How to Cook Ham in Oven: A Comprehensive Guide to a Classic Recipe

I. Introduction

Ham is a classic dish enjoyed by many during holidays or any special occasion. It is a versatile protein that can be seasoned and glazed in different ways, served as a main dish or as an ingredient in various recipes. Cooking ham in the oven is an easy way to prepare this delicious meat for your family and friends. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to cook ham in the oven, including variations of ham glaze recipes, leftover ham recipe ideas, ham cooking equipment, and pro tips for preparing a perfectly cooked ham.

II. Basic Oven-Baked Ham Recipe

Before we dive into the variations of ham glaze and leftover ham recipes, let’s start with the basics of cooking ham in the oven. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan, flat side down.
3. If the ham has a skin or rind, score it with a knife in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
4. Cover the ham with foil, leaving the ends of the ham exposed. This will keep the ham moist during cooking.
5. Bake the ham in the oven, following the guidelines based on its weight:
• For a 5-7 pound ham, bake for 22-25 minutes per pound.
• For a 7-10 pound ham, bake for 18-20 minutes per pound.
• For a 10-14 pound ham, bake for 15-18 minutes per pound.
• For a 14-18 pound ham, bake for 13-15 minutes per pound.
6. Halfway through cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with your preferred glaze. You can use a pastry brush or simply pour the glaze over the ham. Cover with foil again and continue baking.
7. When the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving and serving.

That’s it! With these simple steps, you can easily cook a juicy, flavorful oven-baked ham. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this basic ham recipe:

• 1 fully cooked ham
• Foil

You can also choose to add seasoning to your ham before baking, such as cloves, cinnamon, or brown sugar. Alternatively, you can use a glaze to add more flavor and a shiny finish to your ham. Let’s take a look at some variations of ham glaze recipes.

III. Variations of Ham Glaze

Glazing your ham is a great way to add a sweet and savory finish to it. Here are some popular ham glaze recipes to choose from:

1. Honey Glaze
• ½ cup honey
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground ginger

This glaze recipe has a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with ham. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and brush over the ham halfway through baking.

2. Pineapple Glaze
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp honey

This glaze recipe has a fruity and tropical taste that complements the saltiness of the ham. Mix all the ingredients in a pan and simmer for 5-7 minutes until thick. Brush over the ham halfway through baking.

3. Maple Glaze
• 1 cup maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp brown sugar

This glaze recipe has a rich and sweet flavor that pairs well with ham. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and microwave for 30 seconds. Brush over the ham halfway through baking.

You can also experiment with your own glaze recipe and adjust the ingredients to your liking. When choosing a glaze, keep in mind the flavor of your ham and the occasion or meal you are serving it for. Different types of glazes pair well with different sides and flavors. Let’s take a look at some recommended pairing choices for each glaze.

IV. Ham Leftover Recipes

If you have leftover ham, don’t let it go to waste! There are many easy and delicious recipes you can make with it. Here are some ideas:

1. Ham and Cheese Omelet

Whisk together 2-3 eggs and pour into a hot skillet. Add diced ham and shredded cheese on one side of the omelet. Fold the other half over and cook until the eggs are set. Serve with toast.

2. Ham and Pea Pasta

Cook your preferred pasta according to the package instructions. Sautee diced onion and garlic in olive oil until soft. Add chopped leftover ham and a cup of frozen peas. Cook until the peas are tender. Toss the pasta with the ham and pea mixture and add grated Parmesan cheese.

3. Ham and Bean Soup

In a pot, simmer a can of drained white beans with chopped leftover ham, diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Add chicken broth and simmer for 20-25 minutes. Add Italian seasoning and salt to taste.

These recipes are just a few suggestions. Feel free to experiment with other dishes and variations based on your preferred flavors and ingredients.

V. Ham Cooking Equipment

To cook ham in the oven, you will need the right equipment. Here are some types of ovens, pans, and roasting racks suitable for cooking ham:

1. Oven

An oven is the main equipment you’ll need to cook ham. Most ovens can be used to bake a ham, but if you have a convection oven, it will cook the ham more evenly.

2. Roasting Pan

A roasting pan is a shallow, wide pan with handles, used for roasting meats. It allows the heat to circulate around the meat, cooking it evenly. Make sure your pan is large enough to fit your ham and deep enough to contain the juices.

3. Roasting Rack

A roasting rack is a metal rack that fits inside a roasting pan, elevating the meat above the pan. It allows the heat to circulate around the meat and helps it cook evenly. The drippings from the meat will fall into the pan, which can be used to make gravy or sauce.

Keep in mind that each type of equipment will affect the cooking time, flavor, and texture of your ham. Do some research and find the equipment that suits your cooking style and preferences.

VI. Tips for Preparing a Perfect Ham

Finally, here are some pro tips for preparing a perfect ham in the oven:

• Preheat your oven before cooking the ham.
• Room temperature meat cooks more evenly, so take the ham out of the refrigerator an hour before cooking.
• Score the ham skin or rind in a diamond pattern for a beautiful presentation.
• Cover the ham with foil to keep it moist and remove the foil halfway through baking for a golden finish.
• Baste the ham occasionally with its juices for added flavor.
• Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to retain its juices and make it easier to slice.

VII. Conclusion

Cooking ham in the oven is a classic recipe that is easy and delicious. With the guidance and tips provided in this article, you can prepare a perfectly cooked ham with your preferred glaze and experiment with different leftover ham recipes. Make sure you have the right equipment and follow the instructions carefully.