How To Bake Frozen Ham

How to Bake a Delicious Frozen Ham

Are you craving a juicy, flavorful ham but only have a frozen one on hand? No worries! With the right techniques, you can still achieve a mouthwatering result. Baking a frozen ham may seem daunting, but with the following steps, you’ll be able to serve up a delectable dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Thawing the Ham

Before you start the baking process, it’s crucial to properly thaw the ham. There are two safe methods for thawing a frozen ham:

1. Refrigerator: Place the frozen ham in the refrigerator and allow it to thaw for 24 hours for every 5 pounds of meat. This method requires some patience, but it ensures even and safe thawing.
2. Cold Water Bath: If you’re short on time, you can submerge the frozen ham in a leak-proof bag in cold water. Make sure to change the water every 30 minutes to maintain a safe temperature. Thawing using this method takes about 30 minutes per pound.

Preparation

Once the ham is fully thawed, it’s time to prepare it for baking. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious outcome:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down.
3. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife to create a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and add an attractive finish.

Adding Flavor

Enhance the taste of your ham by adding a flavorful glaze. Here’s a simple and delicious glaze recipe to try:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Brush the glaze over the scored surface of the ham, ensuring an even coating.

Baking the Ham

Now that your ham is thawed and prepared, it’s time to bake it to perfection:

1. Cover the ham with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
2. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
3. During the last 10-15 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze to create a beautiful caramelized finish.

Serving and Enjoying

Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender texture.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of baking a frozen ham, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Whether you’re serving it as the centerpiece of a holiday feast or slicing it for sandwiches, your delicious ham is sure to be a hit with family and friends.

With these simple steps, you can turn a frozen ham into a mouthwatering masterpiece that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe. So go ahead, grab that frozen ham from the freezer and get ready to impress with your newfound baking skills!