How To Cook The Best Easter Ham

Today, I am going to show you how to cook the best Easter ham. Our family only eats ham occasionally, like every other year. This year, I decided to host an Easter dinner, which will feature this hammy ham and its wonderful glaze. It had nothing to do with wanting to take beautiful pictures of all the delicious things I will make. Not at all. The spice rub is very simple. You can leave, as is, or you can create a honey, brown sugar glaze that can be put on in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

How To Cook The Best Ham (Reasons To Love It)

I remember watching my mother make a ham dinner. She used to stick cloves in the top, then slather it in pineapple that glazed over. As a child, it looked so complicated! And the one time I actually tried to do it, it was. This is why I love this simple recipe so much more:

1. Simple: This ham is easy. No cloves or pineapple here … unless, of course, you want to. It uses some simple spices. You can then make a honey or brown sugar glaze to throw on top of it for the last 30 minutes of oven time. 
2. Adaptable: This version of the Easter ham omits the more labor-intensive ingredients like cloves and pineapple, but you can use any type of spices or glaze that you want. 
3. If you don’t like these spices, try something different: my homemade Cajun spices or my homemade pumpkin spice seasoning!
4. Foolproof: This recipe is straightforward, so if I can do it, you can do it.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large container or pot for brining
• Refrigerator space
• Aluminum foil
• Kitchen tongs
• Meat thermometer (optional)

A Simple Brown Sugar Glaze

A simple brown sugar glaze can be made by combining about 1 cup of brown sugar with around 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 to 2 tablespoons of water, honey, or orange juice (or the pineapple juice from a can of pineapples!!!). Mix these ingredients until smooth. You can also add a pinch of spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for extra flavor. Heat the mixture on the stove over low heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Brush this glaze over your ham during the last 30 minutes of baking. Adjust the ingredient quantities to suit the size of your ham and your taste preferences.

Different Ham Glazes

1. Maple-Mustard Glaze: Mix maple syrup with Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor.
2. Brown Sugar and Bourbon: Combine brown sugar, bourbon, and a touch of mustard for a rich, caramelized crust.
3. Honey-Ginger Glaze: Blend honey with fresh grated ginger and a bit of orange juice for a zesty kick.
4. Pineapple-Apricot Glaze: Use pineapple juice, apricot preserves, and a hint of cloves for a sweet and fruity taste.
5. Cherry-Balsamic Glaze: Mix cherry preserves with balsamic vinegar and a splash of orange juice for a tart yet sweet topping.
6. Cranberry-Orange Glaze: Combine cranberry sauce, orange juice, and a hint of cinnamon for a festive flavor.
7. Apple Cider Glaze: Simmer apple cider with brown sugar, mustard, and a pinch of allspice for a warm, spiced glaze.
8. Peach-Bourbon Glaze: Blend peach preserves, bourbon, and a touch of ginger for a sweet and spicy glaze.
9. Honey-Mustard Clove Glaze: Mix honey, whole grain mustard, and ground cloves for a classic flavor combination.
10. Spicy Sriracha Glaze: Combine Sriracha, honey, and apple cider vinegar for a glaze with a kick.

These glazes can be brushed on the ham during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of baking, creating a delicious, caramelized crust. Adjust the sweetness or spiciness to your taste, and enjoy experimenting with these flavorful combinations!

Pairing Suggestions for Easter Ham

Here are different pairing suggestions to complement your Easter ham, offering a mix of traditional and unique side dishes to complete your festive meal:

1. Savory Potato Cake Recipe from Mashed Potatoes
2. The Best Potato Pancakes Recipe With Mashed Potatoes (The Kickin’ Potato Pancake)
3. Roasted Carrots with Candied Pecans And Goat Cheese Recipe
4. Outback Brussel Sprouts Recipe
5. Super Duper Korean Mung Bean Sprouts Salad Banchan Recipe (숙주나물 무침)
6. Amazingly Easy Sweet Easter Bread Recipe
7. 30-Minute Homemade Dinner Rolls Recipe
8. Traditional Hot Cross Buns Recipe (An Easter Favorite)
9. How To Make Colored Deviled Eggs For Easter (A Beautiful Rainbow)
10. Irresistible Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups Recipe
11. Decadent Cheesecake with Blueberry Compote Sauce Topping (Recipe)
12. Chocolate and Peanut Butter Cake with Bananas Recipe
13. Mini Cheesecakes Recipe

These sides range from hearty and comforting to light and refreshing, offering a variety of textures and flavors to complement your Easter ham.

