How to Bake a Delicious Honey Baked Ham
Are you looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday gathering or a comforting meal for a weeknight dinner? Look no further! Baking a honey baked ham is an easy and impressive way to make a delicious and flavorful meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What You’ll Need
Before we dive into the instructions, make sure you have the following ingredients and tools:
- A whole, bone-in ham (4-6 pounds is a good size)
- Baking pan: A rimmed baking sheet or a 9×13 inch pan is perfect
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Garlic: Minced, 2-3 cloves
- Brown sugar: 1-2 tablespoons
- Mustard (optional): Yellow or Dijon, 1-2 tablespoons
- Honey: 1/2 to 1 cup (depending on desired level of sweetness)
- Pineapple rings and cherry halves (optional): 1 cup total
- Baking utensils: Meat thermometer, tongs, and a cutting board
- Tongs and tongs rest
- Potato and pineapple wedges (optional): To serve alongside
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepair the Ham
Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Glaze and score the ham: Take the ham and with a sharp knife, cut off the outer wrapping and any excess fat. Place the ham on a rimmed baking sheet or in a 9×13 inch pan. Trim any excess fat or rind on the edges.
Drizzle and crumble: Drizzle with olive oil or cooking spray, making sure to coat the entire ham evenly.
Crumble garlic: Mix minced garlic with 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar in a small bowl.
Sprinkle the ham: Take the garlic-brown sugar mixture and sprinkle it evenly over the ham. Make sure to spread it into all the crevices, so every bit of the ham has a chance to absorb those delicious flavors.
Mustard Glaze (Optional): Mix 1-2 tablespoons of mustard with 2 tablespoons of honey, and brush it evenly over the ham.
Brush with honey: Drizzle the remaining 1/2 cup to 1 cup of honey evenly over the ham.
Pineapple Rings and Cherries (Optional): Place 1 cup of pineapple rings and cherry halves on top of the ham, poking them into the scores and spaces.
Step 2: Bake and Flip the Ham
Place the ham in the oven: Carefully position the ham on the middle rack of the preheated oven.
Bake for the first 30 minutes: Set the timer and let the ham bake for 30 minutes at 325°F (165°C).
Check on the ham: Remove the ham from the oven and with a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature. For a bone-in ham, it should read 130-140°F (54-60°C) for medium-rare to medium doneness.
Flip the ham: Flip the ham over, onto the other side, with tongs or a spatula. It’s okay if the glaze might get a little messy, just aim for the middle!
Flip and bake again: Continue baking the ham for 15-20 more minutes, then check the internal temperature again. If it’s at 140-145°F (60-63°C) for medium to medium-well doneness, remove from the oven and let it rest before serving.
Table: Oven Temperature and Ham Doneness
| Temperature (F°C) | Ham Doneness | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 130-140 (54-60) | Medium-rare | May be undercooked, best with pineapple, cherries |
| 140-145 (60-63) | Medium-well | Well cooked, recommended for most people |
Step 3: Let it Rest and Slice
Rest the ham: Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes, undisturbed. This will help the juices distribute evenly.
Slice the ham: When the ham has cooled and firmed up a bit, slice with a sharp knife, about 1/4 inch (6-8 mm) thick.
Glaze the slices: If you choose, drizzle some of that delicious honey and mustard glaze over the ham slices.
Bake and Serve with Accompaniments (Optional)
Oven-roasted potatoes and pineapple wedges: Cut them into wedges and spread on the baking sheet or pan alongside the ham during the second 15-20 minute bake.
**Baking: Roast at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, checking for desired level of crispiness. Sprinkle with seasonings or garlic powder while still warm.
**Plating: Arrange with sliced ham and side dishes, served warm or at room temperature.
Enjoy your baked honey glazed ham, and don’t forget to store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days, or freeze for 2 months to enjoy later.
Tips, Variations, and Variations
For a boneless ham or spiral-cut ham, skip the scoring and wrapping, and glaze with 1 tablespoon of honey per 1 inch (2.5 cm) of thickness for 10-12 minutes.
Don’t be shy to experiment: Try using other sweet treats like maple syrup or molasses, or mixing in some chopped fresh fruit like cherries, blueberries, or raspberries for an added splash of color and flavor!
Remember that every ham is different and may have variations in color, texture, and sweetness. Be adventurous, and enjoy!