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How to Make Baked Ham

How to Make the Perfect Baked Ham


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4.8 from 6 reviews

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

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 Scale

Ham:

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

4050 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


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