Easter Ham with Bacon Jam

For many people, ham is the dish of choice for Easter. 

Whether it is for Easter Dinner or for Easter Brunch, an amazing glazed ham is always a crowd pleaser. 

And did someone say, leftovers?!

Historical Ham

For Easter, ham dishes are often center stage. Especially glazed ham dishes.

The reason that homemade ham dishes became such a popular meat of choice for Easter is simple: it was readily available and affordable for the common man. 

History explains this. 

Fall season was historically when the village pigs were slaughtered. The pigs were cured during the winter time. Once Spring and Easter season finally had arrived, the delicious hams were fully cured and ready to be consumed. 

Because Lent’s required fasting was over in the Spring, the timing was perfect for a grand feast to begin.

In addition to this, there are other logical reasons. In the 1940s, synthetic fabrics became a popular choice. The need for wool (and sheep) then declined in the USA. 

Pigs increased in popularity at this time. This is another factor in why a delicious ham (instead of lamb) became a regular for our American Easter menus. 

Easter Ham Menu

If you are wondering what to make for Easter Sunday Brunch, a glazed ham dish is delicious - served cold or fresh out of the oven. 

Serve sliced ham roast with side items, like: green salads, potato dishes, Spring green beans, lemon carrots and more. Deviled Easter eggs and fruits can be added to round out your brunch theme party or celebration. 

There are many delicious Easter ham brunch recipes to choose from. TBJ Gourmet offers this simple twist on a recipe from Taste of Home, by adding a simple 3 ingredient ham glaze that will turn your ham into a true masterpiece:

Easter Ham with Bacon Jam Glaze Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)

For the Glaze for Easter ham:

• 1 cup of TBJ Uncured Bacon Jam - (honey habanero or classic)
• Pinch of Basil
• 1 cup of Orange juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325° temperature. 
2. Place ham in a shallow roasting pan. 
3. Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes 1/2 in. deep. 
4. Cover and bake for 1 3/4 hours. 
5. In a small bowl, combine the 3 glaze ingredients. 
6. Spoon over ham. 
7. Bake, uncovered, until a thermometer reads 140°, for 15-30 minutes longer. 
8. Let stand for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Serve your gorgeous ham on a silver tray (or tray of your choice) surrounded by your chosen veggies, like potatoes and carrots/green beans. Spoon any extra glaze on the top of the ham. 

BTW, ham is also healthy: If you are wondering what to prepare for easter brunch that is also healthy, ham is a great choice. Four ounces of ham is only 214 calories and provides 34 grams of protein.

Ham can be stored safely in your fridge in air-tight containers for 3-4 days. 

Sweet and Succulent

There is nothing quite as wonderful as spending your Easter brunch with your family. 

A scrumptious bacon jam glazed ham with delicious side dishes provides warmth and conversation to help build your holiday memories.

After your brunch, make the most of those mouth-watering ham leftovers:

• Try adding ham pieces to your favorite breakfast casserole dishes. Ham makes a delicious addition to a quiche!
• Ham sandwiches with a smear of bacon jam are always a hit (try classic or sweet chili!)
• Ham pieces stirred into a hearty potato soup, served with fresh crusty bread, is a delicious day-after Easter meal. 

Bon Appétit!