Imagine the sweet, tantalizing aroma of a perfectly glazed ham wafting through your kitchen, enticing your family and friends to gather around the table. This Root Beer Glazed Ham is not just a dish; it's a showstopper that will elevate any occasion, from holiday feasts to casual get-togethers. With its unique blend of root beer, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, this recipe promises a mouthwatering experience that will leave everyone craving more. Ready to impress your guests and create unforgettable memories? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delightful to eat!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 (5-7 lb) ham
- 1 cup root beer
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating 1-inch diagonal cuts.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together root beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- Pour half of the root beer glaze over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting during cooking.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Every 20 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the surface to brown and caramelize. Continue basting with the remaining glaze.
- Remove ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, and if desired, drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for extra flavor.
- Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, accompanied by your favorite side dishes.
Tips
- Bring the Ham to Room Temperature: For even cooking, remove the ham from the refrigerator about an hour before you start cooking. This helps it cook more uniformly.
- Score the Fat: If your ham has a thick layer of fat, scoring it in a diamond pattern not only enhances the presentation but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, adding more flavor.
- Baste Regularly: To achieve that irresistible caramelized crust, baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 20 minutes. This will help build layers of flavor and keep the meat moist.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your ham is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for the best results.
- Let it Rest: After removing the ham from the oven, allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier ham.
- Pair with Sides: Serve your Root Beer Glazed Ham with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal that everyone will love.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 432kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 75mg
