If you follow these steps for How to Make a Cheap Ham Taste Amazing, your guests will have no idea that you didn’t spend a lot of money on that delicious spiral-sliced ham. Easy recipe for how to make a cheap ham taste amazing.
This is the easiest way to make a cheap ham taste amazing. With these simple tricks, youll never have dry, tired ham for the holidays again!.
Cover the ham with pineapple rings and put cherries in the middle of the rings about 15 minutes before it’s done baking. This will really dress it up. The secret to this recipe is the Beer. The beer will prevent the ham tasting too salty, and will ensure a moist and tender dish.
If you’d rather start with a ham that isn’t cooked, just follow the directions on the package for changing the cooking time and temperature. Youll still end up with the perfect ham that tastes amazing.
Corn King ham is a delicious type of cured and smoked ham that is a holiday favorite for many families. When cooked properly, Corn King ham can be juicy flavorful and an impressive centerpiece for your holiday table. However cooking a ham can seem intimidating, especially if you’ve never done it before. With the right techniques though, even beginners can cook a Corn King ham that will wow their guests!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 bone-in, fully cooked Corn King ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1-2 cups pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 12oz can or bottle of beer
- Cloves
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Remove Ham from Packaging and Prep
- Remove the ham from any wrapping and plastic casing. Rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- Using a sharp knife, score the ham by making shallow X-shaped cuts across the surface. This helps the glaze permeate the meat.
- Stud the ham by sticking whole cloves into the centers of the X-shaped cuts. This adds nice flavor.
2. Bake Ham with Beer
- Place ham in a roasting pan and pour beer over it. The beer gives great flavor.
- Bake uncovered at 325°F for about 30 minutes. The beer will start to caramelize and get foamy.
3. Make Glaze
- While ham is baking, mix together pineapple juice and brown sugar to make a glaze.
4. Baste and Bake
- Remove ham from oven, pour off beer mixture.
- Brush on some of the pineapple-brown sugar glaze, return to oven.
- Continue baking approximately 15 minutes per pound.
5. Finish with Glaze
- For the last 45 minutes, increase heat to 425°F.
- Brush ham with more glaze every 15 minutes until done.
6. Let Stand and Slice
- Remove ham from oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing.
- Discard cloves and carve ham into slices. Serve warm.
Tips for Best Results
- For juiciest results, opt for a bone-in ham. The bone adds flavor and moisture.
- Cook to an internal temp of 140°F. Check with a meat thermometer.
- Add pineapple rings or cherries to glaze for a pretty presentation.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, and more!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook a ham?
- Count on approximately 15-20 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham. For example, an 8 lb ham would take 2-2.5 hours at 325°F.
Should you cook ham at high or low temp?
- Cook at lower temp (325°F) initially to heat through. Then increase to 425°F at end to make glaze sticky and brown the outside.
What’s the best way to reheat ham?
- Sliced ham can be quickly reheated in the microwave or skillet. For whole ham, reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through, glazing occasionally.
Can you freeze leftover ham?
- Yes, sliced ham freezes very well for 2-3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic then foil. Thaw in fridge before using.
What sides go with baked ham?
- Classic pairings include mashed potatoes, green beans, mac & cheese, rolls, and fruit salad or cranberry sauce.
The Secret of Success
The secret tricks to perfect baked ham every time are
- Studding with cloves – enhances flavor
- Baking with beer – prevents dryness
- Glazing with pineapple & brown sugar – adds sweetness
- Cooking bone-in – improves moisture
Follow these simple steps for impressive, foolproof baked ham. Your guests will be amazed at your cooking skills!
More Delicious Ham Recipes to Try
If you love ham, try these other tasty ways to cook it:
-
Honey Baked Ham – A classic recipe for holidays
-
Ham and Beans – The classic Southern comfort food
-
Ham and Potato Casserole – Loaded with cheese and veggies
-
Ham Salad – For sandwiches and parties
-
Ham and Cheese Sliders – Perfect game day appetizer
-
Ham Soup Beans – Flavorful soup with veggies
Ready to Cook an Amazing Corn King Ham?
As you can see, baking a delicious Corn King ham is easy and foolproof with these simple tricks and techniques. Stud it, beer it, glaze it and bake it for a juicy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece. Plus, you’ll have plenty of tasty leftovers after. Give this recipe a try, and your friends and family will be begging you to host holidays from now on!
What Size Ham Do I Need?
In my house, if there are more than 5 people, you should get an 8–10 lb ham.
But, you’re wanting to know more than just MY preference, right?! Here’s the general rule of thumb:
| Number of People | Size of Ham |
| 8-10 | 4-5 lb |
| 10-12 | 5-6 lb |
| 15-20 | 8-10 lb |
| 25-30 | 13-15 lb |
What is the Best Ham for Thanksgiving (or Easter or any holiday?)
The best ham for Thanksgiving, Christmas or any holiday is a baked ham. The meat is sweet and juicy, and the skin is crispy.
Typically supermarkets sell pre-cooked hams with a packet of glaze in the deli section of the grocery store.
And I would say, by and large, that’s the ham most people serve at their Thanksgiving table.
You can also get spiral-sliced honey baked ham (which is tasty, but a lot of people think the honey glaze is too sweet), bone-in natural or maple-roasted leg of pork, which is also called pork shoulder, and
It all depends on your cut of meat preference.