Discover the Ultimate Ham Recipe: My Top Pick from 5 Delicious Trials!

I Tried Our 5 Most Popular Ham Recipes—This Is the One I’ll Make Forever

In the world of savory delights, few ingredients evoke the kind of satisfaction that ham does. It’s versatile, easy to prepare, and the star of many holiday dinners, weeknight meals, and everything in between. I decided to elevate my ham game by testing our five most popular ham recipes. Join me on this delicious journey as I share the outcomes and reveal the one recipe I’ll be making forever!

Why Ham? The Timeless Favorite

Ham, often seen as a festive centerpiece, is a beloved ingredient that holds a special place in American cuisine. From classic dishes like honey-glazed ham to innovative takes that include different spices and cooking methods, there’s something for everyone. Here’s why ham should be a staple in your kitchen:

• Versatility: Ham can be sweet, savory, or smoky, fitting in a variety of cuisines.
• Leftovers: Ham yields a lot of leftover meat, which is excellent for sandwiches, soups, and casseroles.
• Quick and easy: Many ham recipes require minimal prep time, making them perfect for busy weeknights.

The Ham Recipe Showdown

1. Honey-Glazed Baked Ham

The classic honey-glazed ham is a staple at many holiday tables. It’s sweet, savory, and boasts a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (5-7 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Cloves (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix honey, brown sugar, and mustard in a bowl.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, then stud it with cloves if desired.
4. Brush the glaze over the ham and place it in the oven.
5. Bake for 15 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

This recipe is undeniably delicious—sweet, sticky, and satisfying. However, did it become a new favorite for me?

2. Maple Dijon Ham Steak

This recipe is quick, simple, and perfect for a weekday meal. Ham steaks are often overlooked but are incredibly flavorful and easy to make.

Ingredients:

• 2 ham steaks
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix the maple syrup and Dijon mustard.
2. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ham steaks.
3. Brush the maple-Dijon mixture on both sides of the ham steaks.
4. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until heated through.
5. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

While the flavors were delightful, it lacked the wow factor I was hoping for. But, it’s a fantastic option for busy nights!

3. Pineapple-Glazed Ham

This sweet and tangy dish is a classic pairing. The combination of ham and pineapple is a nostalgic favorite for many.

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
• 1 can pineapple slices
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.
3. Mix brown sugar and vinegar, then brush over the ham.
4. Arrange pineapple slices on top, securing with toothpicks if necessary.
5. Bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound, basting occasionally with the pan juices.

The sweet and sour flavors shine in this dish, which is undeniably tasty! But did it take the crown?

4. Mustard and Herb Crusted Ham

A savory twist, this ham features a robust seasoning that can impress even the pickiest eaters.

Ingredients:

• 1 ham (bone-in or boneless)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 cups breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon each of dried thyme and rosemary

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Spread Dijon mustard over the ham.
3. Mix breadcrumbs, thyme, and rosemary; then press onto the mustard-coated ham.
4. Bake according to the ham’s weight, basting occasionally.

This recipe was surprisingly good—herbaceous and flavorful. It stood out, but did it win my heart?

5. Glazed Ham with a Twist: Sriracha Honey Ham

This is the bold entry of the group. A combination of sweet and spicy, this ham is certainly not for the faint-hearted.

Ingredients:

• 1 ham (bone-in or boneless)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Mix honey, sriracha, and soy sauce in a bowl.
3. Brush the mixture over the ham.
4. Bake according to weight, brushing with glaze every 30 minutes.

This unique dish melded heat and sweetness wonderfully, leaving my taste buds dancing. The sweet and spicy ratio was perfect, but can it dethrone the classic?

The Verdict: My Forever Favorite Ham Recipe

After trying all five popular ham recipes, I have to declare a champion—the Honey-Glazed Baked Ham takes the prize! The combination of its sweet glaze and the ease of preparation made it both a crowd-pleaser and a dish I feel confident serving during special occasions.

• Why it won:
• I can serve it with various sides, from green beans to mashed potatoes.
• The aroma while it bakes fills my kitchen with warmth and joy.
• It looks stunning when plated, making it perfect for gatherings.

Tips for Perfect Ham Every Time

As I prepared these recipes, I gathered some helpful tips for achieving the best ham results:

• Choose quality: Opt for a good-quality ham for better flavor and texture.
• Don’t skip basting: Regularly baste during the cooking process to avoid dryness.
• Let it rest: After cooking, allow the ham to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your favorite ham recipe, it’s time to think about serving it. Here are some delicious sides that perfectly complement ham:

• Garlic Herb Bread: This warm and savory bread makes for a delightful pairing.
• Cheesy Crispy Tater Tots: Who can resist these tasty bites?
• Refreshing Cucumber Salad: The crispness of cucumber adds balance to the rich ham.

Conclusion

Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a comforting family dinner, ham is a dish that brings people together. After an extensive taste test of our five most popular ham recipes, I’ve found my forever favorite: the Honey-Glazed Baked Ham. Its delightful sweetness and simplicity make it my go-to. I encourage you to give it a try for your next special occasion!

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