How to Bake a Perfect Ham Steak

Ham steaks make for an easy, delicious weeknight dinner Their meaty flavor and tender texture when baked to juicy perfection is hard to resist But to get the best results when baking ham steaks, there are some simple tips to follow.

As a busy mom who grew up on baked ham steaks I’ve learned the ideal techniques for baking them in the oven so they come out moist and full of flavor every time. Whether you’re cooking for two or for a crowd baking ham steaks is an affordable, simple dinner option with little prep required. Let’s dive into the perfect way to bake ham steaks at home!

Choosing Ham Steaks

Ham steaks come from the meaty hind leg of a pig. They are a cross-sectional slice of the whole ham sold in portion sizes around 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Here are some things to look for when selecting ham steaks:

• Thickness – Ideal thickness is around 1/2 inch for even cooking. Much thicker and they’ll be hard to cook through.

• Marbling – Look for visible marbling in the meat for optimal flavor and moisture.

• Color – Should be pale to deep pink with white fat streaking. Avoid gray, brown, or overly fatty steaks.

• Smell – Should have no strong odors. Fresh ham scent is subtly sweet.

• Pack date – Choose the freshest steaks with latest sell-by dates possible.

For best results, seek out higher quality bone-in ham steaks. The bones add extra flavor! Or use boneless for convenience.

Seasoning Ham Steaks

Adding seasoning builds flavor. Some easy ways to season ham steaks before baking include:

• Dry rub – Coat steaks with brown sugar, minced garlic, poultry seasoning, crushed peppercorns, etc.

• Wet marinade – Soak steaks briefly in mixture of apple juice, pineapple juice, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, bourbon, etc.

• Glaze – Brush with maple syrup, honey, molasses, jelly, ketchup, chili sauce, cola, etc.

Get creative with spices, herbs, sweet and savory flavors to jazz up the ham’s taste.

Baking Ham Steaks to Perfection

Preheat oven to 350°F. Here are tips for flawless oven-baked ham steaks:

• Pan choice – Bake in shallow baking pans, rimmed baking sheets, or broiler pans to prevent steaks simmering in juices.

• Raise up – Elevate steaks on a rack when possible so the underside doesn’t stew.

• Flip once – Halfway through baking, flip steaks over for even cooking.

• Add liquid – Pour a little water, juice, or soda in the bottom of the pan to keep moist.

• Check often – Bake for 30-60 minutes depending on thickness. Check frequently to prevent drying out.

• Rest before serving – Let steaks rest 5 minutes after baking so juices redistribute.

Doneness Tests

With ham’s pink color, it can be tricky knowing when it’s fully baked but not overdone. Check for these signs of perfect doneness:

• Internal temperature of 140°F

• Meat no longer pink in center

• Juices run clear when pierced

• Meat pulls apart easily

Err on the side of slightly underdone, as ham dries out quickly if overcooked.

Serving Suggestions

Baked ham steaks pair deliciously with a variety of sides. Consider:

• Glazed carrots
• Scalloped potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Creamed spinach
• Maple baked beans
• Cornbread
• Biscuits or rolls

For easy weeknight meals, look for pre-seasoned fully cooked ham steaks to pop straight into the oven from the fridge. Or dress up plain steaks with sweet glazes and herb rubs. Baked ham steaks satisfy the whole family’s hearty comfort food cravings without much fuss.

Now that you’re armed with the fundamentals for baking ham steaks, it’s time to pick some up on your next grocery run. Just follow these simple tips for the most tender, juicy, and flavorful results. Whether enjoying ham steaks for Sunday supper or a no-frills dinner any day of the week, this versatile meat is sure to become a go-to for easy oven-baked meals.