How To Bake Boneless Cure 81 Ham

Delicious and Easy: Baking Boneless Cure 81 Ham

Are you looking for a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends? Baking a boneless Cure 81 ham is the perfect choice for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With the right techniques and flavors, you can create a succulent and flavorful ham that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Choosing the Perfect Ham

Before you start baking, it’s important to select the right boneless Cure 81 ham. Look for a ham that is well-marbled with fat, as this will ensure a juicy and tender result. The Cure 81 brand is known for its high-quality hams, so you can trust that you’re starting with a great product.

Preparing the Ham

When you’re ready to start cooking, take the ham out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the ham cook more evenly. While the ham is resting, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Before placing the ham in the oven, score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This will not only make the ham look beautiful, but it will also allow the glaze to penetrate the meat, adding incredible flavor.

Creating a Flavorful Glaze

A delicious glaze is the key to taking your boneless Cure 81 ham to the next level. You can create a simple yet flavorful glaze using ingredients such as brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. The sweetness of the brown sugar and honey, combined with the tanginess of the mustard and vinegar, will create a mouthwatering glaze that complements the rich flavor of the ham.

Brush the glaze over the scored surface of the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. The glaze will caramelize as the ham bakes, creating a beautiful, golden crust that is both sweet and savory.

Baking to Perfection

Place the prepared ham in a roasting pan and cover it with foil. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Basting the ham with the pan juices every 30 minutes will help keep it moist and flavorful.

During the last 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a delicious crust on the ham. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the glaze from burning.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Slice the ham and arrange it on a platter, ready to be enjoyed by your eager guests. The combination of the succulent meat and the sweet, sticky glaze is sure to be a hit. Serve it alongside your favorite sides, such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, for a complete and satisfying meal.

Now that you know the secrets to baking a boneless Cure 81 ham, you can impress your loved ones with a delicious and memorable dish. Whether it’s a holiday gathering or a casual dinner, this ham is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, roll up your sleeves, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a ham that will have everyone asking for your recipe!