Jamaican Ham Recipe Easy and Delicious Holiday Treat

Jamaican ham is a beloved dish that captures the vibrant and bold flavors of the Caribbean. Whether you’re preparing for a festive occasion, a family gathering, or simply want to enjoy a taste of Jamaica at home, this recipe will guide you through making a perfectly seasoned and succulent ham that is rich in spices and sweetness.

The magic lies in the marinade—a blend of traditional Jamaican spices, brown sugar, and a hint of citrus—that tenderizes the meat and infuses it with irresistible flavor.

This recipe is not only easy to follow but also adaptable, allowing you to create a dish that suits your taste preferences. From the mouth-watering aroma while it cooks to the juicy, flavorful slices served at the table, Jamaican ham promises to be a crowd-pleaser.

Plus, it pairs wonderfully with classic sides like rice and peas or fried plantains for an authentic Caribbean experience.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Jamaican ham recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that are signature to Caribbean cuisine. The slow roasting ensures the ham remains juicy and tender, while the marinade caramelizes beautifully to create a flavorful crust.

It’s a great dish for holidays or weekend dinners, and the leftovers make fantastic sandwiches or breakfast dishes.

What makes this recipe even more appealing is its simplicity. With common ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can prepare this dish without the need for complicated techniques.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe approachable and rewarding.

Ingredients

• 1 (5-6 lb) smoked ham, bone-in or boneless
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice (fresh or canned)
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp ground allspice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme or 1 tsp dried thyme
• Optional: 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and chopped (for heat)

Equipment

• Large roasting pan
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk or spoon for mixing marinade
• Aluminum foil
• Basting brush
• Sharp carving knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep. This helps the marinade penetrate and creates a beautiful crust.
2. Make the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, orange juice, soy sauce, minced garlic, allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, Dijon mustard, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper if using. Ensure everything is well combined.
3. Marinate the ham: Place the ham in the roasting pan and pour half of the marinade over it, rubbing it into the scored surface. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
4. Preheat the oven: When ready to cook, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
5. Roast the ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and roast for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Baste with the reserved marinade every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
6. Glaze the ham: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining marinade. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the glaze, checking closely to avoid burning.
7. Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham or 160°F (71°C) for fresh ham.
8. Rest and serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender meat.

Tips & Variations

For the best flavor, allow the ham to marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more the spices penetrate.

If you prefer a smoky depth, consider adding a splash of rum or a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the marinade. For a sweeter glaze, drizzle some honey or maple syrup during the final roasting stage.

Not a fan of spicy heat? Omit the Scotch bonnet pepper and replace it with a pinch of cayenne or leave it out entirely for a milder dish.

You can also add cloves by studding the ham with them for a classic holiday touch.

For an easier weeknight meal, cook smaller slices or use a ham steak and adjust cooking times accordingly. Serve with traditional Jamaican sides such as rice and peas, fried plantains, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Jamaican ham is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a traditional Caribbean meal, serve it with brown rice and peas.

The richness of the ham complements the earthy beans and fluffy rice perfectly.

Fried plantains or sautéed vegetables add a touch of sweetness and balance. For a lighter option, a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully.

Leftovers can be transformed into delicious sandwiches or added to a hearty soup.

For more flavorful meal ideas, check out our Black Bean Sauce Recipe Vegetarian and Slow Cooker Roast Recipe With Vegetables Made Easy.

Conclusion

Making Jamaican ham at home is a delightful way to bring Caribbean flavors to your dining table. With its perfect blend of spices, sweetness, and smoky undertones, this dish offers a unique and satisfying eating experience.

The ease of preparation combined with the impressive result makes it a fantastic recipe to add to your culinary repertoire.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something different for dinner, this Jamaican ham recipe will not disappoint. Don’t forget to experiment with the marinade and sides to make it your own.

Happy cooking, and enjoy the vibrant taste of Jamaica in every bite!

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