Holiday meals can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when you’re tasked with preparing a large centerpiece dish like ham. If you’ve ever felt intimidated by the thought of cooking a holiday ham, you’re not alone. Many home cooks find the process daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! This recipe, inspired by the famous Pioneer Woman, simplifies the process, making it incredibly easy to create a stunning and delicious glazed ham that will impress your guests. Forget complicated techniques and endless steps – this Pioneer Woman Ham Recipe is straightforward, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion, especially your Easter celebration.
Preparing Your Ham for Roasting
uncut ham
First, you’ll need to select your ham. For this Pioneer Woman ham recipe, you can choose one large bone-in ham, weighing between 8 to 12 pounds, or opt for two boneless half hams. The choice often depends on what’s available at your local grocery store. If you have a preference for bone-in or boneless, you might need to check a couple of stores. The key is to ensure that the ham you purchase is uncut. This allows you to create the beautiful diamond pattern that not only looks impressive but also helps the glaze penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor.
making diagonal cuts on ham
Once you have your uncut ham, place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp chef’s knife or a long serrated knife, carefully make diagonal cuts across the surface of the ham. Aim for cuts that are about 1/2 inch deep. These incisions are crucial as they allow the flavorful Coca-Cola glaze to seep into the ham as it cooks, keeping it moist and adding depth of flavor.
making diamond cuts on ham
After making diagonal cuts in one direction, rotate the ham and make another set of diagonal cuts in the opposite direction. This will create the classic diamond pattern that is both visually appealing and functional. These diamond shapes not only look elegant but also provide pockets for the glaze to settle and caramelize beautifully.
whole cloves
Next, gather some whole cloves. These aromatic spices are a traditional addition to baked ham, adding a subtle warm spice note.
inserting cloves into ham diamonds
Press a whole clove into the center of each diamond shape on the ham. While the cloves do impart a hint of flavor, their primary purpose in this Pioneer Woman ham recipe is to enhance the visual appeal of the finished dish. The cloves add a touch of festive charm and a classic look to your holiday ham.
ham in roasting pan
Place the prepared ham in a roasting pan or a large glass baking dish, ensuring it fits comfortably. Using a roasting pan is ideal as it often comes with a rack that can lift the ham slightly, allowing for better air circulation. However, a large glass pan will also work if your ham fits. The important thing is to have a pan that will hold the ham and any juices that render out during cooking, keeping the ham moist.
covering ham with foil
Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. This step is crucial for retaining moisture and preventing the ham from drying out during the initial cooking phase. Bake in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for approximately 15 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound ham, this would be around 2.5 hours. It’s always a good idea to double-check the cooking instructions on the ham’s packaging as well, as cooking times can vary slightly. Remember the mantra for perfect ham: “low and slow” is the way to go to ensure a tender and juicy result.
Crafting the Coca-Cola Glaze
coca-cola glaze ingredients
While your ham is baking, it’s time to prepare the star of this Pioneer Woman ham recipe: the Coca-Cola glaze. This glaze is what gives the ham its signature glossy shine and irresistible sweet and tangy flavor. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of brown sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard. If you are preparing a larger ham, exceeding 12 pounds, you will want to double the glaze recipe to ensure you have enough to generously coat the ham.
pouring coca-cola into glaze mixture
Pour in half a can of Coca-Cola (or about 6 ounces). The original Pioneer Woman recipe sometimes uses Dr. Pepper, which is also a fantastic alternative. In fact, any dark soda, except for diet versions, will work well in this glaze. The sugar content in regular soda is essential for creating the glaze’s sticky, caramelized texture.
simmering coca-cola glaze
Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the mixture continuously until it begins to foam. Once it’s foamy, immediately reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer gently for about 20-25 minutes. As it simmers, you’ll notice the glaze thickening and reducing. It will continue to thicken even more as it cools slightly after being removed from the heat.
Glazing and Finishing the Ham
brushing glaze on ham
After the ham has been baking for an hour, it’s time to begin glazing. Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the Coca-Cola glaze all over the ham, making sure to get the glaze into all the diamond-shaped cuts. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking.
glazed ham close up
Repeat the glazing process every 20 minutes for the remaining baking time, typically 4-6 times. While it may seem like a bit of effort to glaze the ham so frequently, this step is what creates that beautifully glossy, flavorful crust. Each layer of glaze builds upon the previous one, resulting in a deeply caramelized and incredibly delicious ham.
whole glazed ham
Once the ham is fully cooked and gloriously glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham. Before serving, brush the ham with any remaining glaze to enhance its shine and visual appeal. Garnish your Pioneer Woman ham recipe creation with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges for a touch of freshness and color.
sliced glazed ham
You can serve the ham whole as a stunning centerpiece or pre-slice it for easier serving. If pre-slicing, brush a little extra glaze between the slices for added flavor and moisture. However you choose to present it, this Pioneer Woman ham recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
serving platter with glazed ham and sides
Serve your glazed ham with classic side dishes like macaroni and cheese, roasted vegetables, or a fresh slaw to complete your holiday feast. This Pioneer Woman ham recipe is not just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings people together, creating memorable moments around the table. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
