Are you looking for a delicious and easy way to impress your guests at your next holiday gathering or special occasion?
Look no further than a fully cooked ham with a mouth-watering glaze. With just a few simple steps, you can transform a pre-cooked ham into a show-stopping centerpiece for your meal.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of glazing a fully cooked ham, including tips on timing, temperature, and the perfect glaze recipe.
So let’s get started and make your next meal one to remember!
How To Glaze Fully Cooked Ham?
Glazing a fully cooked ham is a simple process that can elevate the flavor and appearance of your meal. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Choose your glaze: There are many glaze options to choose from, including brown sugar, honey mustard, and pineapple. Pick a glaze that complements the flavors of your ham and your personal taste preferences.
2. Prepare the ham: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the ham in a roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. If desired, score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate.
3. Bake the ham: Bake the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F. Avoid opening the oven frequently to prevent the ham from drying out.
4. Glaze the ham: Wait until the last 15-20 minutes of baking to apply the glaze. Brush it on with a basting brush or spoon, making sure to coat the entire surface of the ham. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
5. Serve and enjoy: Once the ham is fully cooked and glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Serve any extra glaze on the side for added flavor.
Choosing The Right Ham For Glazing
When it comes to glazing a ham, it’s important to choose the right type of ham to ensure the best flavor and texture. Here are some tips for selecting the right ham for glazing:
1. Fully cooked ham: Make sure to choose a fully cooked ham, as this will save you time and ensure that the ham is safe to eat. Look for a label that says “fully cooked” or “ready-to-eat.”
2. Bone-in ham: A bone-in ham will have better flavor and texture than a boneless ham. The bone helps to keep the meat moist and adds flavor to the ham.
3. Spiral-sliced ham: While not necessary, a spiral-sliced ham can make it easier to apply the glaze and serve the ham. Just be sure to choose a spiral-sliced ham that is not already glazed or flavored.
4. City or country ham: Both city and country hams can be glazed, but they have different flavors and textures. City hams are wet-cured and have a milder flavor, while country hams are dry-cured and have a stronger, saltier flavor. Choose the type of ham that best suits your taste preferences.
5. Size of the ham: Consider the size of your gathering when choosing a ham. A whole ham can serve up to 30 people, while a half-ham can serve around 15 people. Choose a size that will provide enough leftovers without being too overwhelming for your guests.
By following these tips, you can select the perfect ham for glazing and create a delicious and memorable meal for your family and friends.
Preparing The Ham For Glazing
Before glazing your fully cooked ham, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that the glaze is absorbed properly and the ham remains juicy and flavorful.
1. Score the skin: Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and create a more flavorful dish.
2. Baste with juices: Before applying the glaze, baste the ham with its own juices. This will help to keep it moist and infuse it with even more flavor.
3. Choose the right glaze: As mentioned above, choose a glaze that complements the flavors of your ham. Some popular options include brown sugar, honey mustard, and pineapple.
4. Apply the glaze: Wait until the last 15-20 minutes of baking to apply the glaze. Brush it on with a basting brush or spoon, making sure to coat the entire surface of the ham.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious glazed ham that will impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds.
Creating The Perfect Glaze Recipe
Creating the perfect glaze recipe for your fully cooked ham is all about finding the right balance of flavors and consistency. Here are some tips to help you create a glaze that will impress your guests:
1. Start with a base: A basic glaze consists of powdered sugar and a liquid such as water or milk. From there, you can add other ingredients to give it flavor and texture.
2. Add flavor: Consider adding flavor to your glaze with ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, mustard, or fruit juice. For a more savory glaze, try adding herbs or spices like garlic, thyme, or paprika.
3. Experiment with consistency: The amount of liquid you add to your glaze will determine its thickness. For a thicker glaze, use less liquid. For a thinner glaze, use more liquid. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or liquid as needed.
4. Test and adjust: Once you’ve created your glaze, taste it and adjust the flavors as needed. If it’s too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance it out. If it’s too thick, add more liquid. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
5. Apply the glaze: When applying the glaze to your ham, use a basting brush or spoon to coat the entire surface evenly. Be sure to wait until the last 15-20 minutes of baking to apply the glaze so that it doesn’t burn.
By following these tips and experimenting with different flavors and consistencies, you can create a glaze that perfectly complements your fully cooked ham and impresses your guests with its delicious taste and beautiful appearance.
Applying The Glaze To The Ham
Now that your ham is fully cooked, it’s time to apply the glaze. Follow these steps:
1. Remove the ham from the oven: Carefully pull the roasting pan out of the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Remember to close the oven door to prevent heat from escaping.
2. Coat the ham with glaze: Using a basting brush or spoon, coat the ham with the glaze. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the ham evenly.
3. Return the ham to the oven: Once you’ve applied the glaze, return the ham to the oven and continue baking until it reaches your desired internal temperature. It’s important to not leave the ham out of the oven for too long, as this can cause it to cool down and affect its overall texture and flavor.
4. Repeat as necessary: Depending on how much glaze you have and how large your ham is, you may need to apply multiple coats of glaze during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Simply brush on more glaze every few minutes until you achieve your desired level of sweetness and stickiness.
5. Let it rest: Once your ham is fully cooked and glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensure that each slice is moist and flavorful.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and impressive glazed ham that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or hosting a dinner party, this classic dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Baking And Serving The Glazed Ham
Baking and serving the glazed ham is the final step in the process of creating a delicious and impressive meal. Follow these steps to ensure your ham is perfectly cooked and ready to serve:
1. Adjust the oven temperature: Once you have applied the glaze to your ham, increase the oven temperature to 425°F. This will help to caramelize the glaze and create a beautiful golden brown crust on the ham.
2. Continue baking: Return the ham to the oven and continue baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 140-145°F. This should take approximately 10-15 minutes per pound of ham.
3. Let it rest: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
4. Slice and serve: Use a sharp carving knife to slice the ham into thin, even slices. Arrange them on a platter or individual plates and serve with your favorite sides and garnishes.
5. Enjoy leftovers: If you have any leftover glazed ham, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy meal later in the week.
By following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and impressive glazed ham that is sure to be a hit with your family and guests.
Tips For Leftover Glazed Ham Recipes
If you have leftover glazed ham, there are many delicious recipes you can make with it. Here are some tips to help you get creative in the kitchen:
1. Use it in casseroles: Leftover glazed ham is a great addition to casseroles, such as ham and potato casserole or ham and broccoli casserole. Simply chop the ham into small pieces and mix it with your favorite ingredients.
2. Make soup: Ham and bean soup is a classic recipe that is perfect for using up leftover glazed ham. You can also add it to potato soup or split pea soup for added flavor.
3. Add it to breakfast dishes: Leftover glazed ham is a great addition to breakfast dishes like omelets, frittatas, and quiches. It adds a salty, savory flavor that pairs well with eggs.
4. Make sandwiches: Use leftover glazed ham to make delicious sandwiches, such as a ham and cheese sandwich or a ham salad sandwich. You can also use it in a grilled cheese sandwich for added flavor.
5. Incorporate it into pasta dishes: Leftover glazed ham can be diced and added to pasta dishes like macaroni and cheese or carbonara for added protein and flavor.
By following these tips, you can turn your leftover glazed ham into delicious meals that your whole family will enjoy.
