Basting Sauce Baked Ham

Basting Sauce Baked Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar and Mustard

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 2 hours | Servings: 8

Introduction

Basting Sauce Baked Ham is a classic dish that brings warmth and a sense of tradition to any dinner table. This recipe combines the rich, deep flavors of brown sugar and dijon mustard with the unique addition of beer, creating a glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham as it bakes. Perfect for holidays, special occasions, or a family Sunday dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

History

The tradition of baking ham dates back centuries, with variations of the dish appearing across different cultures and cuisines. The practice of basting meats to keep them moist and flavorful during cooking is equally ancient. This particular recipe, with its unique combination of brown sugar, dijon mustard, and beer, is a modern twist on the classic baked ham, offering a depth of flavor that pays homage to its historical roots while providing a contemporary culinary experience.

Ingredients

1 cup of packed brown sugar
2 tbsp of dijon mustard

How to prepare

Add 2 tbsp of mustard to 1 cup of brown sugar and mix until it forms a paste consistency. Gradually pour in the contents of the can of beer and mix thoroughly. Use this mixture to baste your ham during the entire baking time.

Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the beer with apple cider or a mixture of apple juice and a splash of apple cider vinegar. For a spicier glaze, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the basting sauce.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

For the best results, ensure your ham is fully thawed if previously frozen. Scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern before applying the basting sauce allows the flavors to penetrate more deeply. Baste the ham every 20 minutes during cooking to create a rich, caramelized crust. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to ensure it retains its moisture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Basting Sauce Baked Ham with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, and Brussels sprouts, for a complete meal. A side of mashed potatoes or a simple green salad also pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of the ham.

Cooking Techniques

Baking is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe, with basting as a key method to enhance flavor and moisture. For an extra crispy crust, consider broiling the ham for the last few minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If dijon mustard is not available, yellow mustard or a combination of mayonnaise and mustard powder can be used as a substitute. Maple syrup or honey can replace brown sugar for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

The basting sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature before using. The ham can also be scored and the initial layer of basting sauce applied the night before cooking.

Presentation Ideas

Present the ham on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme and surrounded by roasted fruits like apples or pears for an elegant display.

Pairing Recommendations

A medium-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, or a malty beer, like a Brown Ale, pairs wonderfully with the sweet and savory flavors of the ham. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling apple cider is a festive choice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a 325°F oven, covered, until warmed through. Alternatively, individual slices can be reheated in the microwave.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The calorie content of this dish will vary depending on the size and cut of the ham and the amount of basting sauce used. On average, a 3-ounce serving of baked ham with glaze can range from 180 to 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

The primary source of carbohydrates in this recipe comes from the brown sugar used in the basting sauce. One cup of packed brown sugar contains approximately 200 grams of carbohydrates. Depending on the serving size, this will contribute a significant amount of carbohydrates to the dish.

Fats

The fat content in this recipe will largely depend on the cut of ham used. A leaner cut will contain less fat, while a fattier cut will contribute more. The basting sauce itself contains negligible amounts of fat.

Proteins

Ham is an excellent source of high-quality protein. The exact protein content will vary depending on the size and cut of the ham, but on average, a 3-ounce serving of cooked ham provides about 19 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Ham is rich in several vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, niacin, phosphorus, zinc, and potassium. These nutrients play vital roles in the body, supporting everything from energy production to immune function.

Alergens

The primary allergens to be aware of in this recipe are mustard (in the dijon mustard) and gluten (in the beer, unless a gluten-free variety is used). Always check labels for potential allergens.

Summary

This Basting Sauce Baked Ham is a flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. However, due to its sugar and sodium content, it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

This Basting Sauce Baked Ham recipe is a delightful blend of traditional and modern flavors, perfect for any occasion that calls for a special meal. With its rich glaze and succulent meat, it's a dish that's sure to become a favorite. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize the recipe to suit your taste and dietary needs, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl learning the ins and outs of the kitchen from my own dear grandmother. She was a masterful cook, with a treasure trove of recipes passed down through generations.

One day, as I was rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded index card with the words "Basting Sauce Baked Ham" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive. Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about it, and she regaled me with the story of how she came to acquire this particular recipe.

"It was many years ago," she began, her eyes twinkling with nostalgia. "I was just a young bride, eager to impress my new husband with my cooking skills. We were invited to a dinner party at a friend's house, and I wanted to bring something special. I asked my own mother for a recipe that would wow our hosts, and she handed me this one."

As my grandmother recounted the tale, I could practically smell the tantalizing aromas of the basting sauce wafting through the air. She described how she carefully prepared the ham, marinated it in the sauce overnight, and then baked it to perfection. The result was a succulent, tender ham that practically melted in your mouth.

From that moment on, the Basting Sauce Baked Ham became a staple in our family's recipe collection. It was the star of countless holiday dinners, Sunday suppers, and special occasions. Each time I made it, I felt a connection to my grandmother and the generations of women who came before her, passing down their culinary wisdom through the ages.

Over the years, I've made a few tweaks and adjustments to the original recipe, adding a pinch of this and a dash of that to suit my own tastes. But the essence of the dish remains the same – a rich, flavorful basting sauce that infuses the ham with a mouthwatering blend of sweet and savory flavors.

To make the Basting Sauce Baked Ham, you'll need a few key ingredients: a bone-in ham, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a blend of warming spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The secret to this recipe lies in the basting sauce, which is a delicious concoction of these ingredients simmered together until thick and syrupy.

To begin, preheat your oven to 325°F and place the ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife to allow the basting sauce to penetrate and seep into the meat. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, and spices, stirring until smooth and well combined.

Pour the basting sauce over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly on all sides. Cover the roasting pan with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting the ham with the sauce every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

As the ham bakes, the tantalizing aroma of the basting sauce will fill your kitchen, drawing everyone to the table with eager anticipation. When the ham is done, the glaze will be caramelized and sticky, the meat tender and juicy. Slice it thinly and serve with all the classic accompaniments – mashed potatoes, green beans, and of course, plenty of extra basting sauce drizzled on top.

Each time I make this recipe, I'm transported back to that moment in my grandmother's kitchen, discovering the magic of this basting sauce for the first time. It's a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring us together with loved ones, and to create lasting memories that nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

So the next time you're in the mood for a comforting, home-cooked meal that's sure to impress, give my Basting Sauce Baked Ham a try. I promise it will become a favorite in your own recipe collection, just as it has in mine. And who knows – maybe someday you'll pass it down to the next generation, sharing its delicious legacy with those you love most.