Ginger Ale & Beer-Glazed Ham
This Ginger Ale & Beer-Glazed Ham is a succulent centerpiece for any occasion. Infused with the sweet flavors of ginger ale and the rich depth of beer, this ham is perfect for holiday gatherings or Sunday dinners. The preparation begins with soaking the ham in ginger ale, which tenderizes and balances the saltiness of the meat. After 4 hours of infusing, the ham is adorned with cloves and coated in a luscious molasses-beer glaze before being baked to perfection. The aromatic spices and the warmth of the glaze create a delightful contrast to the savory ham. Serve this incredible dish with your favorite sides, and let the compliments roll in!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bone-in ham
5 lb (None)
Ginger ale
3 cups (Do not use sugar-free or low-calorie varieties.)
Whole cloves
12 (As needed for studding the ham.)
Molasses
1 cup (None)
Black pepper
1-2 teaspoons (Freshly ground is preferable.)
Mustard powder
2 teaspoons (None)
Beer
1 cup (Any variety desired.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2
Using a sharp knife, carefully remove the tough, leathery top layer of skin from the ham.
3
Score the fat on the top of the ham in a diamond pattern for better flavor absorption and presentation.
4
In a large container, soak the ham in ginger ale in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even soaking.
5
After soaking, discard the ginger ale and place the ham on a roasting rack.
6
Stud the scored surface of the ham with whole cloves, placing them evenly for a beautiful presentation.
7
Lay a large piece of heavy-duty foil in the bottom of a roasting pan, ensuring it’s large enough to wrap around the ham completely.
8
Transfer the ham onto the foil in the roasting pan.
9
In a medium bowl, mix together the molasses, mustard powder, black pepper, and beer until well combined; pour this mixture over the ham, ensuring it's coated evenly.
10
Loosely cover the ham with the remaining foil, sealing it tightly to keep the juices intact.
11
Bake the ham in the preheated oven, using the guideline of 20 minutes per pound (approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes for a 5 lb ham).
12
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and place it on a cutting board. Tent it with a piece of foil and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
13
Slice and serve the ham warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze for extra flavor. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ginger Ale & Beer-Glazed Ham?
It is a succulent centerpiece dish where ham is tenderized in a ginger ale soak and finished with a rich molasses and beer glaze.
How much ham is required for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for a 5 lb bone-in ham.
Can I use low-calorie ginger ale for soaking?
No, the recipe specifies that you should not use sugar-free or low-calorie varieties of ginger ale.
How long should the ham soak in ginger ale?
The ham should be soaked in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours.
Is it necessary to turn the ham while it soaks?
Yes, you should turn the ham occasionally during the 4-hour soak to ensure even flavor penetration.
What should I do with the ginger ale once soaking is finished?
You should discard the ginger ale after the soaking process is complete.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit or 163 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare the ham skin?
Use a sharp knife to carefully remove the tough, leathery top layer of skin from the ham before scoring.
Why is the fat on top of the ham scored?
Scoring the fat in a diamond pattern allows for better glaze absorption and an attractive presentation.
What ingredients make up the glaze?
The glaze is a mixture of molasses, mustard powder, black pepper, and beer.
What type of beer should I choose for the glaze?
You can use any variety of beer you desire for this recipe.
How many whole cloves are used for studding?
The recipe calls for approximately 12 whole cloves.
How are the cloves arranged on the ham?
Stud the cloves into the scored surface of the ham, placing them evenly across the diamond pattern.
What is the best way to place the ham in the roasting pan?
Place the ham on a roasting rack set inside a pan lined with heavy-duty foil.
What is the rule for calculating baking time?
The guideline is to bake the ham for 20 minutes per pound.
Approximately how long does a 5 lb ham take to bake?
A 5 lb ham takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes at the specified temperature.
Should the ham be covered while in the oven?
Yes, loosely cover the ham with foil and seal it tightly to keep the juices intact during baking.
How long should the ham rest after baking?
The ham should rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Is tenting the ham necessary during the resting period?
Yes, tent the ham with a piece of foil while it rests to maintain heat and moisture.
How should the remaining glaze be served?
Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze from the pan for extra flavor.
Is freshly ground black pepper recommended?
Yes, freshly ground black pepper is preferable for the best flavor in the glaze.
What amount of mustard powder is needed?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of mustard powder.
Is this ham suitable for Sunday dinners?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for Sunday dinners as well as special holiday gatherings.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a delightful contrast of savory ham with aromatic spices and a sweet, deep molasses-beer glaze.
How does the ginger ale soak affect the ham?
The ginger ale tenderizes the meat and helps balance the natural saltiness of the ham.
Can this recipe be adapted for different ham sizes?
Yes, simply adjust the baking time using the 20 minutes per pound guideline for your specific ham weight.
When exactly is the glaze poured over the ham?
The glaze mixture is poured over the ham before it is sealed in foil and placed in the oven.
Does the recipe require prepared mustard?
No, the recipe specifically requires mustard powder for the glaze mixture.
Can I adjust the number of cloves used?
Yes, you can use as many as needed to evenly stud the scored surface for your desired look.
Is this considered a sweet and savory main dish?
Yes, the combination of molasses, ginger ale, and savory ham creates a classic sweet and savory profile.