Baking ham in a cooking bag is a delightful way to ensure a juicy and flavorful centerpiece for your family meal. This method, which has been embraced by home cooks for its simplicity and effectiveness, keeps the ham tender and moist while allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully. It’s a perfect dish to serve during family gatherings or holidays, bringing warmth and comfort to the table. The cooking bag technique is especially handy for those who may not have cooked a ham before, as it helps maintain the right cooking environment for a perfectly succulent result.
This oven-baked ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh garden salad. For a touch of sweetness, you might consider serving it alongside glazed carrots or a pineapple stuffing. A basket of warm dinner rolls or cornbread also makes a great accompaniment, allowing everyone to soak up the delicious juices. To complete the meal, a light dessert such as a fruit tart or a simple vanilla pudding can provide a sweet finish.
Oven-Baked Ham in a Cooking BagServings: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
1 fully cooked bone-in ham (approximately 8-10 pounds)
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 cup pineapple juice
1 large oven-safe cooking bag
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and pineapple juice to create the glaze.
Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the ham inside the cooking bag, setting it cut side down in a large roasting pan.
Pour the glaze over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated. Close the bag with the provided tie, leaving a small opening for steam to escape.
Make 4-5 small slits in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape during cooking.
Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Once done, carefully remove the ham from the oven and let it rest in the bag for about 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Remove the ham from the bag, slice, and serve with your choice of sides.
Variations & Tips
For a different flavor profile, you can substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze, or add a teaspoon of ground ginger for a bit of spice. If you have picky eaters at home, serving the glaze on the side allows each person to control their own sweetness level. For a more savory option, consider adding a tablespoon of soy sauce to the glaze mixture. Additionally, you can use an unsliced ham if you prefer, and score the surface in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate better.
