Introduction
Easter is a time for celebration, family, and, of course, delicious food. And what better way to celebrate than with a succulent, juicy ham? Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just want to make a special meal for your loved ones, these easy Easter ham recipes are sure to impress. So get ready to cook up a storm and create a feast that everyone will remember for years to come!
Recipe 1: Honey-Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-9 pounds) – 1 cup honey – 1/2 cup brown sugar – 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. 2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. 3. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves, and cinnamon. 4. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. 5. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. 6. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. 7. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Nutritional Information:
– Calories: 470 – Fat: 18g – Saturated Fat: 6g – Cholesterol: 105mg – Sodium: 2540mg – Carbohydrates: 40g – Fiber: 0g – Sugar: 39g – Protein: 38g
Cooking Time:
2-2.5 hours
Equipment:
– Large roasting pan – Small bowl – Whisk – Basting brush – Foil
Serving Suggestions:
– Mashed potatoes – Green beans – Rolls – Cranberry sauce
Variations:
– Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile. – Add a bit of apple cider or orange juice to the glaze for a fruity twist. – Mix in some chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Substitutions:
– Use regular mustard instead of Dijon if you don’t have it on hand. – Brown sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup. – If you don’t have ground cloves or cinnamon, you can use pumpkin pie spice instead.
Storage:
– Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. – Ham can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
– Make sure to baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes or so to keep it moist and flavorful. – If you have a spiral-cut ham, be sure to get the glaze in between the slices. – If the glaze starts to darken too much during baking, cover the ham with foil to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before brushing it onto the ham.
Recipe 2: Pineapple-Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-9 pounds) – 1 can pineapple rings in juice (20 oz) – 1/2 cup brown sugar – 1/4 cup honey – 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. 2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. 3. Drain the pineapple rings and reserve the juice. 4. In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and 1/4 cup of the reserved pineapple juice. 5. Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies. 6. Arrange the pineapple rings on top of the ham and secure them with toothpicks. 7. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. 8. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. 9. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.
Nutritional Information:
– Calories: 440 – Fat: 16g – Saturated Fat: 5g – Cholesterol: 105mg – Sodium: 2500mg – Carbohydrates: 41g – Fiber: 0g – Sugar: 39g – Protein: 36g
Cooking Time:
2-2.5 hours
Equipment:
– Large roasting pan – Small bowl – Whisk – Basting brush – Toothpicks – Foil
Serving Suggestions:
– Sweet potato casserole – Brussels sprouts – Cornbread – Deviled eggs
Variations:
– Use mandarin oranges instead of pineapple rings for a citrusy twist. – Add a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the glaze for some umami flavor. – Mix in some grated ginger or garlic for a savory kick.
Substitutions:
– Use regular mustard instead of Dijon if you don’t have it on hand. – Brown sugar can be substituted with granulated sugar, honey, or maple syrup. – Pineapple rings can be replaced with sliced peaches or apricots.
Storage:
– Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. – Ham can also be frozen for up to 2 months.
Tips:
– Be sure to use toothpicks to secure the pineapple rings to the ham to prevent them from rolling off during cooking. – If you have a spiral-cut ham, tuck the pineapple rings in between the slices. – If the glaze starts to darken too much during baking, cover the ham with foil to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh pineapple instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer. Just make sure to cut it into rings or chunks before using it.
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Conclusion
These easy Easter ham recipes are a great way to bring your family together and create a memorable meal. Whether you prefer a sweet and sticky glaze or a fruity twist, these recipes are sure to please. So why not try one (or both!) of these recipes for your next Easter celebration? Your taste buds will thank you!