Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham: A Festive Centerpiece for Every Table

Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham: The Perfect Festive Main Dish

Nothing announces a holiday feast quite like a shimmering, beautifully glazed baked ham as the centerpiece of your table. Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham is beloved for its striking presentation, succulent tenderness, and a luscious glaze that melds the flavors of maple syrup, orange juice, honey, brown sugar, and ginger ale into a sweet symphony.

Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned host, this recipe guides you through each step toward a showstopping ham, with plenty of tips and FAQs to guarantee success.

Why Choose Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham?

• Perfect for Celebrations: A time-honored centerpiece for holidays like Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, and family gatherings.
• Irresistible Sweet Glaze: The combination of maple syrup, orange juice, and honey delivers unmatched flavor and a glossy finish.
• Simple Yet Impressive: Accessible instructions yield a restaurant-quality dish, even for beginners.
• Feeds a Crowd: Ideal for large events, potlucks, and meal prepping leftovers.

Ingredients for Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C), ensuring it reaches the proper temperature before baking begins.
2. Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and place it cut-side down in a large roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze seep in.
3. Mix the Glaze: In a bowl, combine the maple syrup, orange juice, ginger ale, brown sugar, honey, and pineapple preserves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is homogenous.
4. Baste and Cover: Generously brush or spoon some of the glaze over the ham, covering all surfaces. Reserve the remainder for basting throughout cooking.
5. Bake with Foil: Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Place in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this equals roughly 2 hours.
6. Baste Regularly: Every 30 minutes, uncover and baste the ham with additional glaze. Re-cover after each basting to retain moisture.
7. Caramelize the Glaze: For the final 20-30 minutes, remove the foil to allow the glaze to thicken and the ham to brown and caramelize.
8. Rest and Serve: Once the ham registers 140°F (60°C) at the thickest section, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Tips for the Best Sweet Holiday Ham

• Choose Bone-In Ham: This ensures juiciness and richer flavor.
• Don’t Skip Scoring: Scoring the ham aids penetration of the glaze and enhances presentation.
• Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thin, simmer extra glaze on the stovetop to thicken before the final basting.
• Prevent Drying Out: Keep the ham covered with foil while baking, only removing towards the end for caramelization.
• Let It Rest: Resting the ham results in juicier slices and easier carving.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this sweet holiday ham with classic sides to complete your festive meal. Here are delicious ideas to complement its flavors:

• Mashed potatoes with rich gravy
• Green beans almondine or roasted Brussels sprouts
• Scalloped potatoes or cheesy potato casserole
• Cranberry sauce or apple chutney for a fruity touch
• Warm dinner rolls or cornbread

How to Store & Use Leftover Ham

Nothing goes to waste with Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham. Here’s how to make the most of leftovers:

• Refrigerate: Store sliced ham in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Wrap ham tightly in foil or plastic and place in freezer bags; freeze for up to two months.
• Creative Uses: Add to omelets, sandwiches, casseroles, salads, or soups for delicious post-holiday meals.

Nutrition Information

*Nutrition will vary based on serving size and glaze coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Do I need to use a fully-cooked ham?

A: Yes, Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham is designed for a fully-cooked, bone-in ham for ease and best results.

Q: Can I make this ham ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! Bake the ham a day ahead, store it with the juices, and reheat covered at 325°F until warmed through.

Q: What if I don’t have pineapple preserves?

A: You can substitute with apricot or peach preserves, or simply omit for a slightly less fruity glaze.

Q: Can this recipe be adapted for a boneless ham?

A: Yes, but reduce the cooking time as boneless hams heat faster. Always use a thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Q: How thick should I slice the ham?

A: For the best results, cut serving slices about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick for optimal tenderness and presentation.

Variations & Customizations

• Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for subtle heat.
• Herbaceous Touch: Mix fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage into the glaze for an aromatic twist.
• Citrus Zest: Add orange or lemon zest to intensify fruitiness and brighten the flavors.
• Brown Sugar Swap: Substitute granulated sugar or coconut sugar if desired.

Perfect Occasions for Rita’s Sweet Holiday Ham

• Christmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving dinner
• Anniversaries and milestone celebrations
• Potluck parties or community gatherings
• Sunday family suppers

Expert Tips for a Showstopping Ham

• Let the ham rest at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before baking for more even reheating.
• Always use a meat thermometer; the interior should reach 140°F (60°C).
• If your ham is larger or smaller than 8–10 pounds, adjust the baking time accordingly (approx. 15 minutes per pound).
• For an ultra-glossy finish, broil the ham on high for 2–3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.

More Holiday Ham Inspiration

• Try pairing your sweet ham with classic side dishes, like mashed potatoes and green beans, for a full traditional spread.
• Explore swaps in glaze ingredients: use apple cider for a fall twist, or add bourbon for a grown-up flavor.
• Save the ham bone for hearty soups or stews—don’t let any deliciousness go to waste.

More Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I prevent my ham from drying out?

A: Always cover with foil during baking, baste regularly with glaze, and avoid overbaking.

Q: Can I use diet ginger ale or sugar-free substitutes?

A: Yes, these can be used with minor adjustments to taste and sweetness levels.

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: The glaze ingredients are naturally gluten-free but double-check all product labels to ensure compliance.

Final Thoughts

Rita’s Sweet Holiday Baked Ham is a celebration of sweetness, tradition, and togetherness. With its versatile, forgiving recipe and eye-catching caramelized glaze, this dish earns its place at the heart of any festive table. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or preparing a cherished family meal, it’s sure to be met with rave reviews and empty plates. Keep this recipe on hand for every holiday—and enjoy the comfort and joy it brings to your home year after year.

Author

Shinta

 

Shinta is a biotechnologist turned writer. She holds a master's degree in Biotechnology from Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences and a PG Diploma in cellular and molecular diagnostics from Manipal University. Shinta realised her love for content while working as an editor for a scientific journal.

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