Easy Baked Ham: A Deliciously Simple Family Favorite

There’s something comforting about the aroma of a baked ham wafting through your home. If you’re looking for an Easy Baked Ham recipe, you’ve landed in the right place! This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight or a festive gathering, striking the right balance between simplicity and flavor. Plus, boneless ham often leaves leftovers that you can transform into scrumptious sandwiches or a rich soup the next day.

As you gather with your loved ones, this dish not only satisfies appetites but also creates lasting memories at the dinner table. The great thing about this Easy Baked Ham is that it’s versatile and forgiving—perfect for cooks of all skill levels. Ready to make your home smell like heaven? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Ham

This Easy Baked Ham is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Picture yourself slicing into a juicy ham glazed with a delightful mix of sweetness and savory goodness. Imagine sharing it with friends and family, all while basking in the warmth of shared stories and laughter.

It’s also a remarkable meal prep option. Pair it with some sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, and you have an impressive feast that won’t double your workload. Not sure what sides to go with your ham? Check out this cheesy baked tortellini casserole for a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to complement your main dish!

Ingredients for Easy Baked Ham

Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients:

• 1 boneless ham (about 4-5 lbs)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon cloves (optional)
• 1 cup of water

These ingredients create a luscious glaze that elevates the ham to another level, making it the star of your meal!

Step-by-Step Directions for Cooking Easy Baked Ham

Now it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get baking!

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). A well-heated oven ensures that the ham cooks evenly.

2. Prepare the Ham: Place your ham in a roasting pan, cut-side down. This prevents the meat from drying out during cooking.

3. Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, ground mustard, and cloves if you’re using them. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.

4. Glaze the Ham: Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s well-coated. Use a brush or the back of a spoon to spread it evenly.

5. Bake the Ham: Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist. Cover the pan tightly with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours.

6. Add More Glaze: After an hour, remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Bake for another 30-45 minutes, uncovered, until heated through and caramelized.

7. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is tender and juicy.

Cooking Tips for Your Easy Baked Ham

• Prepping Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick warm-up before using.

• Leftover Magic: Don’t forget to utilize those leftovers! Ham sandwiches or a comforting ham soup are excellent options for the days following the feast.

• Checking Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham has reached an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures safety without overcooking.

FAQs About Easy Baked Ham

Can I substitute honey in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have honey, maple syrup works beautifully and adds your ham a unique flavor.

How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

Conclusion

This Easy Baked Ham is truly a culinary treasure that turns everyday meals into something extraordinary. It’s perfect for making your kitchen the heart of your home, whether it’s for holiday gatherings or cozy dinners with the family. If you’re looking for creative ways to use your baked ham, you might enjoy checking out this easy baked ham recipe for even more ideas. And if you’re craving a sweet treat afterward, don’t miss the chance to whip up some delightful desserts like my easy chocolate recipe to cap off your fantastic meal!

So grab your apron, turn on your oven, and let the magic unfold with this delightful dish that celebrates both flavor and togetherness.

Easy Baked Ham

A deliciously simple baked ham recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, featuring a delightful glaze and leftovers that can be transformed into other meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Ham

• 1 each boneless ham (about 4-5 lbs)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1 teaspoon cloves (optional) Use if desired for added flavor.
• 1 cup water To keep the ham moist during baking.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
• Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut-side down.

Making the Glaze

• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, ground mustard, and cloves if using. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is bubbly.

Baking the Ham

• Pour half of the glaze over the ham and spread it evenly.
• Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Bake for about 1.5 hours.
• After an hour, remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Bake for another 30-45 minutes until heated through and caramelized.

Finishing Up

• Once cooked, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

To save time, you can prepare the glaze in advance and store it in the fridge. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches 140°F (60°C). Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days.

Keyword Baked Ham, Comfort Food, easy ham recipe, Family Favorite, Holiday Meal