Nutrition Facts
Servings 15
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
There’s something undeniably comforting about a beautifully glazed ham at the center of the table. Picture it: you’ve just pulled a golden-brown, sweet-smelling 10-pound ham out of the oven, and your family is gathering around, plates in hand, eager to dig in. As the first slice hits the plate, juices glisten, and you can’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Now, let’s chat about what goes perfectly on the side. Creamy mashed potatoes, tangy coleslaw, or crispy roasted veggies would elevate this centerpiece even further, creating a meal your guests will remember.
A 10-pound ham is a fully-cooked, bone-in, hearty cut of meat that often takes center stage at big family meals. Typically glazed with a sweet concoction of ingredients, this ham is baked to perfection, yielding juicy, tender slices that are bursting with flavor. The best part? It feeds a crowd!
To prepare your own mouthwatering 10-pound ham, gather these ingredients:
- 1 (10-pound) fully cooked, bone-in ham
- 4 cups hot water, as needed
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons dry mustard powder
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (or as needed)
- 1 (20-ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
- 1 (10-ounce) jar maraschino cherries, drained
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (to enhance the glaze)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (to add warmth to the flavor profile)
- Toothpicks
Making this fabulous dish is easier than you might think. With a little preparation and patience, you’ll transform that ham into a glazed masterpiece. Follow these simple steps, and let’s get cooking!
Begin by gathering all your necessary ingredients. Having everything in one spot makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me; there’s nothing worse than scrambling through the pantry mid-recipe!
Set your oven to preheat at 325 degrees Fahrenheit (165 degrees Celsius). This is the perfect temperature for warming that ham slowly and evenly, ensuring its juicy interior stays intact.
Place the ham on a rack situated in a large roasting pan. Pour in about half an inch of hot water beneath the ham. This will help keep the ham moist as it cooks, allowing steam to do its magic.
Carefully slide the roasting pan into your preheated oven. Roast the ham for about 2 ½ hours, which will help warm it through. To ensure it's ready, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the meat, avoiding the bone. You’re looking for a temperature of at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
While the ham is roasting, let’s whip up that delicious glaze. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, dry mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir until you have a thick, smooth paste. This will coat the ham beautifully!
Once your ham has initially roasted, it’s time to brush it generously with the glaze you made. Get all those nooks and crannies!
Take each skewer and thread on both a pineapple chunk and a maraschino cherry. Insert these decorated picks all over the ham. (Keep in mind, not every skewer has to include a cherry; some can just be pineapple!)
Place the ham back in the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes. As it roasts, don’t forget to baste it with the juices that have collected in the roasting pan. This will intensify the flavor and ensure the ham stays moist!
After the final 15 minutes, take a quick peek at that glorious glaze! When it’s reached a delicious golden hue, it’s time to remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing into it. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent and flavorful.
When you’re ready to serve, slice the ham and serve it with the pan juices for an extra kick of flavor. Your guests will surely thank you!
- Use a Meat Thermometer: It’s the best way to ensure your ham is cooked perfectly every time.
- Try Other Glazes: You can modify the glaze with ingredients like maple syrup or brown mustard for variety.
- Save the Bone: If you have a leftover bone, toss it in a pot of beans or soup for added flavor.
- Serve Cold: Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches the next day—just slice it thin and layer it with your favorite toppings!
- Add Fresh Herbs: Consider tossing in some chopped fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for a bit more complexity.
Let any leftover ham cool completely before storing it in the fridge. Slice the ham and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. You can keep refrigerated ham for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Keeping your nutrition in check while enjoying a delightful ham is easier than you think. A typical serving of 10-pound ham (about three ounces) usually contains around 300 calories. It also packs protein and essential vitamins, making it a substantial addition to your meal. However, keep an eye on sodium levels, as some hams can be quite salty.
Pair your 10-pound ham with these stellar options:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich, buttery and always a hit, nothing pairs better with ham.
- Homemade Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy, and creamy—the perfect contrast to succulent ham.
- Roasted Brussel Sprouts: Caramelized and slightly charred, they bring a delightful earthiness to your plate.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the ham’s glaze beautifully.
- Garlic Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans with garlic add a fabulous pop of flavor and color.
If you’re in the mood for something different, consider these substitutes:
- Bone-in Turkey: A flavorful alternative that cooks similarly and is juicy with the right glaze.
- Pork Shoulder: If ham isn’t available, pork shoulder can be a delicious choice when slow-cooked.
- Vegetarian Alternative: Use a substantial meat substitute, such as jackfruit, for a non-meat option.
- Different Glazes: Play around with orange juice instead of lemon for a citrus twist.
- Spices: Substitute the cinnamon with allspice or nutmeg for unique flavor profiles.
There you have it! A delicious 10-pound ham that’s not just a dish, but an experience to gather around. With a little time and the right ingredients, you can create a centerpiece for your celebrations. Let your family and friends come together to savor every slice, share stories, and make memories. And, as you dig into the leftovers, remember: the joy of cooking (and eating) can be just as delightful as the meal itself. Enjoy!
Welcome to the wonderful world of holiday cooking, where traditional dishes become the stars of our gatherings! Today, we’re diving into a classic that seems to brighten up any occasion: a 10-pound ham. This dish is both decadent and surprisingly simple to make, making it a go-to for families and friends celebrating together. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Easter, or a summer cookout, preparing a succulent ham will have everyone singing your praises.
Servings 15
I'm Rosa Crumley, a registered dietitian and food enthusiast from Pittsburgh, PA. With a love for chef-inspired recipes and a passion for creating delicious, balanced meals, I aim to bring gourmet flavors into your home kitchen. Through my blog, I share simple, flavorful dishes that anyone can cook!