Baking a smoked ham at home is a delicious and easy way to prepare a holiday-perfect meal. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic instructions, you can create a mouthwatering centerpiece that will quickly become a tradition in your household.
What You'll Need
To bake a smoked ham, you'll need the following ingredients:
- Smoked ham: Choose a bone-in ham, preferably the rump portion. Adjustments may be necessary if your ham is larger or smaller than 12 pounds.
- Cloves: Whole cloves add warmth and depth of flavor to the ham.
- Brown sugar: This ingredient lends additional warmth and welcome sweetness to the dish.
- Water: Use about an inch of water in the roasting pan. The exact amount may vary depending on the size and type of pan you're using.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start baking your smoked ham:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Press whole cloves into the top of the ham to add flavor and aroma.
- Pack brown sugar over the surface of the ham. This will create a caramelized glaze as it bakes.
- Add about an inch of water to the roasting pan to keep the ham moist during baking.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 5 to 5 hours. This is the recommended cooking time for a 12-pound ham. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should be at least 160 degrees F when inserted into the center of the ham (avoid touching the bone).
It's important to note that if you're using a pre-cooked ham, you should follow the baking instructions provided on the packaging for accurate cooking times.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering what to serve with your baked smoked ham? Here are a few delicious side dish ideas:
- Mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole
- Sweet potato casserole
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread
- Deviled eggs
- Macaroni and cheese
Feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch to the meal by incorporating your favorite sides and accompaniments.
Storing and Freezing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat the ham, you can use either a microwave or an oven.
If you want to freeze your baked smoked ham, wrap the leftovers in storage wrap and then wrap them again in foil. The ham can be frozen for up to two months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.
Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise
Here are some feedback and tips from the Allrecipes community:
Very good and very easy, raves Indysev. i skipped the cloves as my family doesn't care for them. the ham was very moist and delicious!
I did this recipe for christmas and it was a big hit, according to deepali. i love how easy it was, and that we hardly had leftovers to keep.
This was sooo good, says Cindy Sassack. the whole family loved it. we skipped the cloves, using brown sugar with pineapple slices instead. it was incredibly moist.
With these simple instructions and helpful tips, you can confidently bake a smoked ham that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the delicious flavors and the joy of creating a memorable meal!
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