Ham is a popular meat choice for many meals, from breakfasts to holiday dinners. While there are many ways to cook and prepare ham, one popular method is to glaze it. Glazing adds flavor and texture to the ham, while also creating a beautiful, glossy appearance.
But what if you’ve purchased a pre-cooked, ready-to-eat ham? Can you still glaze it? Many people assume that because the ham is already cooked, it cannot be glazed. However, this is not the case. In this article, we’ll explore the ins and outs of glazing a ready-to-eat ham, including tips for selecting the right glaze and cooking method.
Types of Glazes Ideal for Ready-to-Eat Ham
Glazes can add an extra layer of flavor to an already delicious ready-to-eat ham. But not all types of glazes will work well with this type of ham. The ideal glazes for ready-to-eat ham should be sweet, tangy, and slightly sticky.
A honey glaze is a popular choice for ready-to-eat ham, as it adds sweetness and a beautiful golden color to the ham. A pineapple glaze is another great option, as it provides a tropical flavor that complements the salty taste of ham perfectly. Other popular glazes include cherry, maple, and mustard glazes, which add a unique flavor profile to the ham. When choosing a glaze for your ready-to-eat ham, ensure that it is not too overpowering, as the ham already has a distinct taste that you don’t want to mask.
Choosing the Right Glaze for Your Ham
Choosing the right glaze for your ham can make all the difference in how it tastes. There are many different glazes you can choose from, depending on whether you want your ham to be sweet, spicy, tangy, or savory. Some popular options include honey and mustard glazes, brown sugar and pineapple glazes, and spiced apple glazes.
When choosing a glaze, keep in mind the flavor profile of the rest of your meal. For example, if you are serving the ham with sweet sides like sweet potatoes and cranberry sauce, you may want to opt for a tangy glaze to balance the sweetness. If you are serving more savory sides like roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes, a sweeter glaze may be a better fit. Whatever glaze you choose, be sure to follow the recipe carefully and taste as you go to ensure the perfect flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Glazing Your Ready-to-Eat Ham
When it comes to glazing a ready-to-eat ham, the process is relatively simple and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect glaze for your holiday ham:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F and take the ham out of its packaging. Dry it off with paper towels, and score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern.
2. Place the ham in a baking dish and brush the surface with your glaze mixture. You can use any combination of ingredients that you prefer, such as honey, brown sugar, mustard, or even bourbon. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the ham evenly.
3. Bake the ham uncovered for 15 minutes per pound, basting every 15-20 minutes with the remaining glaze. This will help to keep the ham moist and impart extra flavor to the meat.
4. Remove the ham from the oven once it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes, then slice and serve with your favorite sides.
With this simple step-by-step guide, you can glaze a ready-to-eat ham like a pro, and impress your guests with a delicious and perfectly cooked holiday centerpiece.
Frequently Asked Questions About Glazing Ready-to-Eat Ham
Frequently asked questions about glazing ready-to-eat ham are common among those who want to add some sweetness to their ham. One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Can I glaze my ham without heating it up?” The answer is yes, you can glaze your ham without heating it up. However, glazing a cold ham works best when you use a glaze that has an acidic ingredient like vinegar, mustard or lemon juice. These ingredients help soften the meat and allow the glaze to penetrate the ham.
Another frequently asked question is, “What is the best way to apply glaze to my ham?” The best way to apply glaze to your ham is to brush the glaze onto the surface of the ham using a pastry brush. Ensure the ham is evenly coated with the glaze. If your ham has a spiral cut, be sure to brush the glaze into the crevices to ensure it penetrates the meat. Once you have applied the glaze, bake the ham according to the instructions on the packaging to allow the glaze to caramelize and enhance the flavor of the ham.
What to Serve with Glazed Ready-to-Eat Ham
Glazed ready-to-eat ham makes a perfect main course for any holiday or gathering. When it comes to serving up this delicious classic dish, there are plenty of tasty sides that will complement it perfectly. For instance, roast potatoes and root vegetables such as carrots, turnips, and parsnips are ideal with ham.
Another great side dish to serve with glazed ready-to-eat ham is green beans. They are light and crispy, making them a perfect complement to the rich and meaty flavors of the ham. Additionally, mashed sweet potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, and stuffing are some of the other popular choices for serving with glazed ham. Whatever you decide, it’s sure to be a hit.
Tips for Perfectly Glazed Ready-to-Eat Ham
When it comes to glazing a ready-to-eat ham, there are a few tips you can follow to ensure it comes out perfectly. Firstly, it’s important to use a glaze that complements the flavors of the ham, such as honey or brown sugar. It’s also recommended to score the surface of the ham before adding the glaze to allow it to seep into the meat for added flavor.
Another important tip is not to overcook the ham while glazing, as this can cause it to dry out. It’s best to follow cooking instructions carefully and add the glaze in the last 30 minutes of cooking. Lastly, if you want to achieve a caramelized finish on the glaze, brush on additional coats of glaze and broil the ham for a few minutes at the end of cooking. By following these tips, you can easily make a mouth-watering glaze for your ready-to-eat ham.
The Best Ways to Store Glazed Ready-to-Eat Ham.
After adding the glaze to your ready-to-eat ham, it’s essential to store it properly to ensure it stays fresh and safe to eat. One of the best ways to store glazed ham is by tightly wrapping it in plastic wrap and placing it in an airtight container. This will protect it from any external moisture and odors that could spoil its taste.
Another way to store glazed ready-to-eat ham is to keep it in the refrigerator. You can place it in a sealed plastic bag or a covered container in the refrigerator’s meat compartment. If you have a large ham, you can cut it into smaller slices, wrap them in plastic wrap, and store them in the refrigerator. This will help you to use it for a more extended period while maintaining its quality. Remember to consume the glazed ham within four days of refrigeration.
The Bottom Line
Ready-to-eat hams are a delicious and versatile addition to any meal. While they are typically precooked and do not require further cooking, glazing with a flavorful sauce can add a burst of flavor that elevates the ham to new heights. It is important to remember to follow food safety guidelines when glazing your ham, however, to prevent the risk of foodborne illness.
Whether you choose to use a traditional brown sugar and mustard glaze, or opt for a more unique flavor combination, glazing a ready-to-eat ham is a simple and delicious way to enhance its flavor. With a little bit of planning and patience, you can create a mouthwatering glazed ham that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at your next gathering.