How to Make a (Really Easy!) Rum Ham
Updated: Mar. 01, 2019
Let your ham soak up the booze this holiday—literally. Learn how to make rum ham for a main dish that'll get everybody happy.
Rum ham is a sweet-salty sensation that’s super simple to make. Even if you haven’t seen It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, you should learn how to make rum ham solely for the impressive look and incredible taste.
To clear the air, yes, there’s alcohol—but no, this ham won’t get you drunk. With its long bake time, most of the alcohol cooks off, so you’re left with the pure sweet and spiced flavor of the Caribbean spirit.
First, let’s gather the ingredients.
Here’s What You’ll Need
- One 8-10 pound fully cooked, bone-in ham
- 3/4 cup rum
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 1 tablespoon orange marmalade
- 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
Now all it takes are three steps—three!—to make a show-stopping main dish.
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Ham
Get your roasting pan ready by lining it with foil. Then place the bone-in ham on a rack in the pan.
Score the surface of the ham, making diamond shapes approximately 1/2 inch deep. Scoring helps the meat absorb the star of the recipe—the glaze.
Brush the scored ham with 2 tablespoons of rum, then bake, uncovered, at 325° for 2 hours.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
All you have to do is mix and spoon! In a small bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients, including the remaining rum. Once the ham has baked for 2 hours, remove it from the oven and spoon the glaze over ham.
Want to become an expert on all things homemade ham? Here’s your guide.
Step 3: Finish Baking and Serve
Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes (or until a thermometer reads 140°). Here’s why you absolutely need a meat thermometer in your kitchen.
Then, allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes. If you want to dress it up, here are some ideas for simple garnishes:
- Pineapple
- Cherries
- Cloves
- Oranges
- Mango
Finally, it’s time to serve and slice. Not sure how best to carve up a bone-in ham? Check out our guide.
Love to Cook (and Bake) With Rum? Don't Miss Our Recipes for Rum Lovers!
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My take on those boozy treats that weigh down suitcases returning from Jamaica, this moist cake packs a rum punch. You may wish to card your guests before serving. The longer the rum soaks in, the better—overnight is best. —Jenn Hall, Collingswood, New Jersey
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This decadent coffee drink can stand alone as a final course or as a delightful complement to any chocolate or caramel dessert. Our family loves it after a special dinner or just for sipping in front of the fireplace. —Joyce Conway, Westerville, Ohio
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I adapted a family recipe to come up with these melt-in-your-mouth caramels. My husband and daughter eagerly volunteer to eat any scraps from the pan! —Kelly-Ann Gibbons, Prince George, British Columbia
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For years, my co-workers were taste testers as I worked on a recipe for pumpkin cake. This version wins, hands down. —Gilda Smith, Santee, California
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At the last minute, I frantically came up with this treat for a holiday tea. The tartlets were quickly gobbled up. Now, I make them for our annual Teacher Taster's Choice and special family gatherings. —Joy Johnson, Culbertson, Montana
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For a showstopping holiday pie, I mix cranberries, chocolate and walnuts. A little touch of rum makes it even happier. —Lorrie Melerine, Houston, Texas
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Enjoy these lovely, light parfaits as an unforgettable finale to your holiday feast. The spiced rum adds a fun new flavor to the mix. —Lorri Hazen, Twin Falls, Idaho
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During my family's annual cookie exchange, we ran out of our beloved eggnog...much to everyone's horror! So into the kitchen I went to create this cool, creamy treat. —Jennae LeFebvre, Aurora, Illinois
Originally Published: March 01, 2019
