Can You Cook a Ham in a Glass Pan?
Yes, you can cook a ham in a glass pan.
The suggested recipe calls for an 8-11 lb spiral sliced ham to be placed in a 9″ x 13″ glass baking dish or similar shallow roasting pan and covered tightly with foil or a lid.
It should then be cooked in a preheated oven at 275 degrees for 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, or about 10 minutes per pound of ham.
A glaze can be added during the last 20 minutes of baking if desired.
The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140 degrees F in the thickest spot.
After cooking, the ham should rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
Quick Tips and Facts:
1. Contrary to popular belief, cooking a ham in a glass pan can actually enhance its flavor. The glass retains heat more efficiently, resulting in a juicier and tenderer ham.
2. In the early 1900s, glass pans for cooking were considered a luxury item due to their higher cost. They were often reserved for special occasions, symbolizing opulence and grandeur.
3. The invention of glass bakeware can be credited to Corning Glass Works, now known as Corning Incorporated. They developed a durable glass material called Pyrex in 1915, which revolutionized baking and cooking.
4. Glass pans are not only great for cooking hams but also for preparing delicate dishes such as custards and soufflés. The even heat distribution and transparency of the glass help control the baking process and ensure perfect results.
5. When using a glass pan to cook a ham, it is important to preheat the oven and pan together. Placing the cold glass pan into a hot oven can cause it to shatter due to thermal shock.
Serving Size and Cooking Time
When cooking a ham in a glass pan, it is crucial to consider the serving size and the approximate cooking time. This recipe serves 12 people, making it ideal for gatherings or holiday feasts. The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes, allowing you to prioritize spending time with your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Ingredients and Preparation
To cook a delicious ham in a glass pan, follow these steps:
- Start with an 8-11 lb spiral sliced ham.
- Prepare a honey glaze using:
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- ½ cup of honey
- ½ cup of orange juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon of ground cloves
- a pinch of nutmeg.
- Combine these ingredients to create a sweet and tangy glaze that complements the ham’s rich flavor.
Next, preheat your oven to 275 degrees.
- Place the ham in a 9″ x 13″ glass baking dish (or similar shallow roasting pan).
- Tightly cover the dish with foil or a lid to trap in the moisture and ensure a tender and juicy ham.
Now you’re ready to cook your delicious ham!
Proper Baking Dish and Temperature
Using a glass pan for cooking the ham is a great choice as it helps distribute heat evenly and promotes even browning. Make sure to use a 9″ x 13″ glass baking dish or a similar shallow roasting pan to accommodate the size of the ham. Preheating the oven to 275 degrees is essential to maintain a low and slow cooking environment, which ensures that the ham cooks evenly throughout.
- Use a glass pan for cooking the ham
- Use a 9″ x 13″ glass baking dish or a similar shallow roasting pan
- Preheat the oven to 275 degrees for even cooking
“Using a glass pan for cooking the ham is a great choice as it helps distribute heat evenly and promotes even browning.”
Cooking and Glazing Instructions
Once your ham is in the baking dish and covered tightly with foil or a lid, place it in the preheated oven. The ham should be cooked for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, or about 10 minutes per pound of ham. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140 degrees F in the thickest spot.
During the last 20 minutes of baking, you have the option to add a glaze to enhance the flavors even further. To prepare the honey glaze, simply boil brown sugar, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a saucepan for 5 minutes. The glaze should be brushed or drizzled over the ham, and then it should be baked uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the glaze is crispy and the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
- Place the ham in a baking dish and cover with foil or a lid.
- Cook for approximately 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 50 minutes, or 10 minutes per pound of ham.
- Internal temperature should reach 140 degrees F.
- Add a honey glaze during the last 20 minutes of baking.
- To prepare the glaze, boil brown sugar, honey, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg for 5 minutes.
- Brush or drizzle the glaze over the ham.
- Bake uncovered for an additional 20 minutes until the glaze is crispy.
Resting and Slicing the Ham
After the ham has finished cooking, it is crucial to allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and succulent ham. Once rested, it’s time to slice your ham and serve it to your eager guests.
Serving Suggestions and Nutritional Information
To serve the ham, consider using classic mustard or Dijon mustard as accompaniments. Their tangy flavors pair perfectly with the sweetness of the ham and the honey glaze. The nutritional information provided for this recipe is 119 calories per serving, with 31g of carbohydrates, 1g of protein, and 1g of fat. This makes it a satisfying and flavorful option for any meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pan to cook a ham in?
When it comes to cooking a delicious ham, the best pan to use would be a large casserole dish with deep sides. This type of pan allows the ham to cook evenly and retains the juices, resulting in a moist and flavorful ham. Alternatively, a broiler pan with a grated top that fits inside a bottom pan meant to catch juices can also be a great option. This setup ensures that the ham cooks thoroughly and any excess grease or drippings are collected, making it easier to serve and clean up afterwards.
Can you cook a ham in a glass Pyrex?
Yes, you can certainly cook a ham in a glass Pyrex. The Pyrex dish provides a suitable and reliable cooking vessel for the ham. By spraying the Pyrex with cooking spray and placing the ham in the center, it ensures even cooking and prevents sticking. The addition of onions, apples, and pears adds flavor and moisture to the dish. To enhance the taste even further, a mixture of butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard can be spooned over the ham during cooking. Overall, using a glass Pyrex is a convenient and efficient way to cook a delicious ham.
Do you need to put water in the pan when cooking a ham?
To keep your ham moist while cooking, it is recommended to pour any juices from the package into the pan and add about 1 cup of water. The water, along with the juices, will help retain the moisture in the ham. Covering the ham tightly with foil, except for the bottom, allows the juices to flow into the pan, ensuring a flavorful and tender ham.
What do you put in the bottom of a pan when cooking ham?
To keep the ham moist while cooking, it is essential to create steam in the oven. Therefore, place a layer of apple juice or pineapple juice at the bottom of the pan instead of water. This fruity addition not only adds flavor but also helps to keep the ham juicy and succulent as it bakes. Additionally, using a roasting pan with a rack ensures that the ham stays elevated above the liquid, preventing it from becoming soggy and allowing for even cooking.