately 20 minutes per pound. For instance, if your ham weighs 8 pounds, bake it for roughly 2.5 hours.
Step 6: Baste and Re-Glaze
Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and carefully baste it with the pan juices. This will help infuse the flavors and keep the ham moist. Additionally, reapply the glaze during each basting session to enhance the caramelization and sweetness.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
To ensure that the ham is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and succulent texture. Carve and serve your baked ham with pride as the centerpiece of your Easter feast.
Now, you know how to cook a fully-cooked ham in the oven properly. Besides the oven, ham also can be grilled, in a slow cooker and the crockpot. No matter how you cook it, ham is always a crowd-pleaser on easter.