Holiday Ham Recipe: A Show-Stopping Centerpiece
The Perfect Combination of Crunchy Crust and Juicy Interior
When it comes to holiday meals, a glazed ham is a staple that’s hard to beat. This easy recipe yields a sweet, crunchy crust and a juicy interior that’s sure to impress your guests. The key to success lies in selecting a high-quality smoked, bone-in ham that fits your budget.
Selecting the Right Ham
Look for a good butcher or meat counter at a market or grocery store you trust. Be sure to leave just enough fat on the ham to achieve the perfect crust-to-meat ratio. Too much fat can result in a flabby mess, while too little can lead to dry spots.
Easy Ingredients
- 1 (10-pound) smoked, bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup whole-grain mustard
- 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
Preparing the Ham
Heat your oven to 350°F and arrange a rack in the lower third. Remove any plastic packaging or netting from the ham, then trim away excess fat, leaving about a 1/4-inch layer all over. Let the ham rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
The Glaze
Meanwhile, combine the remaining ingredients in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the brown sugar has completely dissolved. Let the glaze cool to lukewarm, similar to room-temperature honey.
Baking the Ham
Line a baking sheet with several sheets of aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the ham, cut side down, on the baking sheet and cover it with parchment paper. Tightly cover the ham and parchment paper with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
Scoring and Glazing
When the ham is ready, remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Discard the foil and parchment paper, then score a 1-inch-wide diamond pattern over the entire ham using a sharp knife. Brush the ham with a quarter of the glaze, return it to the oven, and bake uncovered for 15 minutes. Repeat every 15 minutes until all of the glaze has been used and a dark golden-brown crust has formed.
The Final Touches
Let the ham rest for 20 to 30 minutes before slicing. With this easy recipe, you’ll be sure to impress your guests with a show-stopping holiday centerpiece that’s both delicious and visually stunning.
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