Baked Ham In Foil

Baked Ham In Foil

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a delicious baked ham filling your kitchen, especially during the holiday season or for special gatherings. This recipe for Baked Ham in Foil is a fantastic way to achieve tender, juicy ham with minimal effort. By wrapping the ham in foil, you lock in all the flavors and moisture, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet impressive dish.

Ingredients:

– 1 pre-cooked ham (about 6-8 pounds)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and place the rack in the lower third of the oven.

2. Take a large piece of heavy-duty aluminum foil, enough to wrap the ham completely, and place it in a roasting pan.

3. Score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, about 1/4 inch deep, using a sharp knife. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.

4. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth, about 5 minutes.

5. Place the ham on the foil in the roasting pan. Brush about a third of the glaze over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly.

6. Wrap the ham securely in the foil, ensuring there are no gaps or openings for the steam to escape.

7. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

8. If you’d like to add a decorative touch, arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries on top of the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.

9. Once the ham is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Enjoy the tender, flavorful Baked Ham in Foil with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. This dish is sure to be a hit at any gathering, and the best part is that you’ll have minimal cleanup thanks to the foil wrapping. Happy cooking and bon appétit!