How to Bake the Perfect Ham

There is nothing more festive than a baked juicy ham for a true family meal. Perfect for a large gathering on Sunday or during the holidays. Follow this simple step by step guide for guaranteed success.

Baking a ham can feel like a big task, but it’s easier than you think once you know the steps to follow. A baked ham can be the ultimate showstopper of your holiday table or Sunday family meal, with its delicious caramelized crust, tender interior, and incredible, slightly sweet flavor. Here’s everything you need to know to bake the perfect ham, from choosing the right type to applying a glaze that will make every bite irresistible.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baked Ham

1. Choose the Right Ham

• Type of Ham: Select a bone-in, fully cooked ham for the best flavor and presentation. The bone helps add flavor and moisture to the ham, making it juicier and more tender. Avoid spiral-cut hams if possible, as they can dry out faster during baking.
• Fresh vs. Frozen: If possible, buy a fresh ham rather than frozen, as thawing can sometimes alter texture and moisture. If using frozen, ensure it’s fully thawed in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before baking.
• Size: Calculate approximately 3/4 to 1 pound of bone-in ham per person. For a large gathering of 20 people, a 14-pound ham will work well, while for a smaller group of 8-10, go for 6-8 pounds.

2. Prep the Ham

• Score the Surface: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make cuts about 1/4-inch deep and spaced about 1 inch apart.
• Stud with Cloves: Insert a whole clove in the center of each diamond. This classic preparation adds flavor and makes for a beautiful presentation. For a medium-sized ham, you’ll need about 40-50 cloves.
• Optional Tamari Coating: For an extra layer of umami, brush the scored ham lightly with 1/3 cup tamari soy sauce. This adds a hint of savory depth that complements the glaze.

3. Bake the Ham

• Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham cut-side down in a shallow roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.
• Bake Slowly: Bake the ham for 22-26 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham. Slow baking helps retain the juiciness of the ham and keeps it from drying out.
• Avoid Basting with Ham Juices: As the ham cooks, avoid basting with its own juices as they can be salty and may alter the flavor. Instead, wait to add the glaze for the final 20 minutes.

Visit the Honest Cooking Cookbook Shop

4. Prepare the Glaze

• Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix 3 cups dark brown sugar, 3/4 cup spicy brown mustard, 1 can of cola, and 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or 3/4 cup bourbon for extra depth).
• Cook the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until it thickens and darkens slightly.

5. Glaze the Ham

• Initial Glaze: When the ham is done baking, remove it from the oven and uncover. Brush 3/4 of the glaze over the ham, coating it well.
• Return to the Oven: Place the ham back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

6. Finish and Serve

• Final Glaze and Rest: Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with the remaining glaze. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham easier to carve and serve.

How to Make the Perfect Baked Ham

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 6 reviews

• Author: Mallory Davis
• Total Time: 3-5 hours depending on size of ham
• Yield: 12-14 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

There is nothing more festive than a juicy ham for any holiday gathering. Follow the recipe below and you are guaranteed to have your guests lining up for seconds.

---

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Ham:

1 whole fully cooked, bone-in ham (size based on number of guests)

40–50 whole cloves

1/3 cup tamari soy sauce (optional)

Glaze:

3 cups (660g) dark brown sugar

3/4 cup (180g) spicy brown mustard

1 can (355ml) cola

3 tbsp (45ml) apple cider vinegar or 3/4 cup (180ml) bourbon

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease a roasting pan and set it aside.

Prep the Ham:

Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1 inch apart and 1/4 inch deep.

Insert cloves in the center of each diamond for flavor and presentation.

(Optional) Brush with tamari soy sauce for an extra layer of savory flavor.

Bake the Ham:

Place the ham cut-side down in the prepared roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil and bake at 325°F for 22-26 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Make the Glaze:

In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, mustard, cola, and vinegar (or bourbon).

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes until thickened and darker in color.

Glaze the Ham:

Remove the ham from the oven and brush with 3/4 of the glaze.

Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, for an additional 20-25 minutes until the glaze is bubbly.

Serve:

Take the ham out of the oven, brush with the remaining glaze, and let rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Notes

Don’t Rush the Baking: A slow, low bake keeps the ham tender and juicy. Increase the baking time if you use a larger ham.

Cloves and Presentation: Using whole cloves adds flavor, but you can remove them before serving if guests prefer.

Bourbon Option: For a more robust flavor, use bourbon instead of apple cider vinegar in the glaze.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 2.5-4 hours
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Roasting
• Cuisine: Holiday, American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 940mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 80mg