How to Prepare a Ham
Whether you’re planning to serve a spectacular centerpiece or need a dish to feed a large group, a glazed ham is always the perfect choice. Over the years, I’ve tried various methods to prepare ham—slow-cooked ham, root beer glazed ham, a classic retro glazed ham with pineapple and cherries, and much more. It’s a dish I particularly enjoy for special occasions like Christmas dinner because it requires minimal effort and is absolutely delicious. Once you master the art of cooking a ham, you’ll have endless options!
In this guide, you’ll find all the essential tips for shopping for and preparing a mouthwatering holiday ham. Additionally, I’ll share my favorite ham recipe with a savory glaze made from mustard, brown sugar, and Dr Pepper. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of time, you can turn an ordinary ham into something extraordinary. Once it’s ready, carving the ham will be the easiest part—and don’t worry, it’s much simpler than it seems!
What’s the Best Way to Cook a Ham?
You can cook a ham in a slow cooker for a more hands-off approach, but baking it in the oven is just as easy. This traditional method involves scoring the ham, studding it with cloves, and covering it with foil to ensure it stays juicy as it heats. But what truly elevates a good ham? A sticky, tangy, and sweet glaze! Made from soda, brown sugar, spicy brown mustard, and apple cider vinegar, this glaze is brushed on the ham and forms a glossy, slightly caramelized crust. Once you taste it, you’ll never want to make ham any other way!
What Kind of Ham Should I Buy?
At most markets, there are various types of ham to choose from, including shank end, butt end, spiral-cut, and both bone-in and boneless options. For this recipe, a shank-end ham (the gorgeous “centerpiece” ham often seen during holidays) is the best option. It comes unsliced, which helps prevent it from drying out, and bone-in to ensure extra moisture and flavor. Plus, the bone can be used to make a savory ham stock later. Since the ham is pre-cooked, it’s foolproof—you simply need to warm it in the oven and add the sweet glaze!
How Long Should It Take to Cook a Ham?
For a fully cooked bone-in ham, like the one in this recipe, all you need to do is heat it thoroughly. It’s that simple! With the oven preheated to 325 degrees, expect a cooking time of about 15 to 18 minutes per pound.
How Much Ham Should I Plan on Per Person?
When ordering a ham, it’s helpful to know how much to buy per person. The general rule of thumb is to plan on 1/2 to 3/4 pound of ham per guest. It’s always better to have a little extra than to run out—and let’s be honest, leftovers are a bonus!
How Do I Keep Ham from Drying Out?
Nobody likes a dry ham. For the best results, choose a bone-in ham for extra flavor, and opt for a whole ham rather than a spiral-cut one. Pre-sliced hams tend to dry out more quickly in the oven.
Do You Cook Ham with Foil on or Off?
To ensure the ham stays moist, cover it with foil while baking. It should be cooked slowly at a low temperature, then uncovered to add the glaze and cook for a bit longer so the glaze can caramelize.
Do I Need to Glaze the Ham?
While glazing the ham is optional, it’s an easy step that significantly enhances the flavor. Choose a glaze that incorporates something sweet, like sugar, honey, or maple syrup, to create a beautiful, shiny finish. Make sure to brush the glaze onto the ham every 20 minutes or so during the last 40 minutes of cooking.
What Should I Serve with My Ham?
The best side dishes for ham are equally impressive. Since the ham is hearty on its own, you may want to opt for lighter options like roasted asparagus or candied carrots for a perfect Easter spread. Alternatively, you can go all in with comfort foods like skillet cornbread, macaroni and cheese, or potatoes au gratin.
How Long Does Leftover Ham Last in the Fridge?
Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to wrap it tightly or transfer it to an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Can You Freeze Leftover Ham?
Absolutely! If you have more ham than you can consume right away, freezing it is a great option. Simply remove the meat from the bone and store it in a zip-top plastic bag or an airtight freezer-safe container for up to three months. I like to divide it into smaller portions, so I can take out just what I need!
How Can I Use Leftover Ham?
Don’t just stick to the classic ham sandwich! There are so many creative ways to use leftover ham. You can add it to split pea soup, scalloped potatoes, or make morning favorites like cheesy breakfast casserole or a ham and cheese quiche. Leftover ham also makes a great topping for a hearty meat-lovers pizza or a quick 30-minute pasta dish.
