Hey, So, Easter’s just around the corner, and I gotta tell you, I’m already dreaming about that mouthwatering Easter Ham through Beyond the Bayou Blog. It’s become a bit of a tradition in my family.
Every year, we gather around the table, and there it is, that glorious ham, golden-brown and glistening with a sweet glaze. But let me tell you about last Easter. I decided to take charge of cooking the ham along with Easter Pie and Easter�s Drop Biscuits for the first time ever.
Now, I’m no expert chef, but I figured, how hard could it be, right? So, armed with a recipe I found online, I embarked on my adventure. And let me tell you, it was an experience! From scoring the ham to basting it with that heavenly glaze, I felt like a real pro. And when it finally emerged from the oven, perfectly cooked and smelling divine, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride.
My family’s reaction when they tasted it? Let’s just say there were smiles all around and not a single leftover slice. Since then, I’ve become the designated Easter ham chef in my family, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So, if you’re looking to create your own Easter ham masterpiece, stick around because I’ve got all the tips and tricks you need right here.
What is Easter Ham?
Easter ham is a delicious dish often enjoyed during the Easter holiday. It’s typically a large cut of pork, specifically the hind leg, that’s cured, smoked, or baked and then glazed with a sweet or savory sauce for added flavor. The tradition of serving ham at Easter likely stems from early Christian celebrations where people would feast on ham to celebrate the end of Lent, a period of fasting. Today, Easter ham remains a popular centerpiece for family gatherings and festive meals, symbolizing abundance and renewal. It’s easy to prepare, making it a favorite choice for Easter dinners enjoyed by many around the world.
Overview: How to make Easter Ham Recipe?
Making Easter ham is a delightful process that brings warmth to family gatherings. First, prepare your ham by rinsing it and patting it dry. Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern to help the flavors penetrate.
Next, place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake it in the oven at a low temperature until it’s almost cooked through. While it bakes, prepare the glaze by combining ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices in a saucepan over medium heat. Let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly, then remove it from the heat.
Once the ham is nearly done, remove it from the oven and uncover it. Brush the glaze generously over the surface of the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. The result is a succulent and flavorful Easter ham that’s sure to be the star of your holiday meal.
Glazed Easter Ham Recipe
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Sharp Knife
- Basting Brush or Spoon
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 1 whole fully cooked bone-in ham 15 to 18 pounds
- whole cloves
- 3 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cups spicy brown mustard
- 1 can Dr Pepper or Coke
- 3 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to recommended temperature for ham roasting.
- Rinse ham under cold water and pat dry with towels.
- Score ham’s surface with sharp knife in crisscross pattern.
- Season ham generously with desired spices, herbs, or aromatics.
- Apply glaze evenly onto the surface of the scored ham.
- Place prepared ham into appropriately sized roasting pan.
- Roast ham in preheated oven according to recipe instructions.
- Baste ham occasionally with its own juices or additional glaze.
- Check internal temperature of ham with meat thermometer periodically.
- Allow ham to rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Preheat oven adequately for even cooking and optimal results.
- Thoroughly rinse and pat dry the ham to remove excess moisture.
- Use a sharp knife to score the ham’s surface for better flavor infusion.
- Season generously with spices to enhance the taste of the ham.
Nutrition
Time for the Tips!
- Apply the glaze evenly to create a delicious caramelized coating.
- Choose a roasting pan that comfortably fits the size of your ham.
- Baste the ham periodically while roasting to keep it moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the correct internal temperature.
- Allow the ham to rest before slicing to retain juices and tenderness.
- Enjoy the ham as a centerpiece for your Easter celebration with loved ones.
What to Serve with Easter Ham?
What kind of ham you should Use for Easter?
For Easter, a bone-in, spiral-cut ham is often a popular choice. This type of ham is typically pre-cooked and cured, making it convenient for holiday preparations. The spiral-cut allows for easy slicing and serving, while the bone-in aspect adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist during cooking. Additionally, spiral-cut hams often come with a glaze packet, providing a sweet and flavorful coating for the ham. Other options include boneless ham or smoked ham, depending on personal preference and the desired flavor profile. Ultimately, the best kind of ham for Easter is one that suits your taste preferences and fits well with the other dishes you plan to serve.
What to do with Leftover?
- Ham sandwiches: Use leftover ham slices to make classic sandwiches with your favorite bread, cheese, and condiments.
- Ham and cheese omelette: Add diced ham to your morning omelette along with cheese and veggies for a hearty breakfast.
- Ham and bean soup: Simmer leftover ham with beans, vegetables, and broth to make a comforting and flavorful soup.
- Ham and vegetable quiche: Incorporate diced ham into a quiche along with vegetables and cheese for a tasty brunch or dinner option.
- Ham fried rice: Saut� diced ham with rice, vegetables, and scrambled eggs for a quick and easy stir-fry dish.
- Ham and potato hash: Cook diced ham with potatoes and onions for a delicious and filling breakfast hash.
- Ham and cheese pasta: Toss diced ham with cooked pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce for a comforting pasta dish.
- Ham and broccoli casserole: Combine diced ham with cooked broccoli, cheese, and a creamy sauce, then bake until bubbly for a tasty casserole.