Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole Halal picnic ham (about 5–6 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard)
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (for a gluten-free version)
- 1 cup pineapple juice (or apple juice for a milder taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Fresh herbs (rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)
Ingredient Highlights for Baked Picnic Ham
- Halal Picnic Ham: A picnic ham is typically sold as a fresh cut of meat that can be roasted, but it’s also available in Halal-certified versions, ensuring that no pork or alcohol is included.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar provides a rich sweetness that helps create the perfect caramelized exterior for the ham.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey, creating a flavorful contrast.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: The acidity of vinegar helps tenderize the meat and adds depth to the glaze.
- Pineapple Juice: Adds a fruity sweetness and helps tenderize the ham, infusing it with a subtle flavor that complements the savory glaze.
Instructions
Preparing the Ham for Baking
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This low and slow cooking method ensures that the ham will become perfectly tender and juicy.
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the picnic ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If your ham has skin, you can score the fat in a criss-cross pattern to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize during baking.
- Season the Ham: Rub the entire surface of the ham with olive oil. This helps to lock in moisture and creates a golden, crispy exterior when baked.
Make the Glaze for the Baked Picnic Ham
- Combine the Glaze Ingredients: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, minced garlic, soy sauce, pineapple juice, and honey (if using). Stir over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth and well combined.
- Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a simmer, reduce the heat, and let it cook for 5-10 minutes. The glaze should thicken slightly, but still be pourable. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey or vinegar if you prefer a sweeter or more tangy flavor.
- Reserve Some Glaze: Before applying the glaze to the ham, reserve about ½ cup of the mixture to serve as a sauce later.
Baking the Picnic Ham
- Coat the Ham with Glaze: Place the prepared ham on a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan. Generously brush the ham with the glaze, making sure to coat it evenly. Use a brush or spoon to apply the glaze all over the surface.
- Bake the Ham: Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 3-3.5 hours, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 180°F (82°C). Every 30 minutes, brush the ham with more glaze to ensure it gets a beautiful, caramelized coating.
- Optional: For a more caramelized crust, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15-20 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Resting and Serving the Baked Picnic Ham
- Rest the Ham: Once the ham is cooked through and the glaze is golden and sticky, remove it from the oven. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender ham.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the ham against the grain into thick, hearty slices. Serve with the reserved glaze on the side and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 10
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 20g