Savor the Season: How to Cook a Perfectly Moist and Flavorful Ham in a NuWave Oven

Whether you’re preparing a festive feast or a weeknight dinner, cooking ham in a NuWave oven offers a convenient and delectable experience. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, ensuring an irresistibly juicy and flavorful ham that will impress your taste buds.

Choosing the Right Ham

The first step is selecting the perfect ham for your needs. Consider the following factors:

• Size: Determine the appropriate size based on the number of guests.
• Type: Choose from spiral-cut, glazed, or bone-in hams.
• Weight: Hams typically weigh between 5 and 10 pounds.

Preparing the Ham

Before cooking, it’s essential to prepare the ham properly.

• Remove the packaging: Unwrap the ham and discard any brine or glaze.
• Rinse: Rinse the ham thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt.
• Pat dry: Use paper towels to pat the ham dry.

Cooking the Ham in a NuWave Oven

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process:

• Preheat the oven: Preheat the NuWave oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Place the ham: Place the ham in the center of the NuWave oven.
• Cooking time: Determine the cooking time based on the ham’s weight. As a general guideline, cook for 10-12 minutes per pound.
• Basting: Every 15-20 minutes, baste the ham with its own juices or a glaze of your choice.
• Internal temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham.

Glazing the Ham (Optional)

For an extra layer of flavor, consider glazing the ham during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

• Create a glaze: Whisk together your desired glaze ingredients, such as honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup.
• Apply the glaze: Brush the glaze evenly over the ham.
• Return to the oven: Place the ham back in the NuWave oven and continue cooking until the glaze is set and caramelized.

Resting the Ham

Once the ham is cooked, it’s crucial to let it rest before slicing and serving.

• Remove from the oven: Take the ham out of the NuWave oven and transfer it to a cutting board.
• Tent with foil: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to retain heat and moisture.
• Resting time: Allow the ham to rest for at least 30 minutes before slicing.

Slicing and Serving

When the ham has rested, you can slice and serve it.

• Carving: Use a sharp knife to carve the ham into thin slices.
• Accompaniments: Pair the ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Wrapping Up

Cooking ham in a NuWave oven is a foolproof method for achieving a tender, juicy, and flavorful masterpiece. By following these steps, you can impress your family and friends with a culinary delight that will leave them craving for more.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I cook a frozen ham in a NuWave oven?
A: Yes, but you will need to increase the cooking time by 50% to ensure it cooks thoroughly.

Q: What is the best glaze for a ham?
A: The choice of glaze is personal preference, but popular options include honey mustard, maple syrup, or brown sugar glaze.

Q: How can I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: Basting the ham regularly during cooking and resting it before slicing will help keep it moist and juicy.

Q: Can I cook a ham in a NuWave oven without basting?
A: Yes, but basting will enhance the flavor and prevent the ham from becoming too dry.

Q: How do I store leftover ham?
A: Wrap the leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.