This simple recipe for marinated ham is so easy and tastes so good that you might want to make two batches and freeze one for later.
I always double my batch of the marinaded ham so I can have leftovers or freeze some. We love how they dress up a BLT. We have so many fresh vegetables right now that it’s the best treat! Our kids love meals that are just ham on a plate. But who could really blame them?.
Marinating a Ham Overnight – Infusing Maximum Flavor Into Your Holiday Feast
Many families have a tradition that they cook a delicious glazed ham every year during the holidays. A beautifully browned ham is often the main dish at a holiday meal, whether it’s for Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving. But did you know that marinating your ham overnight can make it taste even better? Soaking the ham in a flavorful marinade for 8 to 12 hours gives the ingredients time to soak into the meat, giving it a juicy, tender texture and a strong flavor.
As a busy home cook, I’m always seeking ways to maximize flavor with minimum effort. An overnight marinade is one of my secret weapons, infusing proteins like ham with complex layers of taste. Once the lengthy marination is complete, all that’s left is a quick roast or glaze before serving. It delivers impressive results with the convenience of letting the ingredients do most of the work while you sleep!
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of marinating a ham overnight and provide tips for concocting your own signature marinade. Let’s dive in and discover how this simple technique can bring your holiday ham to the next level.
Benefits of Marinating a Ham Overnight
There are several benefits to letting a ham marinate for a long time:
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More flavor: If you soak a ham for 8 hours or more, the marinade ingredients can get into the meat all the way through. This leads to robust taste throughout each slice.
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Increased tenderness – Marinades containing acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus help break down collagen and connective tissues. This makes the ham incredibly tender and juicy.
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Convenience – Prepare your marinade the night before, then simply roast or glaze the next day. Saves time when you’re busy preparing side dishes and other meal components.
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Consistent coverage – Rotating the ham in the marinade ensures all surfaces absorb maximum flavor. No dry or underseasoned spots.
Choosing a Marinade
The marinade is what gives overnight ham its signature taste, so choose ingredients that complement and enhance the pork’s richness.
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Acids – Lemon juice, vinegars, wine
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Sweeteners – Brown sugar, honey, molasses, maple syrup
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Savory flavor – Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard
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Fruit – Pineapple, orange, apple
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Herbs & spices – Rosemary, thyme, cloves, cinnamon, ginger
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Oil or stock – For moisture and flavor
Some popular marinade combos include:
- Orange, rosemary & garlic
- Pineapple, brown sugar & ginger
- Apple cider vinegar, onion & cloves
- Soy sauce, brown sugar & crushed pineapple
Mix and match flavors to create your own unique marinade. Just be sure your ingredients have enough acidity and sweetness to permeate and tenderize the meat.
Tips for Marinating Your Ham
Follow these tips to get the most out of your overnight ham marinade:
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Choose bone-in or partial bone-in hams. The bones add more flavor. Opt for a cured, uncooked ham.
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Use a large resealable plastic bag or nonreactive container like glass or stainless steel. Make sure ham is fully submerged.
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Calculate 1⁄2 to 2⁄3 cups marinade per pound of ham. Increase acidic ingredients if doing a short marinade.
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Rotate the bag or container periodically so all surfaces get coated.
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Refrigerate for 8-12 hours, flipping halfway. Longer times increase tenderizing effects.
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Reserve leftover marinade for basting. Boil if using raw marinade.
After marinating, roast the ham until fully cooked, then glaze and broil to caramelize the exterior. The concentrated flavors will yield deliciously succulent results sure to wow your guests!
Marinating a ham overnight allows you to outsource much of the work to the ingredients themselves. As the ham soaks, the marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with mouthwatering flavor. With just a little forethought, you can serve up an insanely juicy, decadent holiday centerpiece. This year, give overnight marination a try – your taste buds will thank you!
For more ham tips and inspiring recipes, check out the Cooking Tips forum. Share your own go-to marinades or lessons learned from marinating meats. Together, we can uncover new ways to maximize flavor and ease in the kitchen. Happy holidays!
A Buttery Ham Sandwich
There was a drip of buttery juice down my arm as I took my first bite of this sandwich. I knew it was going to be good. I can still remember the taste of that sandwich sitting on her sunny front porch that day. I was only about 14 years old at the time, so Being didn’t need to ask for the recipe for the delicious, buttery, bacon-tasting treat I had just eaten. I just asked for another sandwich.
This marinated ham recipe will amp up your average ham sandwich. Marinated ham is buttery, savory and rich with flavor. We love how fast and easy this recipe is to make in the instant pot, too.
We made this recipe for graduation parties and other get-togethers after we learned how quick and easy it was. Then the guys asked for it to be on the list of summer camp meals we served! We also love to bring it to breakfast brunches with our Easy Bake Egg Strata, Creamy Orange Muffins, and Gooey Caramel Rolls! Now I’m hungry!
I decided to make an Instant Pot version of this recipe, which making bitting into this buttery ham, quicker than ever! Usually I will double the recipe, so my Instant Pot is the best way to make a bit lot of this at one time.
How to make the BEST IP Marinated Ham the Video!
- Turn everyday deli ham into something incredibly delicious and buttery.
- People who come over will never guess that you didn’t marinate and cook this ham all day.
- This recipe freezes really well and is easy to double for a big event or group.
- This ham that has been marinated can be used to make your BLTs taste better, as a side dish at a brunch buffet, or in a fresh bun sandwich.
Easy Ham Recipe – How to Bake a Ham
FAQ
Can I prep my ham the night before?
Is it good to marinate a ham?
How do you keep ham moist overnight?
Can You marinate a cooked ham overnight?
A cooked ham can be marinated for at least 4-6 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator. Can I use a dry rub as a marinade for cooked ham? Yes, a dry rub can be used as a marinade for cooked ham.
How do you marinate a ham slice?
Put ham and marinade in resealable plastic bag. Marinate ham slice a few hours or overnight. Fire up the grill or broiler or even heat in a pan on top of the stove. Cook ham until done and heated through. Baste during cooking. This marinade tones down the saltiness of a ham slice. It’s delicious if you grill the ham slice after marinating.
Can You marinate a ham with citrus?
Yes, a citrus-based marinade can add a bright and tangy flavor to cooked ham. You can use a mixture of orange juice, lemon juice, and zest, along with herbs and spices, to create a delicious citrus marinade for the ham.
What is the best marinade for Ham?
The best marinades for ham are typically sweet and savory, complementing the natural richness of the meat. Consider using a marinade that contains ingredients such as: These ingredients can add depth and complexity to the flavor of your ham, creating a mouthwatering result that will leave your guests asking for seconds.