Baking ham in the oven is a delicious and straightforward process. Here's a basic recipe to guide you:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole ham (precooked or cured)
- 1 cup of water or broth (optional, for added moisture)
- Glaze ingredients (optional; see glaze suggestions below)
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Prepare the ham by removing any packaging, netting, or casings. If your ham comes with a skin, score it lightly in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
Place the ham in a roasting pan or a deep baking dish, fat side up. If desired, you can pour water or broth into the bottom of the pan to add moisture during cooking.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil, tenting it over the top, but leaving the sides open to allow steam to escape.
Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake according to the following guidelines:
- For a fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham: Bake for about 10 minutes per pound. If your ham is bone-in, calculate the cooking time based on the weight without the bone.
- For a partially cooked or raw ham: Bake for about 20 minutes per pound. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) to be considered safe for consumption.
While the ham is baking, you can prepare a glaze if desired. Here are a few glaze suggestions:
- Honey and mustard glaze: Combine equal parts honey and Dijon mustard, then brush it onto the ham during the last 30-45 minutes of baking.
- Brown sugar and pineapple glaze: Mix together brown sugar, pineapple juice, and a touch of mustard or spices. Brush it onto the ham during the last 30-45 minutes of baking.
- Maple and orange glaze: Combine maple syrup, orange juice, and a hint of cinnamon. Brush it onto the ham during the last 30-45 minutes of baking.
About 30-45 minutes before the estimated cooking time is complete, remove the ham from the oven and uncover it. Apply the glaze generously over the surface of the ham.
Return the uncovered ham to the oven and continue baking until the glaze becomes caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes during this time.
Once the ham is cooked and the glaze is nicely caramelized, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving.
Carve the ham into slices and serve warm. Leftover ham can be refrigerated and used for sandwiches, soups, or other recipes.
Remember to always follow food safety guidelines, including proper handling, cooking temperatures, and storage. Enjoy your delicious baked ham!