Baked Fresh Ham, Southern Style
A savory Southern-style baked ham with a sweet and spicy glaze, studded with cloves and infused with aromatic spices, perfect for festive gatherings and family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Put the ham in a kettle and cover with boiling water.
- Add bay leaves, dried red pepper, cinnamon stick, salt, powdered mustard, horseradish, and garlic.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Cover and simmer the ham for 2 hours.
- Cool the ham in the broth and refrigerate overnight.
- Remove the rind from the ham.
- Mix mustard and horseradish and rub onto the fat of the ham.
- Insert garlic into the fat of the ham.
- Place the ham on a rack and bake in a preheated 300°F (150°C) oven for 2 hours.
- Score the fat with a knife, stud with cloves, and sprinkle with brown sugar.
- Bake for an additional hour, basting occasionally with pan drippings.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a tablespoon of honey to the water while simmering the ham. If you don't have fresh garlic, garlic powder can be a suitable replacement. Adjust the spice level by using less dried red pepper if desired, or substitute with black pepper for a milder flavor. This recipe is perfect for gatherings, so try pairing it with sides like Fresh Green Cabbage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Southern-style baked ham with classic sides such as collard greens, cornbread, or sweet potato casserole for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Floyd'S Brunswick Stew for a comforting dinner. Consider using leftover ham in sandwiches or salads for a delicious next-day meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in slices or chunks, which can last for several months. To reheat, place slices in a covered dish with a little broth or water, warming in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Fresh Ham, Southern Style contains roughly 216 calories, with 5g protein, 37g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1686mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Yes, while this recipe is designed for fresh ham, you can also use bone-in or boneless cured ham. Just be aware that cooking times may vary, and you might want to adjust the seasoning since cured hams can be saltier.
How can I ensure the ham stays moist while baking?
To keep the ham moist, baste it with the pan drippings every 20 minutes during the final hour of baking. Covering it loosely with foil for the first part of baking can also help retain moisture.
What can I do with leftover ham?
Leftover ham is versatile! You can use it in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles. It's also great in soups, such as split pea or bean soup, or you can incorporate it into dishes like Pork Satay Singapore for an Asian-inspired meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).