Cured Holiday Ham at Home

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Cured Holiday Ham at Home.

1. Step 1

   To create a mouthwatering home-cured holiday ham, start by gathering a large container and mixing together kosher salt, brown sugar, pink salt, and pickling spice.

2. Step 2

   Next, bring 2 quarts of water to a rolling boil and pour it over your brine ingredients.

3. Step 3

   Give it a good whisk until everything is fully dissolved, then add 1 gallon of cold water to cool the mixture down.

4. Step 4

   Now, take your pork roast and score the skin side with a sharp knife, making cuts about 1 inch apart to form a beautiful diamond pattern—just be careful not to cut into the meat itself.

5. Step 5

   Submerge the roast in the brine, skin-side up, and place a plate on top to keep it fully submerged.

6. Step 6

   Pop it in the refrigerator for 2 and a half days, turning the roast halfway through to ensure even brining.

7. Step 7

   Once the brining time is up, remove the roast and discard the brining liquid.

8. Step 8

   Rinse the roast under cold water to wash away any excess salt, soaking it for a few minutes to overnight based on how salty you like it.

9. Step 9

   Pat it dry with paper towels to prepare for roasting.

10. Step 10

    Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grab a roasting pan.

11. Step 11

    Pour in 1 cup of water and toss in a whole star anise for a hint of aromatic flavor.

12. Step 12

    Place the roast on a rack in the pan and roast it in the preheated oven until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (55-58°C), which should take about 2 hours.

13. Step 13

    Keep an eye on the water level; if it evaporates, just add a splash more.

14. Step 14

    Once it reaches that temperature, crank up the oven to 425°F (220°C) and continue roasting until the skin turns crispy and the internal temperature hits 145-150°F (63-66°C).

15. Step 15

    For an extra touch of flavor, mix together mustard, maple syrup, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt in a bowl to create a delightful glaze.

16. Step 16

    Brush this mixture over your beautifully roasted ham and return it to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to caramelize.

17. Step 17

    Finally, slice into your delicious home-cured holiday ham and serve it up to your eager guests, who are sure to be impressed by your culinary skills! Enjoy the compliments and the festive spirit that comes with sharing this special dish.