Are you craving the mouthwatering flavor of a honey-baked ham? Look no further! I’ve got the perfect recipe to satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests. Get ready to brine, glaze, and bake a delicious ham that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Key Takeaways
- Brining your ham ensures juiciness and adds incredible flavor.
- The sweet and sticky honey glaze takes your ham to new heights of deliciousness.
- Baking the ham to perfection creates a crispy exterior and tender, melt-in-your-mouth interior.
Preparing the Ham
Choosing the Right Ham
The first step to ham heaven is selecting the right cut. I recommend going for a bone-in, fully-cooked ham – it’s easier to work with and packs incredible flavor. As a general rule, plan for about 3/4 pound of ham per person. Trust me, you’ll want leftovers!
Brining the Ham
Brining might sound like a fancy technique, but it’s actually super easy and totally worth the effort. By soaking your ham in a saltwater solution, you’re essentially seasoning it from the inside out. This not only amps up the flavor but also ensures a juicy, tender ham that’ll have your guests weak in the knees.
Here’s how to brine like a pro: In a large pot or container, mix together 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Add in your ham, making sure it’s fully submerged, and let it hang out in the fridge for 12-24 hours. Easy peasy!
Making the Honey Glaze
Ingredients for the Glaze
Now that your ham is brined to perfection, it’s time to concoct the star of the show: the honey glaze. You’ll need:
- 1 cup of honey
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cloves
Mixing the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together all the glaze ingredients until smooth and combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens up slightly. This sweet, tangy glaze is going to take your ham from good to mind-blowingly delicious.
Baking the Ham
Preheating the Oven
Before we get to the fun part, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your ham to juicy, crispy-on-the-outside perfection.
Glazing and Baking
Line a roasting pan with foil (trust me, this’ll make cleanup a breeze) and place your brined ham inside. Using a pastry brush, generously coat the ham with half of the glaze. Pop it in the oven and bake for 1 hour.
After an hour, take the ham out and slather on the remaining glaze, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. Return it to the oven and bake for another 30-60 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Pro tip: For an extra crispy, caramelized exterior, turn on the broiler for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, though – you don’t want to burn your masterpiece!
Serving and Enjoying
Your honey-baked ham is ready to be devoured! Transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is as moist and flavorful as can be.
Serve up thick, juicy slices of ham alongside your favorite sides – I’m talking mashed potatoes, roasted green beans, and maybe even a sweet and tangy chutney for an extra burst of flavor.
And there you have it, folks – a honey-baked ham that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or just craving a delicious Sunday supper, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
