How to Cook Holiday Ham in Oven: A Step-by-Step Guide
The holiday ham is a classic dish that brings families and friends together during festive seasons. Cooking a holiday ham in the oven is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort but yields a delicious result. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this step-by-step guide will help you master the art of cooking a holiday ham in the oven.
Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked holiday ham (8-12 pounds)
– 1 cup of honey or maple syrup
– 1/2 cup of apple cider or white wine
– 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
– 2 tablespoons of brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon of paprika
– Aluminum foil or roasting pan
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Remove the ham from the packaging and place it in a roasting pan or on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the honey or maple syrup, apple cider or white wine, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, brown sugar, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and paprika. Whisk until well combined.
4. Using a sharp knife, score the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the fat layer. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a crispy, golden crust.
5. Brush the ham with half of the prepared glaze, making sure to cover the entire surface.
6. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the ham. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham.
7. After the first hour, remove the ham from the oven and brush it with the remaining glaze. Return it to the oven and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
8. Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a tender and juicy ham.
9. Serve the holiday ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls.
Expert Tips:
– If your ham is uncooked, you will need to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer or on the packaging.
– For an extra crispy crust, you can sprinkle a mixture of brown sugar and black pepper on top of the scored fat before baking.
– To keep the ham moist, you can add a few slices of apple or orange to the bottom of the roasting pan or baking sheet.
– Be sure to check the ham’s internal temperature before slicing, as overcooking can result in a dry and tough meat.
Cooking a holiday ham in the oven is a rewarding experience that will leave your guests impressed with your culinary skills. Follow this step-by-step guide and enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked holiday ham this festive season.
