- Baked Ham: Choose a high-quality bone-in smoked ham for the best flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to complement the savory flavors.
- Cinnamon: A classic spice that enhances the natural taste of the ham.
- Apple Slices: Sliced apples add moisture and bring a slight tartness, perfect for balancing the richness.
- Sweet Onion: Finely diced onions caramelize during baking, infusing the dish with savory sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy kick that pairs well with sweet flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Brings depth of flavor and umami taste to the gravy.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickening agent for the gravy.
- Chicken Broth: The base ingredient that gives richness and depth.
- Butter: Melted butter enhances the overall mouthfeel and taste.
- Golden Syrup or Maple Syrup: Adds a sweet touch without overpowering the flavors.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, ensure you have both to adjust as needed.
- Thyme: A fragrant herb that adds a nice depth of flavor.
Keywords:
- Baked Ham Ingredients
- Sweet Gravy Recipe
- High-Quality Ham Selection
- Savory Sweet Balance
- Dijon Mustard Uses
- All-Purpose Flour for Thickening
- Chicken Broth for Richness
- Butter in Cooking
Steps
### Delicious Baked Ham with Sweet Gravy Recipe
Baking a ham is an excellent choice for special occasions or family dinners, especially when paired with a sweet and savory gravy. Follow these detailed steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests.
#### Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked spiral-cut ham
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
- 1 (6 ounce) can evaporated milk
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Prepare the Ham:**
- Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a large roasting pan.
- Score the fat layer with a sharp knife, creating a diamond pattern. This will help the seasoning and flavors penetrate the meat.
3. **Apply Seasoning:**
- Mix 1 tablespoon of butter with the cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub this mixture all over the ham to ensure even coverage.
4. **Bake the Ham:**
- Place the ham in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 30 minutes per pound or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
#### Sweet Gravy Preparation:
1. **Thicken the Broth:**
- While the ham is baking, combine the chicken broth and flour in a medium saucepan.
- Whisk together to create a smooth paste.
2. **Cook the Base:**
- Heat 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in another pan.
- Add the remaining tablespoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Blend the Gravy:**
- Slowly pour the flour-broth mixture into the warm spices while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
4. **Simmer and Thicken:**
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens significantly.
- Stir in the evaporated milk and continue cooking for another 2 minutes.
#### Final Steps:
1. **Finish Baking with Gravy:**
- Pour half of the prepared gravy over the ham while it’s still baking.
- Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning on top.
2. **Check Temperature and Finish:**
- Continue baking for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) and the ham is nicely browned.
- Baste the ham occasionally with pan juices to keep it moist.
3. **Serving Time:**
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the ham hot, garnished with extra brown sugar if desired, accompanied by a dollop of the remaining gravy on the side.
#### Tips:
- For an added flavor boost, add a sliced onion or apple to the pan during baking.
- Use high-quality ingredients for best results, especially in the gravy base.
By following these detailed steps, you can create a delicious baked ham with sweet gravy that is sure to be a hit at any dinner table. Enjoy your cooking!