Fantastic Holiday Ham Recipe 🍖
Description
This Fantastic Holiday Ham recipe is a timeless favorite, perfect for any holiday feast or special occasion! It’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight on your table with its irresistible combination of sweet and savory flavors. Be sure to prepare ahead and gather all your ingredients, including a large roasting pan with a rack, to ensure everything goes smoothly. Whether it’s for Christmas dinner or a gathering with friends and family, this ham is sure to impress! 🎉
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 905.3
- Fat Content: 53.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 19.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 284.1mg
- Sodium Content: 190.9mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 20.2g
- Fiber Content: 1.5g
- Sugar Content: 17.3g
- Protein Content: 81.4g
Ingredients
- 1 whole ham (approximately 12 pounds)
- 1/3 to 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (for the glaze)
- 2 tablespoons mustard powder
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice (reserved from pineapple rings)
- 1 cup 7-Up soda
- 2 pineapple rings
- 1 jar maraschino cherries
- Whole cloves (for garnish)
Instructions
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). |
| 2 | Using a sharp knife, score the rind of the ham with diamond patterns, creating a decorative pattern. |
| 3 | Place the scored ham onto a rack in a large roasting pan that has been generously greased to prevent sticking. |
| 4 | Insert a meat thermometer into the ham, ensuring it does not touch the bone, to accurately monitor the internal temperature. |
| 5 | Press whole cloves into the center of each diamond pattern on the ham, adding a decorative touch and infusing flavor. |
| 6 | In a bowl, combine the reserved pineapple juice, brown sugar (1/2 cup), mustard powder, and 7-Up soda, stirring well to create the glaze mixture. |
| 7 | Coat the entire surface of the ham with the brown sugar glaze, ensuring it is evenly distributed for maximum flavor. |
| 8 | Arrange the pineapple rings over the exterior of the ham, securing them in place with wooden toothpicks if necessary. |
| 9 | Place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple ring, securing it with a toothpick for a festive presentation. |
| 10 | Bake the ham uncovered in the preheated oven for 4 to 5 hours, basting frequently with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful. |
| 11 | Once the internal temperature of the ham reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius), it is fully cooked and ready to be removed from the oven. |
| 12 | Transfer the cooked ham to a serving platter and allow it to rest for approximately 20 minutes before slicing. |
| 13 | Before serving, remember to remove all toothpicks from the ham slices to ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience. |
| 14 | Slice the ham and serve it alongside your favorite holiday side dishes for a memorable meal that will delight your guests. Enjoy! |
Tips and Tricks
- Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a fully cooked, bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. Spiral-cut hams also work well and make slicing easier.
- Score the Rind: Scoring the ham’s rind not only creates an attractive presentation but also allows the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat.
- Baste Frequently: To keep the ham moist and flavorful, baste it regularly with the pan juices while it bakes.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the cooked ham to rest before slicing helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.
- Customize Your Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the glaze by adding more or less brown sugar to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this Fantastic Holiday Ham as the centerpiece of your holiday feast alongside classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and dinner rolls.
- Slice any leftover ham thinly for delicious sandwiches or dice it up and add it to soups, salads, or omelets for a tasty twist.
Indulge in the irresistible flavors of this Fantastic Holiday Ham recipe, guaranteed to make your holiday gatherings truly unforgettable! 🎄🍴
