Heavenly Ham - Your Easter Ham Essentials
Choosing the right ham for your Easter dinner can be a bit overwhelming. You have your traditional bone-in, boneless, spiral cut, tavern, whole, half; it's quite a task all by itself, and that Easter ham is the star of the show. Well, it's easier than you think! Let's get into it.
A bone-in ham is a wonderful choice if you're aiming for that classic Easter vibe. It not only offers fantastic flavor but also looks beautiful on your holiday table. Plus, you'll have the added bonus of a tasty bone to make delicious Easter soups or stews with those leftovers!
For those hosting a smaller gathering, a boneless ham might just be your best bet. It's easy to slice, making serving simple while still adding that special touch to your meal. If you want convenience, spiral-cut ham is a fantastic option! It comes pre-sliced, which means more quality time with your loved ones and less time in the kitchen.
As you plan your Easter feast, keep in mind how much ham you'll need: about half to three-quarters of a pound per person for bone-in ham and around one-third to half a pound for boneless options. At Kuhn's Market, we have a wonderful selection of top-quality hams from great brands like Sugardale, Silver Star, Smith's, and more, so you're sure to find the perfect fit for your holiday meal. No matter if you go with a traditional bone-in ham or a super-convenient spiral-cut option, you're set to create a delightful Easter feast that everyone will love!
Getting your ham ready is the key to making it juicy and delicious! If you have a fully cooked ham (which is true for most), all you need to do is warm it up without letting it dry out. Here's how to create a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table.
First, place your ham cut-side down in the pan. This helps keep it moist and boosts all those wonderful flavors. Then, to lock in all those juices, cover the ham with aluminum foil. This will create a nice steaming effect as it heats up, keeping your ham moist and yummy.
Preheat your oven to 325°F. This medium temperature is just right for gently warming your ham without drying it out. Plan on about 10 to 15 minutes of heating time for each pound of ham. Keep an eye on the internal temperature; you want it to reach 140°F for the safest and tastiest results. A good meat thermometer will be your best friend here!
If you are using a whole ham and not pre-sliced, take a moment to score the top in a criss-cross pattern. Not only does this look great, but it also allows any glaze to soak in beautifully, making the flavor even better.
After your ham hits that perfect temperature, let it rest for about 15 to 20 minutes before you start slicing. This little step lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is tender and moist.
With some preparation, a dash of patience, and these helpful tips, your ham will be juicy, bursting with flavor, and sure to impress your guests; it will be a hit at the table!
A wonderful glaze is a fantastic way to add delicious flavor and a fun texture to your holiday centerpiece! One classic favorite is the honey-brown sugar glaze. It combines the sweetness of honey and brown sugar with a little bit of Dijon mustard for that perfect sweet-tangy balance that everyone loves.
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup honey, 1 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and any optional spices like cinnamon and black pepper.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture continuously until the brown sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Once combined, bring the glaze to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The glaze should thicken slightly.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let your glaze cool for a few minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Brush the glaze generously over your ham during the last 30 minutes of baking, basting every 10 minutes for an even coat.
For those who enjoy a little kick, consider a bourbon glaze. Mixing bourbon, soy sauce, and a hint of apple cider vinegar adds a zingy twist that really brings the dish to life.
No matter which glaze you choose, your ham will be bursting with flavor and will definitely wow everyone at the table! Enjoy your cooking!
When it comes to serving that tasty ham, start by placing it on a large, lovely serving platter. To make it even more inviting, why not add some fun garnishes? Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme look beautiful, and bright slices of citrus, like oranges and lemons, add a cheerful touch. It's an easy way to create a festive vibe and really brings out the delicious flavors of the ham!
Ready to carve, grab a sharp knife and slice the ham evenly, cutting against the grain to keep those pieces nice and tender. If your ham has a bone, no worries—just slice around it to make it easier to serve. Having tongs and a serving fork handy will also help your guests serve themselves without any fuss. And for those who like a little extra sweetness, offering some additional glaze on the side is a great idea!
With a gorgeous centerpiece and a variety of tasty side dishes, your Easter dinner is sure to be a delightful feast that everyone will remember! Enjoy every moment!
At Kuhn's Market, we're here to help you make your Easter celebrations easy and enjoyable so you can focus on what really matters—spending time with your loved ones. We've got a fantastic selection of hams and all the fresh, sweet, and savory ingredients you need to make your Easter dinner a hit! We'd love to hear your favorite tips and tricks; connect with us on social media at @kuhnsmarket and use the hashtag #KuhnsMarket. We can't wait to see what creative ideas you come up with! Wishing you a wonderful Easter!