Louisiana Baked Ham π
Overview:
This Louisiana Baked Ham recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion from weeknight dinners to festive Thanksgiving gatherings. With a delectable blend of flavors and a succulent texture, this dish is bound to become a favorite in your household. Preparing this ham is a breeze, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Recipe Information:
- Name: Louisiana Baked Ham
- Category: Ham
- Keywords: Pork, Meat, Thanksgiving, Weeknight, For Large Groups, Oven, < 4 Hours
- Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Rating: βββββ (5/5)
- Calories: 734.2 per serving
- Servings: Yield varies based on portion size
Ingredients:
- 7-10 whole cloves
- 30 grams onion, sliced
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 tablespoons corn syrup
- 3 teaspoons dry mustard
- 3 tablespoons white vinegar
Instructions:
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Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350Β°F (175Β°C). This ensures that your ham cooks evenly and to perfection.
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Prepare the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the skin on the ham in a diamond pattern, creating small incisions. Be careful not to cut too deeply. Once scored, gently insert the whole cloves into the ham, placing them at the intersections of the score lines. This adds both flavor and visual appeal to the dish.
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Roast the Ham: In a roasting pan, lay the prepared ham and scatter the sliced onions around it. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and roast the ham for approximately 1 hour. This initial cooking period allows the flavors to meld and the meat to begin to cook through.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is roasting, prepare the delicious glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, flour, corn syrup, dry mustard, and white vinegar. Mix the ingredients together until well combined, forming a thick and aromatic glaze that will elevate the flavor of the ham.
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Glaze the Ham: After the initial hour of roasting, remove the ham from the oven and generously pour the prepared glaze over the surface of the ham, ensuring that it is evenly coated. This step adds a sweet and tangy layer of flavor to the dish.
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Final Cooking: Return the glazed ham to the oven, increasing the temperature to 450Β°F (230Β°C). Cook the ham for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a delicious crust on the exterior of the meat. During this final cooking period, baste the ham at least twice with the drippings from the pan to keep it moist and flavorful.
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Basting and Cooling: Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and continue to baste it as it cools. This helps to ensure that the ham remains juicy and succulent, while also allowing the glaze to set and form a delectable crust.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooled slightly, slice the Louisiana Baked Ham into generous portions and serve it either hot or cold, according to your preference. The savory-sweet flavor profile and tender texture are sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve alongside classic Thanksgiving sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce for a festive feast.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad dressed with vinaigrette for a lighter meal option.
- Enjoy leftovers in sandwiches, wraps, or salads for a delicious meal on the go.
Notes:
- Reserve the sliced onions from the roasting pan to make a flavorful gravy to accompany the ham. Simply follow recipe #42026 for a delicious finishing touch.
- Adjust the sweetness of the glaze to suit your taste preferences by adding more or less brown sugar and corn syrup.
- For a hint of smokiness, consider using a smoked ham instead of a traditional one, adding an extra layer of depth to the flavor profile.
Conclusion:
With its irresistible combination of flavors and simple preparation method, this Louisiana Baked Ham recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Whether served as the centerpiece of a holiday feast or enjoyed as a weeknight dinner, this dish never fails to impress. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering creation. Enjoy! π½οΈπ