Glazed ham is a cherished classic, often served during festive gatherings and holiday meals. This vintage version uses a simple glaze made from powdered crackers, cream, and butter, creating a rich crust that's both savory and satisfying. Hams have long been a centerpiece in Western holiday traditions, prized for their robust flavor and versatility. The addition of a cracker-based glaze gives this version a unique texture, bridging practicality with indulgence, and offering a deliciously crisp exterior to complement the tender meat inside.
Ingredients
- 1 cold boiled ham (skin removed)
- 1 cup crackers (powdered )
- 1/2 cup milk or cream (enough to make a thick paste)
- 1 Pinch salt
- 1 tsp butter (melted )
- 1 egg (beaten )
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Glaze
- In a bowl, combine powdered crackers with enough milk or cream to form a thick paste.
- Add a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of melted butter.
- Mix in the beaten egg until well combined.
Step 2: Glaze the Ham
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Spread the glaze evenly over the ham using a spatula or your hands.
Step 3: Bake the Ham
- Bake the ham in a moderate oven (approximately 350°F or 175°C) for 30–40 minutes, or until the glaze is set and slightly browned.
Tips
- Use panko crumbs instead of crushed crackers for a lighter, crispier coating.
- Add brown sugar to the cracker paste for a sweeter glaze.
- Mix mustard or cloves into the egg wash for a classic holiday flavor.
- Substitute half-and-half for cream if you prefer a lighter glaze.
- For extra aroma, press a few whole cloves into the ham before glazing.
- Add minced herbs like parsley or thyme for a savory twist.
- Drizzle with honey during the last 10 minutes for caramelization.
- Serve with pineapple slices or spiced apples for a retro presentation.
Transcription of the Original Recipe
Read or copy the transcription
Glazed Ham _________ Take a cold boiled ham from which the skin has been removed and brush it all over with beaten egg. To a cup of powdered cracker allow enough rich milk or cream to make into a thick paste, ad a pinch of salt and work in a teaspoonful of melted butter. Spread this evenly a quarter of an inch thick over the ham and set in a moderate oven to brown
From Transcription to Instructions
Hi there, we’re the folks at Salvaged Recipes, and before you start cooking this ham we wanted to point out two helpful clarifications between the original directions and the instructions. The original directions tell you to brush the ham with beaten egg and then spread a cracker-and-cream paste over it, while the instructions mix the beaten egg into that paste so it’s clear when the egg becomes part of the glaze. The original simply said “moderate oven to brown, ” and the instructions add 350°F/175°C for 30–40 minutes so you know how long to bake and when to check for color.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 32gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 1580mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 480IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 2mg
