It’s a new year, and what better way to start it off than with some delicious ham recipes? From Easter dinner to Christmas dinner, I’m here to give you all the tips, tricks, and recipes you need to make your ham the star of the show. Whether you’re looking for a traditional glazed ham, a unique twist on the classic, or something a little more unexpected, you’re sure to find something here to make your next holiday meal a hit. So grab your apron and let’s get cooking!
Contents
The Perfect Glazed Ham
The perfect glazed ham is a classic favorite that’s sure to please any crowd. Start by selecting a quality ham; for best results, use a bone-in ham that’s been cured and smoked. Next, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with a lid or aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour, then remove the lid or foil and brush with your favorite glaze. Return the ham to the oven and bake, uncovered, for an additional hour. Every 10 minutes, brush the ham with more glaze to ensure a beautiful golden color and delicious flavor.
Table 1: Ham Cooking Times
| Size of Ham | Cooking Time |
| 3-5 pounds | 1 hour |
| 5-7 pounds | 1.5 hours |
| 7-10 pounds | 2 hours |
| 10-14 pounds | 2.5 hours |
| 14-18 pounds | 3 hours |
When done, the internal temperature of the ham should be 140 degrees. Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. For an extra special touch, garnish with orange slices and fresh herbs. Now that’s a meal fit for a king!
New Twists on the Classic
If you’re looking for a unique twist on the classic glazed ham, there are plenty of recipes to choose from. Try a honey-mustard glaze for a sweet and tangy flavor, or a brown sugar and pineapple glaze for a hint of tropical flavor. You can also mix and match ingredients to create your own custom glaze. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started: combine 1/3 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of mustard, and 1/3 cup of pineapple juice. Brush the mixture over the ham the last 30 minutes of baking.
Table 2: Ham Glaze Ingredients
| Glaze Type | Ingredients |
| Honey Mustard | 1/3 cup honey, 1/4 cup mustard |
| Brown Sugar and Pineapple | 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup pineapple juice |
| Molasses and Orange | 1/4 cup molasses, 1/4 cup orange juice |
| Maple and Mustard | 1/4 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup mustard |
You can also add extra flavor to your ham by stuffing it with your favorite ingredients. Try a stuffing of apples and onions for a sweet and savory flavor, or a stuffing of cranberries and walnuts for something a bit different. And for a real showstopper, try my recipe for a stuffing of roasted garlic, kale, and Parmesan cheese. Your guests will be begging for seconds!
Unconventional Ham Recipes
If you really want to wow your guests, why not try something a little different? Forget the traditional glazed ham and try a recipe for ham and cheese quiche, or Ham and Brie tartlets. You can also get creative with your leftovers; turn them into a ham and potato soup, or a ham and cheese frittata. The options are endless!
Table 3: Unconventional Ham Recipes
| Recipe | Ingredients |
| Ham and Cheese Quiche | 1/2 cup cooked ham, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/4 cup onion, 1/4 cup bell pepper, 4 eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour |
| Ham and Brie Tartlets | 1/2 cup cooked ham, 1/2 cup Brie cheese, 1/4 cup onion, 1/4 cup bell pepper, 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup milk |
| Ham and Potato Soup | 1/2 cup cooked ham, 2 cups potatoes, 1/4 cup onion, 1/4 cup celery, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour |
| Ham and Cheese Frittata | 1/2 cup cooked ham, 1/2 cup cheese, 1/4 cup onion, 1/4 cup bell pepper, 4 eggs, 1/4 cup milk, 1/2 cup flour |
I hope these recipes have inspired you to give ham a try this year. As the old saying goes, “Everything’s better with a little ham.” So don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new. I’m sure your guests will be singing your praises and asking for seconds!
