Kentucky Baked Ham
Kentucky Baked Ham features a rich molasses and spice glaze, complemented by a sweet mustard and brown sugar dressing, ideal for festive gatherings or hearty family meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash the ham carefully.
- Place the ham in a baking pan, skin side down.
- Fill the pan halfway with hot water, adding molasses, cayenne pepper, vinegar, and whole cloves.
- Bake the ham slowly, allowing 5 hours for a 16-pound ham.
- After baking, skin and trim the ham.
- Make a paste with the yolk of an egg, thickened with equal parts brown sugar and mustard, and dress the ham with this paste.
- Bake the ham until it is light brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the ham overnight in the molasses mixture. If you don't have Orleans molasses, blackstrap molasses can be a good substitute. Instead of cayenne pepper, try smoked paprika for a different kick. Ensure the baking pan is deep enough to contain the liquids while baking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Kentucky Baked Ham with traditional sides like collard greens or cornbread for a classic Southern meal. It also pairs beautifully with Minted Lima Bean Salad for a refreshing contrast. For a complete feast, consider offering a selection of sides from American recipes, such as mashed potatoes or a hearty Meat, Onion And Potato Bake.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Kentucky Baked Ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the oven at 325°F covered with foil to retain moisture, or microwave individual portions until heated through. For longer storage, consider freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Kentucky Baked Ham contains roughly 336 calories, with 12g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (144% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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, you can use a different type of ham such as a spiral-cut ham or a bone-in ham. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of ham you choose. Always ensure that it reaches the recommended internal temperature for safety.
What can I substitute for whole cloves?
If you don't have whole cloves, you can substitute with ground cloves, using about 1/4 teaspoon for every whole clove called for in the recipe. However, be cautious with the amount as ground spices are more concentrated.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding a splash of hot sauce to the molasses mixture. You could also incorporate diced jalapeños or habaneros into the paste for a bold flavor boost.
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).