Welcome to the holiday season, where the air is crisp, the lights are twinkling, and the food is definitely worth talking about. With festivities just around the corner, it’s never too early to start thinking about the menu for your upcoming holiday feast. And speaking of menus, honey baked ham is one dish that belongs on every table during this time of the year.
If you’re looking to elevate your holiday meal and impress your guests, a honey baked ham is the perfect centerpiece. It’s juicy, savory, and succulent – everything you want in a holiday dish and more. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare (yes, even for those who are less than confident in their cooking skills). Whether you’re hosting a large family gathering or a cozy dinner party with close friends, this ham recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
The Perfect Recipe for Honey Baked Ham
What Is Honey Baked Ham?
If you have never tasted honey baked ham before, you are in for a real treat! Honey baked ham is a juicy and flavorful ham that has been coated with a delicious mixture of honey, spices, and other ingredients. The ham is then baked until perfectly caramelized, resulting in a moist and tender meat with a sweet and savory flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
Honey baked ham is an excellent choice for special occasions, holidays, or any day when you want to enjoy a truly delicious meal. Apart from being super easy to prepare, honey baked ham is also a very versatile dish that can be used in a variety of ways such as in sandwiches, salads, soups, or simply by itself.
Ingredients Needed
To make the perfect honey baked ham, you will need the following ingredients:
– Bone-in fully cooked ham (7-9 pound)
– Whole cloves
– 1 cup of honey
– 1/2 cup of brown sugar
– 1/4 cup of dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon of paprika
– 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
If you cannot find some of these ingredients, don’t worry. You can easily substitute or add other ingredients that you like. For instance, you can replace the brown sugar with maple syrup, or add some pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
Instructions on How to Make Honey Baked Ham
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F.
2. Rinse the ham with water and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.
4. Insert whole cloves into each diamond.
5. In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
6. Brush the ham all over with the honey mixture, making sure to coat it well.
7. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan or baking dish.
8. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour.
9. Remove the foil and baste the ham with the honey mixture.
10. Continue baking the ham for another 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
11. Baste the ham with the remaining honey mixture every 30 minutes.
12. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Your delicious honey baked ham is now ready to serve. You can garnish it with some pineapple slices, chopped herbs, or anything else that you like. Enjoy!
In conclusion, honey baked ham is a fantastic dish that is easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. By following these simple instructions and using the right ingredients, you will be able to prepare a ham that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Honey Baked Ham
Choosing the Right Ham
When selecting the perfect ham for honey baking, it is important to choose the right cut and quality of meat. The most popular cuts for honey baked hams are the butt and shank portions, which are typically less expensive than other cuts and offer the ideal ratio of meat to fat.
When it comes to selecting the quality of meat, look for hams that are labeled “fully cooked” or “partially cooked.” These hams require less time in the oven, which results in a juicier and more tender finished product.
Another important factor to consider is if you want a ham with or without stuffing. Traditional honey baked hams are typically not stuffed, but if you prefer your ham to have a little extra flavor, consider purchasing a ham with a pre-made stuffing or making your own.
Spicing Up Your Honey Baked Ham
While honey baked ham is delicious on its own, you can add some additional flavor to your ham by incorporating different spices and seasonings. Some popular spices that pair well with honey baked ham include cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. You can mix these spices with honey or brown sugar to create a delicious glaze that will add depth of flavor to your ham.
For a unique twist on traditional honey baked ham, try incorporating some savory spices like thyme, rosemary, or sage. These herbs will add a savory kick to your ham and complement the sweet honey glaze perfectly. You can also experiment with using different types of honey and sweeteners, like maple syrup or molasses, to create a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions and Leftover Recipes
Once you have your perfectly baked honey ham, there are many ways to serve and enjoy it. For an elegant presentation, slice the ham thinly and arrange it on a platter with some fresh herbs and fruits, like parsley and pineapple. You can also serve your honey ham with a variety of sauces, like cranberry or mustard, to add some extra flavor to each bite.
If you have leftover honey baked ham, don’t let it go to waste! You can use it in a variety of recipes, like omelets, sandwiches, or soups. For an easy and delicious breakfast, chop up some ham and scramble it with eggs and vegetables. For a quick lunch, make a ham and cheese sandwich with some crispy lettuce and your favorite bread.
With these tips and tricks, you can create the perfect honey baked ham that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at any party or gathering!
Closing Thoughts
Thank you for taking the time to read our article on the perfect centerpiece for your holiday feast – the honey baked ham recipe! We hope that we have provided you with some helpful tips and inspiration on how to make your holiday celebration extra special and delicious.
Remember, whether you’re cooking for a large gathering or a small gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make it your own. And make sure to join us again for more tasty recipes and helpful tips in the future. Happy cooking and happy holidays!
FAQ
1. Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! While we recommend using a honey baked ham for maximum flavor, you can use any type of ham that you like.
2. Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?
Nope! All you need is a roasting pan and some basic kitchen tools like a basting brush and a thermometer.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can! The ham can be made up to two days in advance and stored in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
4. Can I make this recipe without honey?
If you prefer not to use honey, you can substitute it with maple syrup or brown sugar for a similar sweetness.
5. How do I know when the ham is cooked through?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 140°F for optimal safety and flavor.
6. Can I add other spices or seasonings to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different spices and seasonings to make this recipe your own.
7. How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes enough for about 12-15 servings, depending on the size of your ham.
8. Can leftover ham be frozen?
Yes, leftover ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing.
9. What sides go well with honey baked ham?
Some great sides to serve with honey baked ham include mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potato casserole, and dinner rolls.
10. Can I use the leftover ham bone for soup?
Yes, the leftover ham bone can be used to make delicious soups and stews. Just be sure to simmer it in water for at least an hour to extract maximum flavor.
