If you are looking to take your Holiday Ham to the next level, you need to make this Homemade Ham Marinade. And it takes less than 30 minutes to make.
How to Marinate Ham
Score the outside of the ham. Place the ham in a turkey bag or a large Ziploc bag depending on the size of the ham. Pour your homemade ham marinade in the turkey bag. Gently move liquid in the bag to ensure the ham is coated with the marinade. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
If you’ve never marinated your ham (or any meat for that matter) before, you have to try it at least once. You will be amazed at the difference it makes to the taste of your ham.
Tips
- This recipe will make enough marinade for just about the biggest ham you can buy. If you have a small ham, simply cut the recipe in half so you don’t waste any ingredients. I often do this when cooking ham under 5 pounds.
- If you don’t have any beef consommé as this recipe calls for, you can simply substitute for some beef broth.
- If you don’t have any beef broth on hand, you could also use Better than Bouillon Beef. The important thing here is to infuse the marinade with beef flavor.
How to Heat Ham
To heat your pre-cooked ham, you have a couple of options. You can either microwave it on medium for about 55-60 minutes turning it at the halfway point OR my preferred method is to bake it uncovered at 325°F for 2-3 hours.
The important thing is to ensure the internal temperature of the ham is 140°F regardless of which method you use.
If you are looking for a superb sauce to go with your ham, make sure you check out my awesome Pineapple Sauce for Ham. One of our most popular recipes! Still have some leftover ham? Check out these delicious Leftover Ham Recipes so it doesn’t go to waste!
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Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this Homemade Ham Marinade recipe (see recipe card for quantities): Brown Sugar, Rice Wine Vinegar, Water, Yellow Onion, Beef Consomme, Mustard Seed, Celery Seed, Ground Black Pepper and Garlic Cloves.
How to Make Homemade Ham Marinade
- In a medium saucepan, bring all the ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes.
- Score the outside of the ham. Place the ham in the turkey bag. Pour your homemade ham marinade in the turkey bag. Gently move liquid in the bag to ensure the ham is coated with the marinade. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
- Remove the ham from the turkey bag. Discard the marinade. Cook the ham using your preferred method. Your ham will be done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Printable Recipe Card
Easy Homemade Ham Marinade
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Ingredients
- 2 Cups Light Brown Sugar
- 1 ½ Cups Rice Wine Vinegar
- 2 Cups Water
- 1 Yellow Onion, Chopped
- 2 Cups Beef Consomme
- 1 Tsp Mustard Seeds
- ½ Tsp Celery Seed
- ½ Tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, bring all ingredients to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Score the outside of the ham. Place the ham in the turkey bag. Pour your homemade ham marinade in the turkey bag. Gently move liquid in the bag to ensure the ham is coated with the marinade. Seal the bag and place it in the refrigerator for 24 to 48 hours.
- Remove the ham from the turkey bag. Discard the marinade. Cook the ham using your preferred method. Your ham will be done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
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I have made this ham marinade a few times now and it is always delicious. It gives the ham a great taste and keeps it very moist. Everyone always looks forward to eating my ham.