Should I Broil My Ham? A Guide to Perfectly Broiled Ham

As a busy home cook, I’m always looking for quick and easy cooking methods that deliver maximum flavor. Broiling is one of my go-to techniques for achieving delicious results fast. But is it the right choice for preparing holiday ham? In this article, I’ll examine the pros and cons of broiling ham and provide tips to help you determine if it’s the best approach for your meal.

An Overview of Broiling Ham

Broiling uses high direct heat to cook food. Here’s a quick look at how it works with ham

• Ideal for thinner ham slices, not whole roasts.
• Cooks very quickly, in as little as 5-10 minutes.
• Provides crispy, caramelized exterior.
• Risk of drying out if not careful.
• Glazes nicely when broiled.
• Easy to overcook if not paying attention.

Keep these factors in mind as you decide whether broiling suits your needs. For thinner cuts, it can be just the ticket for a fast and flavorful ham dish. Now let’s explore broiling methods in more detail.

Pros and Cons of Broiling Ham

Here are some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of cooking ham under the broiler:

Pros

• Quick cooking time.
• Nice sear from direct heat.
• Ability to caramelize glazes.
• Easy to crisp the fat cap.
• Adds smoky flavor (if your oven has a gas broiler).

Cons

• Not practical for large roasts.
• Ham can dry out easily.
• Requires frequent monitoring.
• Only browns one side at a time.
• Fat drippings may smoke and splatter.

As you can see, broiling excels at delivering flavorful, caramelized results fast, but it requires close watching to prevent drying and burning.

Types of Ham Best for Broiling

You’ll achieve the best results when broiling ham under the following conditions:

• Thin slices or steaks, about 1/2-inch thick. Thicker cuts won’t cook through.
• Boneless portions or slices. Bones obstruct direct heat exposure.
• Presliced or deli-style hams work nicely.
• Partial or shank end roasts may work if sliced thinly.

Whole bone-in hams don’t broil well. You need thinner cuts for the heat to penetrate and cook evenly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Broiling Ham

Follow these tips for flawlessly broiled ham:

• Choose thin ham steaks or slices, ideally 1/2-inch thick.
• Let ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before broiling.
• Place ham slices on a broiler pan lined with foil.
• Broil about 4-5 inches from heat, for 5-10 minutes per side.
• Glaze ham during last few minutes to caramelize.
• Check temperature with a meat thermometer for doneness.
• Remove ham once it reaches 140°F for precooked ham.

Properly broiled ham will have a tasty, crispy exterior with a moist, tender interior.

How to Prevent Dry Ham When Broiling

It’s easy for lean ham to dry out under the direct broiler heat. Here are some solutions:

• Choose the fattiest ham cut available, preferably with some streaks of fat running through it or a fat cap.
• Apply an oil- or butter-based marinade before broiling to add moisture.
• Spritz ham slices with water or broth while broiling using a spray bottle.
• Wrap bone ends in foil to slow drying.
• Watch ham closely and remove from oven as soon as done.

Paying attention and not overcooking are vital for broiled ham to stay juicy.

Delicious Broiled Ham Recipes to Try

If you decide to give broiled ham a try, these flavorful recipes are sure to satisfy:

• Brown sugar ginger glazed ham
• Orange maple mustard ham
• Rum raisin pineapple ham
• Brown sugar and bourbon ham
• Blackberry mustard ham

A sweet and savory glaze really complements broiled ham nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Broiling Ham

Here are answers to some common questions about broiling ham:

Is it better to bake or broil ham?
Baking is better for large whole hams, while broiling is ideal for thinner ham slices and steaks. Choose the method that suits your cut of ham.

How long does it take to broil ham slices?
Broil 1/2-inch thick ham slices for about 5-10 minutes per side, less if thinner. Use a meat thermometer to confirm doneness.

Can you broil an already cooked ham?
Yes, broiling adds great flavor and texture to cooked hams. Broil until heated through to 140°F.

What temperature is best for broiling ham?
Most ovens broil between 500-550°F. Place the oven rack 4-6 inches from heat and monitor closely as broiler intensities vary.

Should you flip ham while broiling?
Yes, flip ham slices at least once during broiling to expose both sides to direct heat and promote even cooking.

The Takeaway

Broiling brings out great flavor in thin ham slices and steaks, but isn’t practical for whole roasts. Keep a close eye on the oven to prevent drying out. With proper preparation and careful cooking, broiled ham can be a delicious option for a quick weeknight or holiday meal.