Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a recipe that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! Imagine a perfectly baked ham, glazed with a luxurious blueberry sauce that combines the rich, smoky flavor of ham with the sweet-tangy burst of fresh blueberries. This isn't just another ham recipe - it's a gourmet adventure that will have your family and guests begging for seconds, making you the ultimate home chef sensation!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (4-6 lbs)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan with the fat side facing up. If the ham comes with a glaze packet, set it aside.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning and help retain moisture during cooking.
- Bake the ham for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- While the ham is cooking, prepare the blueberry sauce by combining blueberries, brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a medium saucepan.
- Bring the blueberry mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally and allowing the berries to break down and release their juices.
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with water to create a smooth slurry, then slowly stir this into the blueberry mixture.
- Continue cooking the sauce for 3-5 minutes until it thickens, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice the ham and drizzle the warm blueberry sauce over the top just before serving.
- Garnish with fresh blueberries or herbs if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches exactly 140°F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Sauce Consistency Matters: When making the blueberry sauce, stir the cornstarch slurry slowly to avoid lumps and achieve a silky smooth texture.
- Resting Time is Crucial: Let your ham rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: Both work wonderfully, but fresh blueberries will give a brighter, more vibrant sauce if in season.
- Make-Ahead Hack: You can prepare the blueberry sauce up to 2 days in advance and gently reheat before serving, saving you time on the day of your meal.
- Garnish Like a Pro: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can elevate the visual appeal and add an extra layer of flavor to your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
