Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to impress your guests this holiday season?
Look no further than a precooked honey glazed ham!
With just a few simple steps, you can have a mouth-watering centerpiece for your table that is sure to please everyone.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the process of preparing and cooking your ham to perfection.
So grab your apron and let’s get started!
How To Cook A Precooked Honey Glazed Ham?
Step 1: Let Your Ham Rest
Before cooking your ham, take it out of the refrigerator and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Prepare Your Glaze Mixture
In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, mix together honey, butter, dark corn syrup, and brown sugar to create your glaze mixture. Heat until smooth and well-blended.
Step 4: Prepare Your Ham
Line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil. If scoring the ham, lightly score the top into diamond shapes and place the ham in the pan. If using whole cloves, put them in between the lines you scored, but remove before cutting and eating.
Step 5: Brush On The Glaze And Bake The Ham
Brush the glaze on top of the ham and create a foil tent over it. Bake the ham according to how many pounds you have. Usually, it takes about 15 minutes per pound. Brush the glaze over the ham every 15 minutes.
Step 6: Broil The Ham
Once your ham is fully cooked, remove the foil tent and turn your oven to broil. Let the ham get dark for about 3-5 minutes to caramelize the top. Then, remove the ham from the oven and pour remaining glaze over the top.
Step 7: Let The Ham Rest And Serve
Let your ham rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Slice and enjoy!
Gathering Ingredients And Supplies
Now that you know the steps to cook a precooked honey glazed ham, it’s time to gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies. Most of the ingredients for this recipe are pantry staples and might already be in your cupboard and ready to go. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
– 1 boneless fully cooked ham (3 to 4 pounds)
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup dark corn syrup
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Whole cloves (optional)
As far as equipment needed for this recipe, you’ll need:
– A 9×13 inch baking pan
– Aluminum foil
– A medium saucepan
– A pastry brush
– A knife for scoring (if desired)
– A meat thermometer
If you don’t have these items already, they can easily be found at any kitchen supply store or online. It’s important to have a meat thermometer on hand to ensure your ham is cooked to the proper temperature. A handheld, instant-read thermometer is the most used kitchen tool, especially when working with meat.
Once you have all your ingredients and supplies ready, it’s time to start cooking your delicious honey glazed ham!
Preparing The Ham For Cooking
Before you begin cooking your precooked honey glazed ham, it’s important to prepare it properly. First, take the ham out of the refrigerator and let it rest for 30 minutes at room temperature. This will help it cook more evenly in the oven.
Next, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven is heating up, prepare your glaze mixture. In a medium saucepan on medium-low heat, mix together honey, butter, dark corn syrup, and brown sugar until smooth and well-blended.
Now it’s time to prepare your ham. Line a 9×13 inch pan with aluminum foil and place the ham in the pan. If you want to score the top of the ham, use a sharp knife to lightly score it into diamond shapes. You can also stud the ham with whole cloves by placing them in between the lines you scored, but make sure to remove them before cutting and eating.
Once your ham is prepared, brush the glaze mixture generously over the top of the ham. Create a foil tent over the ham and bake it in the oven for about 15 minutes per pound. Brush the glaze over the ham every 15 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
After your ham is fully cooked, remove the foil tent and turn your oven to broil. Let the ham get dark for about 3-5 minutes to caramelize the top. Then, remove the ham from the oven and pour any remaining glaze over the top.
Finally, let your ham rest for about 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for optimal tenderness and flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey glazed ham!
Choosing The Right Cooking Method
There are several ways to cook a precooked honey glazed ham, but the best method depends on your personal preferences and the equipment you have available. One popular method is baking the ham in the oven, uncovered, for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest portion registers 140°F, basting every 30 minutes with 1/2 cup of the glaze. Another option is to slow cook the ham in a crockpot for 4 to 8 hours on low, depending on the size of your ham. This method is great for those who want a fuss-free and hands-off approach.
If you prefer a more caramelized and crispy exterior, you can try rolling the whole ham in a sugar rub and then torching it to perfection. This method involves baking the ham at 325°F until warm, then rolling it in a sugar rub and torching it with a culinary torch until crispy.
Regardless of which cooking method you choose, be sure to let your ham rest before cooking and brush on your glaze mixture generously throughout the cooking process. With proper preparation and cooking techniques, your precooked honey glazed ham will turn out deliciously moist and flavorful.
Basting The Ham For Optimal Flavor
Basting your ham is an essential step in achieving optimal flavor. Basting involves brushing the glaze mixture over the ham while it cooks, ensuring that every inch of the ham is coated in the delicious mixture. This process helps to keep the ham moist and tender, while also adding a layer of flavor to the meat.
To begin basting your ham, start by brushing a generous layer of the glaze mixture over the top of the ham. Be sure to cover all areas of the ham, including any scored lines or whole cloves. Then, place the ham in the oven and set a timer for 15 minutes.
After 15 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and brush on another layer of glaze. Repeat this process every 15 minutes until the ham is fully cooked. This will ensure that the ham stays moist and flavorful throughout the cooking process.
If you notice that your ham is drying out during cooking, you can use a baster to suck up some of the juices from the bottom of the pan and pour them over the top of the ham. This will add even more moisture and flavor to your ham.
Once your ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it even more tender and flavorful.
Checking For Doneness And Serving Tips
Checking for doneness is crucial to ensure that your precooked honey glazed ham is cooked to perfection. There are several methods you can use to check if your ham is done.
One of the most accurate methods is to use a meat thermometer. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, making sure it doesn’t touch any bone or fat. For fully cooked hams, the internal temperature should reach 135°F. If you’re using an uncooked or partially cooked ham, the internal temperature should be at least 160°F.
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also check for doneness by piercing the ham with a meat fork or knife. If the meat slides easily in and out, it’s done.
Another method is to visually check the ham. For bone-in hams, as they cook, the meat will start to separate from the bones, and the large bones will move easily when it’s done.
Once your ham is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it. To keep your ham moist and flavorful, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
When slicing your ham, start at one end and cut straight down to the bone. Then, slice along the bone to remove each slice. If you want to add more flavor, you can brush some extra glaze over each slice before serving.
A precooked honey glazed ham is perfect for any occasion, from holiday dinners to casual gatherings with friends and family. With these tips, you can cook and serve a delicious honey glazed ham that everyone will love.
