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October 27, 2024
Looking for a delicious and flavorful dish for a special occasion? Look no further than honey baked ham! This classic dish is perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to enjoy a mouthwatering meal. With its sweet and savory glaze, tender and juicy meat, and irresistible aroma, honey baked ham is sure to impress your guests. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is easy to follow and will result in a perfectly cooked ham every time.
One of the key elements in making a honey baked ham is the glaze. It adds a caramelized sweetness to the ham and gives it a beautiful golden color. The glaze is typically made with a combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and spices. You can also add a touch of orange zest or pineapple juice for extra flavor. The glaze is brushed onto the ham before baking and then basted throughout the cooking process, creating a deliciously sticky and flavorful coating.
To cook a honey baked ham, start by preheating your oven to a moderate temperature. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, and pour a small amount of water or stock into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist. Cover the ham with foil and bake for a certain amount of time per pound, depending on the size of your ham. About halfway through the cooking time, remove the foil and brush the ham with the glaze. Continue to bake the ham, brushing with the glaze every 10-15 minutes, until it reaches the desired internal temperature.
Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures that the meat stays tender and juicy. Serve the honey baked ham as the centerpiece of your meal, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The leftovers can be used to make sandwiches, salads, or a delicious ham and bean soup.
What is honey baked ham?
Honey baked ham is a type of ham that is coated with a sweet and sticky glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and other spices. The ham is typically slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy meat that is bursting with delicious flavors.
The glaze used on honey baked ham gives it a caramelized and slightly crispy exterior, while the inside remains moist and succulent. This combination of sweet and savory flavors makes honey baked ham a popular choice for special occasions and holiday gatherings.
One of the key ingredients in honey baked ham is, of course, honey. Honey not only adds sweetness to the ham but also helps to create the beautiful golden color and sticky glaze. The brown sugar adds depth and richness to the flavor, and the spices such as cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg add warmth and complexity.
Honey baked ham is often served as the centerpiece of a meal, accompanied by sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls. Leftover honey baked ham can be sliced and used in sandwiches, salads, or soups, making it a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various ways.
Whether it’s for a special occasion or just a delicious meal at home, honey baked ham is a flavorful and impressive choice that is sure to delight your taste buds.
History of honey baked ham
The honey baked ham is a popular dish that has a rich history. It is believed to have originated in Europe, with the first recorded mention of a “ham glazed with honey” dating back to the 17th century in England.
However, the concept of cooking ham with honey is believed to be much older, dating back to ancient times. Honey was used as a sweetener and a preservative, and its sticky texture was perfect for glazing meat.
In the United States, honey baked ham became popular in the 1950s when Harry J. Hoenselaar opened the first Honey Baked Ham Company store in Detroit, Michigan. Hoenselaar developed a unique spiral slicing machine that allowed for easy servings, and his recipe for honey glaze became a secret family recipe.
Since then, honey baked ham has become a staple during holidays and special occasions. The dish is typically made from a whole or half ham that is cooked slowly, glazed with a mixture of honey, brown sugar, and spices, then baked to perfection. The result is a succulent and flavorful ham with a sweet and crisp glaze.
Today, the Honey Baked Ham Company is a well-known brand and has expanded to numerous locations across the United States. Their hams are still made using the original recipe and continue to be a favorite choice for holiday meals.
- Believed to have originated in Europe in the 17th century
- Honey was used as a sweetener and preservative
- First Honey Baked Ham Company store opened in the 1950s
- Unique spiral slicing machine developed for easy servings
- Honey glazed ham has become a staple during holidays
- Honey Baked Ham Company still a popular brand today
Ingredients
To cook a delicious honey baked ham, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 (6-8 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Main ingredients for honey baked ham
When it comes to making a delicious honey baked ham, it’s important to have the right ingredients. Here are the main ingredients you’ll need:
– Ham: The star of the dish, a fully cooked and bone-in ham is the best choice for honey baked ham.
– Honey: As the name suggests, honey is a crucial ingredient that gives the ham its sweet and sticky glaze.
– Brown sugar: Along with the honey, brown sugar adds a caramelized flavor to the ham.
– Dijon mustard: This tangy mustard adds a nice kick to the glaze, balancing the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
– Pineapple juice: Pineapple juice adds a tropical twist to the glaze and helps to tenderize the ham.
– Cloves: These aromatic spices are often used to stud the ham and add a warm, earthy flavor.
– Ground cinnamon: Just a pinch of ground cinnamon adds a touch of warmth and complexity to the glaze.
– Ground ginger: A hint of ground ginger adds a subtle zing to the glaze and complements the other flavors.
– Orange zest: The zest of an orange adds a bright, citrusy note to the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the honey baked ham.
– Water: Water is added to the glaze to help create the desired consistency and prevent it from becoming too thick or sticky.
– Cornstarch: If needed, cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent for the glaze.
With these ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious honey baked ham that will impress your family and friends.
Additional ingredients for glaze
To make the glaze for the honey baked ham, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- 1/4 cup of pineapple juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
These additional ingredients will add a delicious sweet and tangy flavor to the ham when combined with the natural juices and smokiness of the meat. Make sure to mix the ingredients together thoroughly in a saucepan and heat over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly. This glaze will not only enhance the flavor of the ham, but also give it a beautiful sticky glaze that will caramelize in the oven. It’s the perfect finishing touch for a honey baked ham!
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the packaging from the honey baked ham.
- Place the ham in a baking dish, cut side down.
- Brush the ham with honey glaze, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish with foil.
- Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Remove the foil during the last 15 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy your delicious honey baked ham!
Preparing the ham
Before you start cooking the honey baked ham, it is important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
1. Thaw the ham
If you are using a frozen ham, make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator for at least 24-48 hours before cooking. This ensures that the ham cooks evenly and prevents any potential safety issues.
2. Remove the packaging
Once the ham is thawed, carefully remove the packaging. Take note of any glaze or seasoning that may be included. You can either discard the packaging or set it aside to use later.
3. Score the ham
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze to penetrate the meat and adds an attractive visual appeal to the finished dish.
Note: Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat, as this may cause it to dry out during cooking.
4. Glaze the ham
If your ham came with a glaze packet, follow the instructions provided to prepare the glaze. If not, you can make your own glaze using a combination of honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to coat all sides. This will add a delicious sweet and tangy flavor to the meat.
5. Let the ham marinate
After glazing the ham, cover it with plastic wrap or place it in a large resealable bag. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the ham.
Note: If you’re short on time, you can skip the marination step, but the flavors may not be as intense.
Once the ham is prepared, it is ready to be cooked. Continue reading to learn how to cook a honey baked ham to perfection.
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to cook honey baked ham?
To cook honey baked ham, you will need a ham, brown sugar, honey, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg.
How long does it take to cook honey baked ham?
The cooking time for honey baked ham depends on the size of the ham. As a general guideline, you should cook it for about 10-15 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C).
Can I use a spiral ham for honey baked ham?
Yes, you can use a spiral ham for honey baked ham. Spiral ham is a popular choice for this recipe as it allows the honey glaze to penetrate the meat and create a delicious flavor.
What can I serve with honey baked ham?
There are many side dishes that go well with honey baked ham. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls.
Can I make honey baked ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make honey baked ham ahead of time. Once the ham is cooked and glazed, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, simply heat it in the oven until warmed through.