Imagine walking into your dining room with a ham so incredibly delicious that it becomes the star of your Easter feast. This isn't just any ordinary ham – this is a show-stopping, flavor-packed masterpiece that will have your family and friends talking about it for years to come. Prepare to elevate your holiday meal with a recipe that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors in one irresistible dish that's guaranteed to become a new family tradition.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 large ham
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for cooking the ham evenly while allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the pineapple juice, brown sugar, mustard, and honey. Whisk the ingredients together until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Place the large ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This position helps retain moisture during cooking and allows for even heat distribution.
- Pour the pineapple juice mixture over the ham, ensuring it is well-coated. Allow some of the glaze to seep into the cuts of the ham for maximum flavor.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This will help keep the moisture in while it cooks, preventing the ham from drying out.
- Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. During this time, the ham will absorb the flavors of the glaze and become tender.
- After 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the foil and baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the pan. This will enhance the flavor and help create a beautiful glaze.
- Continue baking the ham uncovered for the remaining 30 minutes. This allows the glaze to caramelize and develop a rich, sticky coating.
- Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), it is ready to be removed from the oven. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham even more flavorful and juicy.
- Slice the ham into thick, even pieces and serve it on a large platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the roasting pan over the slices for added flavor.
- Enjoy your Insanely Delicious Easter Ham with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, for a complete festive meal.
Tips
- • Always choose a high-quality ham with good marbling for maximum flavor and tenderness. • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness – 140°F is the sweet spot for a juicy ham. • Don't rush the resting period after cooking; those 10-15 minutes help redistribute the juices. • Baste frequently to create a gorgeous, caramelized glaze that will make your ham look as amazing as it tastes. • If you want extra flavor, consider scoring the ham's surface before glazing to help the marinade penetrate deeper. • Leftover ham? Store it properly in an airtight container and enjoy it in sandwiches, omelets, or salads for the next few days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
