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How to cook a ham results of a glazed ham garnished with fruit.
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How to Cook A Ham - The Best Baked Ham

Directions on how to cook a ham in the oven and make a delicious sweet ham glaze.
Course Main
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings 12
Calories 488kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

  • 8 lb bone in spiral cut ham
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup apple cider can also use orange juice or pineapple juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg
  • pinch of ground cloves
  • cooking spray
  • cranberries and herbs for garnish optional

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Coat a baking pan with cooking spray.
  • Add the butter, brown sugar, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves to a pot. Place the pot over medium heat.
  • Bring the pot to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until glaze is syrupy.
  • Place the ham in the pan and pour half of the glaze over it. Cover the ham with foil. Reserve the remaining glaze for later user.
  • Bake the ham for 2 hours. Uncover the ham.
  • Pour the remaining glaze over the ham. If the glaze has started to harden, you can microwave it for a few seconds to loosen it back up.
  • Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
  • Place the ham, uncovered, in the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until glaze is caramelized and browned.
  • Transfer the ham to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries. Spoon pan drippings over the ham. Slice the ham, then serve.

Video

Notes

  1. This recipe works best with a spiral cut ham. If you have a ham that's not pre-cut, you can simply score the top in a diagonal pattern with a sharp knife, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
  2. You can use a larger or smaller ham than the recipe calls for, you'll just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

Calories: 488kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 855mg | Potassium: 373mg | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 355IU | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 1.2mg