Baked Ham With Sweet Potatoes

8 min read Oct 18, 2024

A Delicious Duo: Baked Ham with Sweet Potatoes

A succulent baked ham is a classic centerpiece for holiday gatherings and special occasions. But why stop there? Elevate your meal to new heights by pairing it with a side dish that perfectly complements its savory flavor: sweet potatoes. This delightful combination delivers a symphony of taste, texture, and color, making it an irresistible culinary experience. This article will explore the intricacies of baking ham and preparing sweet potatoes to create a memorable feast.

Choosing the Right Ham

The first step to crafting a delectable baked ham is selecting the right cut. You have several options, each with its own unique characteristics:

Spiral-Sliced Ham:

Size: Typically 5-10 pounds, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.
Type: Fully cooked and pre-sliced, offering convenience and ease of preparation.
Flavor: Often glazed with a sweet and savory sauce.
Price: Prices range from $15 to $40 depending on size and brand.

Bone-In Ham:

Size: Available in various sizes, ranging from 8 to 15 pounds.
Type: Can be fresh or fully cooked.
Flavor: Often more flavorful due to the presence of bone, which adds richness.
Price: Prices typically start at $20 and increase with size.

Center-Cut Ham:

Size: Smaller, typically around 3-5 pounds.
Type: Fully cooked and pre-sliced.
Flavor: Often comes in a variety of flavors like honey-baked or smoked.
Price: Prices vary depending on size and flavor, usually around $10-$20.

Ham Tips:

Consider your guests: Choose a size that will comfortably feed everyone.
Read the label: Ensure the ham is fully cooked if you are looking for a quick and easy option.
Look for quality: Choose a ham from a reputable brand with high-quality ingredients.

Baking Your Ham:

Once you've chosen your ham, it's time to bake it to perfection.

Preparation:

Preheat: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Score: If your ham isn't already scored, use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts across the fat. This helps the glaze penetrate and ensures even cooking.
Glaze: Apply your preferred glaze liberally to the ham. Store-bought glazes are readily available, or you can create your own using ingredients like brown sugar, honey, mustard, and spices.
Place: Place the ham in a roasting pan and add a cup of water to the bottom. This helps create steam and prevents the ham from drying out.

Baking:

Time: Baking time depends on the size of the ham. Generally, allow 15-20 minutes per pound.
Temperature: Cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Rest: After baking, allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Sweet Potato Variations:

Now, let's move on to the star accompaniment: sweet potatoes. There are countless ways to prepare these root vegetables, each offering a unique taste and texture. Here are some popular options to enhance your baked ham meal:

Roasted Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, pepper, and your choice of spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger).
Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash and chop the sweet potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your chosen spices. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Mashed Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, butter, milk, salt, pepper, and your choice of sweet spices.
Preparation: Boil or roast the sweet potatoes until tender. Once cooked, mash them with butter, milk, and spices until smooth and creamy.

Candied Sweet Potatoes:

Ingredients: Sweet potatoes, brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger).
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Peel and slice the sweet potatoes. Combine brown sugar, butter, orange juice, and spices in a saucepan and bring to a simmer. Pour the glaze over the sweet potatoes and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.

Pairing Ham and Sweet Potatoes:

The magic of this combination lies in the harmonious balance of flavors and textures. The savory and slightly salty ham contrasts beautifully with the sweet and earthy notes of the sweet potatoes. The soft and creamy texture of the sweet potatoes adds a delightful touch to the juicy and tender ham.

Serving Suggestions:

Side Dishes: Complement your main course with other side dishes such as green beans, cranberry sauce, or a simple green salad.
Presentation: Arrange the ham and sweet potato dish attractively on a platter for a visually appealing presentation.
Garnish: Add a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of honey for a touch of elegance.