Rebel Float Root Beer Ham (Printable Version)
A sweet root beer glaze adds nostalgic flair to succulent ham, perfect for holidays and gatherings.
# The Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Ham
01 - 1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (8–10 lb)
02 - 2 tablespoons whole cloves (optional)
→ Root Beer Glaze
03 - 2 cups root beer (not diet)
04 - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
05 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
06 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
→ Finishing
10 - 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for finishing)
11 - Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 325°F. Position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
02 - Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Insert whole cloves at the intersections if desired.
03 - Arrange the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan. Pour 1/2 cup water into the pan base to prevent burning.
04 - In a small saucepan, combine root beer, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, butter, black pepper, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced to about 1 cup and syrupy.
05 - Generously brush the ham with some of the glaze. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting with fresh glaze every 20 minutes.
06 - Remove foil, raise oven temperature to 400°F, and continue roasting for 30–45 minutes, basting every 10 minutes until the surface is glossy and caramelized.
07 - Allow ham to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. For a float effect, drizzle each slice with a touch of heavy cream and garnish with a maraschino cherry if desired.
# Additional Tips::
01 -
- Uses easy to find ingredients from your pantry and local grocery
- Simple preparation for impressive results
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
- Hands off roasting with minimal prep
- The aroma will make your house smell amazing
02 -
- This ham is high in protein and free of gluten if you check ingredient labels
- Leftovers are excellent for sandwiches or casseroles
- You can prep the glaze ahead for busy holiday mornings
03 -
- Let your glaze simmer until it thickens to coat the back of a spoon for the best caramelization
- Do not skip resting the ham after baking or you will lose those precious juices
- For a restaurant worthy look brush on a final coat of glaze just before serving
- Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern is more than decorative it helps the flavor soak into every bite
- If making the float effect drizzle cream over just before serving as the contrast of warm ham and cold cream surprises guests every time