How to Prepare a Holiday Ham
The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and delicious food. One of the most iconic dishes during this festive period is the holiday ham. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or attending a holiday party, preparing a holiday ham can be a delightful experience. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to prepare a holiday ham, ensuring that your feast is both impressive and mouth-watering.
1. Choose the Right Ham
The first step in preparing a holiday ham is selecting the right one. There are several types of hams available, including bone-in and boneless, smoked and unsmoked, and dry-cured and wet-cured. When choosing a ham, consider your preferences and the number of guests you’re serving. A bone-in ham is traditionally more flavorful, while a boneless ham is easier to slice. Smoked hams have a rich, smoky flavor, while unsmoked hams are more versatile in terms of preparation.
2. Thaw the Ham
If you’re using a frozen ham, it’s essential to thaw it properly before cooking. The recommended thawing time is 24 hours per pound. Place the ham in the refrigerator, on a tray to catch any drips, and allow it to thaw completely. If you’re short on time, you can also thaw the ham in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until it’s completely thawed.
3. Prepare the Ham
Once the ham is thawed, remove any packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat the ham dry with paper towels. If you’re using a bone-in ham, remove the skin and any excess fat with a sharp knife. You can also score the fat by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize during cooking.
4. Season the Ham
Season the ham with your favorite spices and herbs. Common seasonings include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and rosemary. You can also create a flavorful rub by combining these spices with a bit of olive oil or melted butter. Rub the seasoning mixture all over the ham, ensuring that it’s well-coated.
5. Roast the Ham
Preheat your oven to the temperature recommended by the ham’s package instructions. Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up, and insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone. Roast the ham according to the package instructions, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Baste the ham with its own juices or a mixture of butter, honey, and vinegar every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Glaze the Ham
Once the ham is almost done, remove it from the oven and apply a glaze. A simple honey mustard glaze can be made by combining honey, mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring that it’s evenly coated. Return the ham to the oven and continue roasting until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is fully cooked.
7. Rest and Serve
After roasting, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Slice the ham into thin pieces and serve it with your favorite sides, such as sweet potatoes, green beans, and cranberry sauce.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare a holiday ham that will impress your guests and make your holiday feast truly memorable. Happy holidays!
