How To Glaze A Fully Cooked Hormel Ham

When it comes to preparing a delicious holiday meal, a fully cooked Hormel ham is a popular choice for many families. The rich, savory flavor of the ham pairs perfectly with a sweet and tangy glaze, creating a mouthwatering centerpiece for any festive gathering. In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to glazing a fully cooked Hormel ham to perfection.

Choosing the Right Glaze

Before you start glazing your ham, it's important to select the right glaze to complement the flavors of the meat. While there are countless glaze recipes out there, a classic brown sugar and honey glaze is always a crowd-pleaser. The sweetness of the brown sugar combined with the subtle tang of the honey creates a delectable coating for the ham.

Brown Sugar and Honey Glaze Recipe

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions:

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. Remove from heat and set aside until the ham is ready to be glazed.

Preparing the Ham

Before you begin glazing, it's essential to prepare the fully cooked Hormel ham for the oven. Follow these steps to ensure that your ham is ready to absorb all the delicious flavors of the glaze:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down.
3. Score the surface of the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the meat and create a beautiful caramelized crust.

Glazing the Ham

Now that your ham is prepped and ready, it's time to apply the glaze. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly glazed Hormel ham:

1. Using a basting brush, generously coat the surface of the ham with the prepared glaze, making sure to cover the entire exterior.
2. Once the ham is fully coated, tent it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning.
3. Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
4. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful, golden crust.

Serving the Glazed Ham

Once the ham is fully cooked and glazed to perfection, it's time to carve and serve this mouthwatering dish. Transfer the ham to a serving platter and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.

Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or simply craving a special meal, learning how to glaze a fully cooked Hormel ham is a valuable skill that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds. With a delectable glaze and a few simple techniques, you can elevate this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.