This oven-roasted ham recipe is perfect for special occasions and family gatherings. With a weight of 8 pounds, it serves a crowd and delivers a deliciously glazed exterior and tender, juicy meat.
The cooking process is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and basic techniques. You can customize the glaze with your favorite flavors, such as honey, brown sugar, or mustard.
Creating the Perfect Glazed Ham
When it comes to preparing a centerpiece for your festive meal, a beautifully glazed ham is hard to beat. The combination of a shiny, caramelized exterior and tender, juicy meat makes it a crowd-pleaser.
To achieve that perfect glaze, scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern is key. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, infusing the meat with flavor.
Gathering Your Ingredients
For this oven-roasted ham, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that come together to create a delicious glaze. Brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard form the base, while ground cloves and black pepper add depth.
Having everything ready before you start will streamline the cooking process. Make sure to have your fully cooked 8-pound ham on hand, along with a roasting pan and aluminum foil for covering.
Preparing the Ham
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature ensures that the ham heats through evenly while allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
Remove the ham from its packaging and place it cut side down in the roasting pan. Scoring the surface in a diamond pattern not only looks appealing but also helps the glaze adhere better.
Making the Glaze
In a mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed to create a smooth glaze.
Generously brush this mixture over the scored surface of the ham. Pour a bit of water into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist during cooking.
Roasting to Perfection
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roasting for about 2 to 2.5 hours allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to develop a rich, caramelized finish.
Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the glaze to enhance the flavor and moisture. During the last 30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize further, creating that irresistible shiny exterior.
Serving Your Glazed Ham
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), it’s ready to come out of the oven. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs and slices of orange for a pop of color and flavor. This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it a perfect choice for gatherings and celebrations.
Simple Oven-Roasted Ham Recipe
This recipe features an 8-pound ham that is baked in the oven until heated through and caramelized on the outside. The total cooking time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a manageable dish for any home cook.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked 8lb ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and black pepper until well combined.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush the glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham. Pour water into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist.
- Roast the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Finish Cooking: Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Serve: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Servings: 12 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g