Baked Country Ham
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
15 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 15 mins
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Servings
6 to 8 servings
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Calories
195 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Baked Country Ham
Description
The Baked Country Ham recipe begins with an 8 to 11-pound country-style ham that is thoroughly soaked and cleaned to remove any impurities and excess saltiness. After soaking, it's simmered in water with bay leaves, mustard seeds, cider vinegar, and whole cloves, which infuse the ham with fragrant and tangy notes while tenderizing it. The ham is then cooled, the skin removed, and the fat and exposed flesh scored in a diamond pattern to allow the cloves to be embedded, creating a spiced crust when baked. The final step involves patting the ham with dark brown sugar before baking to develop a caramelized exterior.
This baking technique yields a ham with a tender interior and a richly flavored, slightly sweetened crust. The layering of spices and the long soaking process reduce the salt intensity typical of country hams, making it suitable for serving at special meals or holiday gatherings. It pairs well with classic side dishes like roasted vegetables or potatoes.
Ingredients
- One (8- to 11-pound) ham country style
- 10 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons mustard seeds
- 3 cups cider vinegar
- 24 whole cloves
- 1 cup dark brown sugar
Instructions
- Place the ham under warm running water and scrape any surface mold, seasonings, cobwebs, [Editor's Note: Um, ew!] or any other matter from the ham with a stiff brush. Place the ham in an 8-gallon stock pot and fill it with enough water to cover the ham. Let the ham soak for 24 hours, changing the water as often as possible, ideally once every 6 hours.
- Change the water a final time and transfer the pot to a stovetop. Add the bay leaves, mustard seeds, and vinegar and bring to a boil over high heat. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for 2 hours, topping with fresh water as necessary.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove the ham from the stock pot and turn off the heat. When the ham is cool enough to handle, use a sharp knife to shave off the skin (but not the fat) from the ham. Score the surface of the ham—meaning fat and any exposed flesh—in a diagonal pattern. Place a single clove in the center of each scored diamond. Pat the ham thoroughly on all sides with the brown sugar.
- Place the ham on a rack in a 9-by-13-inch roasting pan and bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the fat has crisped and the sugar has melted into a nice glaze. Let the ham rest on the rack for 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board and carve.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6to 8 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 195 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1serving | |
| Calories | 195kcal | 10% |
| Carbohydrates | 41g | 14% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 0.2g | 1% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Sodium | 28mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 36g | 72% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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