Introduction
Easter is a time for family gatherings and festive meals, and what better centerpiece than a succulent ham? Here are three delightful ham recipes that will elevate your Easter feast to new heights. From sweet glazes to savory touches, each recipe is brimming with flavor and sure to impress your guests.
Detailed Ingredients for Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
14-16 pound bone-in ham
3 cups water
1 cup brown sugar
½ cup honey
⅓ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup unsalted butter (½ stick)
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 10-12 servings
Detailed Ingredients for Honey Glazed Ham
8 pounds spiral-cut ham (fully cooked, unsmoked or smoked)
¼ cup salted butter, melted (½ stick)
4 tablespoons honey mustard
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
1½ cups apple cider
Dry Rub:
2 cups granulated sugar
½ teaspoon table salt
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg or ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¾ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground allspice
½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours
Yield: 8-10 servings
Detailed Ingredients for Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham
8 pound bone-in spiral-cut half ham (smoked or uncured)
2 tablespoons honey
1 cup pure maple syrup
½ cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons brown sugar
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings
With these three recipes, you can choose the perfect ham to suit your family’s tastes. Enjoy the cooking process and the joyous celebration of Easter with these scrumptious ham dishes!
Detailed Directions and Instructions for Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F.
Step 2: Score the Ham
Place the ham on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, score the ham by cutting parallel lines about ½-inch deep and 1 inch apart across the entire surface. Rotate the ham and repeat this scoring process to create small diamond shapes.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Place the ham, flat side down, in a roasting pan. Add 3 cups of water to the pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Cook the ham for approximately 12 minutes per pound.
Step 4: Make the Glaze
After 1 hour, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, unsalted butter, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger. Allow the mixture to bubble, then reduce the heat to low and cook for another couple of minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Glaze the Ham
Remove the ham from the oven and spread ⅓ of the glaze over the ham. Return the ham to the oven without the foil and cook for an additional hour.
Step 6: Apply More Glaze
Once an hour has passed, take the ham out of the oven again and apply another ⅓ of the glaze. Continue cooking for the remaining time based on the weight of your ham.
Step 7: Final Glaze
When the cooking time is up, remove the ham from the oven one last time and spread the remaining glaze over the ham.
Step 8: Rest Before Carving
Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions for Honey Glazed Ham
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the rack in the lower-middle section.
Step 2: Prepare the Roasting Pan
Line a roasting pan or a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and coat the metal rack insert with cooking spray. Unwrap the ham, removing any plastic cap over the bone if applicable, and place it flat-side down on the metal roasting rack.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey mustard, honey, and whole grain mustard to create the honey glaze.
Step 4: Apply the Honey Glaze
Rub the honey glaze over the entire ham and between the slices.
Step 5: Prepare for Baking
Pour apple cider into the pan and cover the ham and pan tightly with foil.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Cook the ham for 2-3 hours, estimating about 20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F using an instant-read thermometer.
Step 7: Cool the Ham
Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Prepare the Dry Rub
While the ham cools, whisk together all dry rub ingredients in a medium bowl. Set aside half of the dry rub in a small saucepan for serving.
Step 9: Brush with Pan Juices
After the ham has cooled for 15 minutes, uncover it and brush with the pan juices.
Detailed Directions and Instructions for Honey Mustard Maple Glazed Ham
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 275°F.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, combine honey, maple syrup, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until well mixed and set aside in the refrigerator.
Step 3: Prepare the Pan
Line a deep pan with parchment paper.
Step 4: Prepare the Ham
Unwrap the ham and place it flat-side down in the lined pan.
Step 5: Apply Brown Sugar
Rub brown sugar all over the top and sides of the ham.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil, place it in the oven, and bake for about 15 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this typically requires about 2 hours of baking.
Step 7: Broil for Finish
After baking, remove the ham from the oven and uncover it. Switch your oven to “broil” and pour the glaze over the ham.
Step 8: Final Broiling
Return the ham to the oven uncovered on broil for no more than 5-8 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning. The goal is to heat and caramelize the glaze while ensuring the ham is heated through and the top is browned.
Step 9: Slice and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven, slice it, and serve.
Cook techniques
Scoring the Ham
Scoring the ham involves making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface. This allows the glaze to penetrate better and creates a beautiful presentation.
Preparing the Glaze
Glaze preparation typically involves combining sweet and savory ingredients and heating them until mixed, enhancing flavor and texture.
Using a Roasting Pan
A roasting pan is essential for even cooking and allows for the collection of drippings, which can be used in sauces or glazes.
Braising
Covering the ham while it cooks helps to retain moisture and enhance the flavor, creating a tender result.
Broiling for Caramelization
Broiling at the end of cooking allows for quick caramelization of the glaze, adding color and a delicious crunch to the ham’s surface.
Resting the Meat
Allowing the ham to rest after cooking is crucial as it redistributes juices within the meat, making it juicier and easier to carve.
FAQ
What should I do if my ham is too salty?
If the ham is too salty, you can soak it in water for a few hours before cooking to help reduce the saltiness.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Yes, you can substitute different types of mustard according to your taste preference, but the flavor profile may change.
How do I know when the ham is done cooking?
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F, measured with an instant-read thermometer.
What types of ham work best for these recipes?
Bone-in hams, whether fresh or cured, work best for these recipes as they remain moist during cooking.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. Just reheat it before applying.
Is it necessary to cover the ham while cooking?
Covering the ham while cooking helps retain moisture and prevent drying out, making it more tender and juicy.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect Easter ham can elevate your holiday celebration. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile, from the rich sweetness of brown sugar to the delightful tang of honey mustard. These dishes are not just meals; they are moments to gather around the table and enjoy with loved ones. With easy-to-follow steps and vibrant ingredients, you can confidently make a delicious ham that will leave everyone wanting more.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
A perfect side dish, honey-glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory flavors of ham.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes are an excellent accompaniment, providing a comforting contrast to the glazed ham.
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
The savory crunch of maple bacon Brussels sprouts enhances any ham dish, adding both texture and a touch of smoky flavor.
Scalloped Potatoes
Rich and cheesy scalloped potatoes make for a deliciously decadent side that pairs wonderfully with all types of ham.
Deviled Eggs
These classic appetizers can be a delightful addition to your Easter menu, providing a creamy and tangy flavor that balances the richness of ham.
Fruit Salad with Mint
A fresh fruit salad drizzled with mint gives a refreshing finish to the meal and complements the sweetness of the glazed ham.
Cranberry Sauce
A zesty cranberry sauce can be a lovely contrast to the ham’s sweetness, offering a burst of tartness in every bite.
