The Ultimate Baked Easter Ham
A slow-roasted, juicy centerpiece with a sweet and tangy brown sugar, honey, and pineapple glaze
Equipment
- Roasting Pan with a Rack – Elevates the ham so it roasts evenly.
- Meat Thermometer – Essential for perfect doneness (pork should reach 145°F).
- Basting Brush or Spoon – Helps apply layers of flavorful glaze.
- Sharp Knife – For scoring the skin and making slicing easier.
- Aluminum Foil – Prevents drying out during the long roasting process.
Ingredients
How to Make the Best Baked Easter Ham (From Scratch!)
Ingredients:
For the Ham:
- 1 bone-in fresh ham 8-12 lbs, skin on
- 2 tablespoons kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 cups chicken broth or water for roasting
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Ham
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator 1-2 hours before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Pat the ham dry with paper towels.
- Score the Skin for Maximum Flavor
- Using a sharp knife, score the ham’s skin and fat in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts (about ¼ inch deep). This allows the seasoning and glaze to penetrate the meat.
Season the Ham
- In a small bowl, mix kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and ground cloves.
- Rub the seasoning mixture all over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts.
Slow-Roast the Ham
- Place the ham skin-side up on a roasting rack in a large pan. Pour 2 cups of chicken broth or water into the bottom of the pan (this keeps the ham moist).
- Cover loosely with foil and roast for 18-20 minutes per pound (about 3.5-4.5 hours for a 10-lb ham), until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C).
Make the Glaze
- While the ham is roasting, combine brown sugar, honey, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves in a saucepan.
- Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat.
Glaze & Finish Roasting
- Once the ham reaches 130°F, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with the glaze.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (218°C).
- Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue roasting for 30-45 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until the glaze is bubbling and caramelized.
- The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Rest & Serve
- Remove the ham from the oven and tent it loosely with foil. Let it rest for 20-30 minutes before slicing.
- Serve with any extra glaze from the pan spooned over the top.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Juiciest Ham
✔️ Let it Rest – Resting allows juices to redistribute, making every slice tender.
✔️ Baste Frequently – More glaze = more flavor and caramelization!
✔️ Use a Meat Thermometer – Prevents overcooking and keeps the ham juicy.
✔️ Save the Bone – Perfect for making ham stock, soups, or bean dishes later. Serving Suggestions for Your Easter Ham Pair your ham with these classic Easter side dishes:
🥔 Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy, cheesy perfection.
🥕 Maple Roasted Carrots – A sweet and savory balance.
🌽 Buttery Cornbread – A soft and delicious complement.
🥗 Spring Pea Salad – Light and refreshing. Storing & Reheating Leftovers Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven, covered, for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices.
✔️ Baste Frequently – More glaze = more flavor and caramelization!
✔️ Use a Meat Thermometer – Prevents overcooking and keeps the ham juicy.
✔️ Save the Bone – Perfect for making ham stock, soups, or bean dishes later. Serving Suggestions for Your Easter Ham Pair your ham with these classic Easter side dishes:
🥔 Scalloped Potatoes – Creamy, cheesy perfection.
🥕 Maple Roasted Carrots – A sweet and savory balance.
🌽 Buttery Cornbread – A soft and delicious complement.
🥗 Spring Pea Salad – Light and refreshing. Storing & Reheating Leftovers Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a 325°F oven, covered, for 10-15 minutes, or microwave individual slices.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 45gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 6gSodium: 1200mgSugar: 18g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
