Description
Tender, juicy ham with a twist—each slice is stuffed with a savory filling, creating layers of flavor in every bite. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings or any occasion that calls for something extra special.
Ingredients
For the Stuffed Hasselback Ham:
- 1 (6-8 lb) bone-in ham, with the rind removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or panko)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach or kale (squeeze out excess moisture)
- 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as apricots, raisins, or cranberries), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, or sage), chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for basting)
- Optional: 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (for glazing)
Instructions
Begin by preparing your ham for the Hasselback cut. Use a sharp chef’s knife to carefully slice the ham crosswise into thin slits, about 1/2 inch apart, making sure not to cut all the way through. Leave about 1 inch at the bottom of the ham to keep the slices intact. The slits will open up like a fan once the ham is roasted, and this is where you’ll stuff the flavorful mixture.
Place the ham in a large roasting pan and rub the surface with olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Make sure to coat every part of the ham, including between the slices, so that the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Next, prepare the stuffing. In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with the grated Parmesan cheese, cooked spinach or kale, chopped dried fruit, and fresh herbs. Mix everything together until well incorporated.
Add the melted butter to the mixture to help bind it together. The butter will also add moisture and flavor to the stuffing. If the stuffing feels too dry, you can add a tablespoon of chicken broth to achieve the right consistency.
Once the stuffing is prepared, carefully stuff each slit of the ham with the mixture. Use a spoon or your fingers to push the stuffing into each slice, ensuring that every layer is filled. The stuffing will expand as the ham roasts, so be generous with your stuffing to ensure each slice is flavorful.
If there’s any leftover stuffing, you can sprinkle it around the base of the ham in the roasting pan to bake along with the ham.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Once the oven is hot, place the prepared ham in the center and roast it for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
During the roasting process, baste the ham every 20-30 minutes with the chicken broth or any pan drippings. This will help keep the ham moist and enhance its flavor. You can also drizzle a little melted butter or glaze (such as honey or maple syrup) on top of the ham during the last 30 minutes for a sweet and caramelized finish.
Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and makes the ham easier to carve.
After resting, use a sharp carving knife to slice the ham. The Hasselback cuts will make it easy to slice the ham into even portions, with the flavorful stuffing visible between each layer. Serve the ham slices on a platter, making sure to include the delicious stuffing from between the slices.
For an extra touch, garnish the ham with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme, and serve with any remaining stuffing or pan drippings on the side.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
- Protein: 25-30g