Awesome Baked Ham

My Famous Baked Ham: A Recipe Passed Down Through Generations

For years, I’ve been the go-to ham baker for every family gathering, potluck, and holiday celebration. It all started with a simple recipe from a dear friend's mother, a woman who knew the secrets to creating culinary magic with the most basic ingredients. This isn’t just any baked ham; this is a recipe that evokes feelings of warmth, family, and unforgettable flavor. It’s a recipe that transforms a simple, sometimes overlooked ingredient, into a dish that has everyone asking for seconds – and even converts those who typically shy away from ham!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Forget complicated marinades, elaborate glazing techniques, or a long list of hard-to-find ingredients. This ham recipe requires minimal prep time and utilizes pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Yellow mustard, brown sugar, a perfectly good bone-in ham – that’s it! The magic happens in the oven, where the subtle sweetness of the brown sugar blends harmoniously with the tangy sharpness of the mustard, creating a glaze that's both incredibly flavorful and incredibly easy to prepare. This isn't a recipe designed to impress with its extravagance; instead, it wins hearts with its down-to-earth deliciousness and unpretentious charm.

I remember the first time I made this ham. It was for a small family gathering, a bit of a nervous debut for my culinary skills. But the moment that tantalizing aroma filled the kitchen, and later, the taste buds of my family and friends were awakened, I knew I had discovered something truly special. The compliments came rolling in, turning into requests for my baked ham at every future gathering. People who usually only ate a small bite of ham suddenly found themselves going back for more, their faces alight with pure, unadulterated delight. It's become a tradition, a centerpiece of countless celebrations, and a source of constant joy and pride for me.

What sets this ham apart? I believe it’s the simplicity that allows the natural flavor of the ham to shine. The brown sugar and mustard glaze are a perfect complement, not a mask, gently enhancing the rich, savory notes of the ham. The method, too, is uncomplicated: a simple mixture, a foil-wrapped package, and a slow, gentle baking process that allows the flavors to meld and deepen over time. And the result? A tender, juicy, perfectly glazed ham that will surely become a staple in your kitchen, too.

After the ham is baked, I let it rest for an hour before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring that every slice is moist and tender. And here's a little secret: I love to spoon a bit of the extra glaze onto each carved slice as I serve it, adding a final touch of sweet and savory perfection to this already incredible dish. It’s a simple gesture, but it elevates the eating experience to a whole new level. You’ll find that this isn’t just a ham; it’s an experience, a culinary tradition, and a recipe that will bring joy to your table for years to come. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this unforgettable baked ham.

The best part? This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the amount of brown sugar and mustard to your liking, creating a glaze that’s sweeter or tangier depending on your preference. Feel free to experiment with different types of ham, too. This recipe works equally well with bone-in or boneless hams. No matter how you decide to make it, one thing is certain: this recipe is a keeper! It’s a simple yet elegant centerpiece for any meal. And above all, it’s a recipe that reminds me of the people and experiences that mean the most. It’s a recipe that embodies the true spirit of home cooking – simple, delicious, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of recipe that creates lasting memories and brings people together, one delicious slice at a time. So, give it a try, and discover for yourself the magic of this truly awesome baked ham.

Step-by-step

• In a medium size mixing bowl, mix yellow mustard and brown sugar until you have a thick paste.
• Take all wrappers off of ham and trim away excess fat.
• Line baking pan (I spray with Pam in case some of the brown sugar mixture escapes, clean up is easier) with Aluminum foil.
• Place ham on foil and spread brown sugar/mustard paste on top.
• Fold and seal foil.
• Do not open again until ham is done.
• Bake at 350 degrees for 4 hours.
• Let set for about 1 hr then carve.