Cooking a ham roast is a simple and delicious process. Here's a basic recipe to guide you through cooking a ham roast:
Ingredients:
- Bone-in ham roast (choose the size that suits your needs)
- 1 cup of water, broth, apple juice, or pineapple juice (for moisture and flavor)
Optional glaze ingredients:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice
Instructions:
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Prepare the ham: If your ham roast is vacuum-sealed, remove the packaging, and rinse the ham under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Score the ham: Place the ham on a roasting pan or large baking dish, with the fat side facing up. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts (about 1/4 inch deep) in a diamond pattern on the surface of the ham. This scoring will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
Add liquid: Pour 1 cup of water, broth, apple juice, or pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will provide moisture during the cooking process.
Cover and cook: If your ham roast comes with a pre-packaged glaze, you can follow the instructions on the packaging. Otherwise, cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent excessive browning, and place it in the preheated oven.
Calculate cooking time: The cooking time will depend on the size of the ham roast. As a general guideline, you can plan for approximately 18-20 minutes of cooking time per pound (40-45 minutes per kilogram) of ham. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham is fully cooked and safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Apply glaze (optional): About 30-45 minutes before the end of the cooking time, you can apply a glaze to enhance the flavor and appearance of the ham. Mix the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice to make a glaze. Brush the glaze all over the ham roast and return it to the oven, uncovered.
Rest the ham: Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature and you've applied the glaze (if using), remove it from the oven. Tent the ham with foil and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes slicing easier.
Carve and serve: Carve the ham into slices and serve it warm. You can also serve it with additional glaze or sauce on the side, if desired.
That's it! Enjoy your deliciously cooked ham roast.