Large ham is a specialty of the holiday season like Christmas, Thanksgiving or Easter. It is the centerpiece for big dinners and a large ham dripping in brown sugar glaze is surely cherry on top. It is one of the most loved dishes and tastes incredible.
This oven-baked ham recipe is quite simple and delicious. You will get perfect juicy, tender and savory baked ham with not so much effort. The specialty of this one is caramelized surface with brown sugar glaze. It is a classic baked ham dripping in a glaze of brown sugar, dry mustard and cider. It has moist and tender inside while the outside is caramelized without being overly sweet which makes it amazingly good. Usually it is made for special occasions but with this simple recipe it can be made any time of the year with only little effort. Baking a ham is not difficult as long as you look for temperature so you don’t overcook it. While buying the ham make sure to read the package if it says it is fully cooked or cook before eating because instructions for both are different.
This brown glazed ham goes well with mac and cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans or another side of your choice. So what are you waiting for! Follow this easy recipe of a perfect ham for this holiday season.
Total time: 5 hours for whole ham & 2 ½ hours for a half ham
Ingredients:
- Whole ham (10-15lb) or half ham (5-7lb)
- 1⅓ cups packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons dry mustard
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar, dry white wine, prune juice, pineapple juice, fresh-squeezed orange juice, or ham drippings (choose 1 of the liquids of your choice)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325F.
- Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan and left it uncovered for baking.
- For the ham labeled “cook before eating”, cook 18-20 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 160F.
- For the ham labeled “fully cooked” or “ready to eat”, cook 15 to 18 minutes per pound until the temperature reaches 140F or as instructed on the package.
- Remove the ham from oven 30 minutes before done and turn the heat of oven up to 425F.
- Slash the top of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.
- Mix brown sugar with dry mustard and liquid of your choice to make the glaze.
- Brush the ham with brown sugar mixture and place it back in oven. Reduce the temperature to 325F immediately and cook for 30 minutes. Your ham is ready to serve now.
Note: Leftover ham should be stored tightly packed in plastic wrap, foil or airtight container in refrigerator so there is no air exposure otherwise it will dry out. Refrigerate as soon as possible after serving. It will keep for 3 to 5 days.