FAQs

1. How long should I cook the ham? Cook the ham in a preheated oven, typically at 325°F, allowing about 15 minutes per pound. Ensure the internal temperature reaches the appropriate safety point without overcooking, using a meat thermometer to check the ham’s internal temperature towards the end of the cooking time.
2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time? The brown sugar glaze can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Before applying, gently reheat the glaze to regain a brushable consistency, ensuring it spreads easily over the ham.
3. How do I store leftover ham? Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the ham tightly and freeze it, where it can last for up to 2 months.
4. Are there substitutions for a gluten-free diet? This ham and glaze recipe is naturally gluten-free. Ensure that all added ingredients, like mustards or pre-made glazes, are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
5. What modifications can I make for a dairy-free diet? Since the recipe does not include dairy ingredients, no modifications are necessary to make it dairy-free. Ensure that the accompaniments or side dishes you serve are also free from dairy.
6. How can I ensure the ham stays moist? To keep the ham moist, avoid overcooking and use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature. Wrapping the ham in foil during the cooking process can also help retain its juices.
7. Can I use different spices in the glaze? You can customize the glaze by adding or changing spices. Common additions include cloves, nutmeg, or allspice, which can complement the sweet brown sugar base.
8. What’s the best way to apply the glaze? Brush the glaze onto the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking, ensuring an even coverage. This timing allows the glaze to caramelize without burning, enhancing the flavor and appearance of the ham.
9. How can I achieve a crispy, caramelized glaze? For a crispy finish, increase the oven temperature towards the end of cooking and apply a final coat of glaze. Monitor the ham closely if using the broil setting to avoid burning.
10. Can this recipe be used for any type of ham? Yes, this glaze recipe is suitable for various types of ham, including bone-in, spiral-sliced, or boneless. Adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of the ham.
11. Is it necessary to baste the ham during cooking? Basting the ham with its own juices or additional glaze can add flavor and moisture. While not essential, it can enhance the overall result, making the ham juicier and more flavorful.
12. Any tips for carving the ham? Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, making the meat moister and easier to carve. Use a sharp knife and follow the natural muscle lines or bone structure to slice the ham neatly.

Continue to Content

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

The Best Easter Ham

Print

Create a memorable centerpiece for your next meal with this succulent homemade ham, infused with a blend of spices and slow-cooked to perfection.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes

Additional Time 3 days

Total Time 3 days 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds pork tenderloin

For the brine:

• 8 1/2 cups water
• 3 allspice berries
• 4 black peppercorns
• 3 bay leaves

For the marinade:

• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Combine the water, allspice berries, black peppercorns, and bay leaves in a large pot and bring to a boil. Let it boil for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
2. Once the brine is cool, submerge the pork tenderloin in it, cover, and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
3. Preheat the oven to 340 degrees Fahrenheit (170 degrees Celsius).
4. Remove the pork tenderloin from the brine, pat dry, and then rub all over with the mixed marinade spices.
5. Wrap the tenderloin in several layers of aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour. Afterward, remove the foil, drain any accumulated liquid, and bake for an additional 20 minutes or until the meat is thoroughly cooked and slightly browned.

Notes

The long brining time ensures the pork is flavorful and moist. Make sure to plan ahead to allow for the brining period.

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 285Total Fat 7gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 4gCholesterol 124mgSodium 649mgCarbohydrates 8gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 45g

Nutrition automatically generated.

The Final: How to Cook the Best Easter Ham Recipe