Honey-Kissed Oven-Baked Ham

1. Soak the Ham

Begin by placing the ham in a large container and covering it with hot tap water. Let it sit for 45 minutes to ensure even heating. Drain the water, then cover the ham with hot tap water again for another 45 minutes, making sure the water remains warm throughout.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 250°F and position the oven rack at the lowest setting.

3. Prepare the Ham

Once the ham is ready, unwrap it, discard the plastic disk, and place the ham inside a large plastic oven bag. Tie the bag securely and cut a few slits with a paring knife to allow steam to escape. This technique traps moisture inside the bag, preventing the ham from drying out.

4. Bake the Ham

Bake the ham at 250°F for 1 to 1½ hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 100°F. This gentle heating ensures the meat stays moist and flavorful. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

5. Glaze the Ham

Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 350°F. Carefully cut open the oven bag and brush the ham generously with your chosen glaze. Return the ham to the oven for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the glaze to become sticky and adhere to the ham, creating a beautiful, shiny finish.

6. Rest and Serve

After 10 minutes, take the ham out of the oven and transfer it to a carving board. Brush it with more glaze and let it rest for 15 minutes. Resting the ham helps to redistribute the juices, making each slice succulent and flavorful.

7. Prepare the Final Glaze

While the ham rests, heat the remaining glaze with the ham juices until the mixture is thick but still fluid enough to coat the back of a spoon. Carve the ham and serve it with the warmed glaze for an extra burst of flavor.