How to Cook a Delicious Ham Nugget

Ham nuggets make for a quick and easy dinner option. These small, boneless hams cook up moist and flavorful in under an hour. With just a few simple ingredients, you can take a basic ham nugget from precooked to mouthwatering perfection.

What is a Ham Nugget?

A ham nugget refers to a small, boneless cut of precooked ham, usually around 1-3 pounds. It’s essentially a miniature version of a traditional bone-in ham. The nugget size makes it perfect for small gatherings of 2-4 people.

Ham nuggets are sold fully cooked. Since they are boneless they have a quick cooking time of just 8-12 minutes per pound. All they need is a short baking time to reheat and a sweet glaze to finish them off.

These petite hams can be found at many grocery stores prepackaged. Popular brands include Wellshire Farms, Trader Joe’s, and Aldi. Or you can ask your butcher counter for a ham nugget fresh cut to order.

Benefits of Cooking Ham Nuggets

There are a few reasons ham nuggets make a great meal choice:

• Quick cooking time – With no bone and already precooked, they reheat faster than a full ham.

• Small size – Nugget hams serve 2-4 people, perfect for a small family meal.

• Easy prep – Just bake and add a glaze for delicious results.

• Great flavor – Packs all the classic ham taste into a petite package

• Fewer leftovers – The small size means you won’t have a huge amount of leftovers.

Now let’s get into the easy steps for cooking a juicy, glazed ham nugget at home.

Ingredients Needed

To cook a ham nugget, you will need:

• 1 ham nugget (1-3 lbs)
• 1⁄4 cup water
• Glaze ingredients:
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 1 1⁄2 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
  • 1⁄8 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • 1⁄8 tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp water

That’s it! The simple glaze only requires pantry staples.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. As the oven heats, take the ham out of its packaging. Place it in a baking dish and add 1⁄4 cup water to the dish.

The water helps keep the ham moist while baking. Be sure to choose a baking dish large enough to comfortably fit the nugget ham.

Step 2: Cover and Bake Ham

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. This steam bath technique ensures the ham stays tender.

Bake for 8-10 minutes per pound, until an instant read thermometer registers 140°F when inserted into the thickest part.

For example, a 2 lb ham would bake about 20 minutes. Check temperature halfway through.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

While the ham bakes, you can prepare the glaze.

Melt 3 tbsp butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Next, stir in brown sugar and maple syrup.

Add cinnamon, salt, and 2 tbsp water. Heat, stirring frequently, until bubbling and smooth.

Remove pan from heat and set aside. The glaze will thicken as it cools.

Step 4: Broil Ham with Glaze

Once ham reaches 140°F, remove foil and drain any excess liquid from the baking dish.

Brush the glaze evenly over the ham. Place under the broiler for 3-5 minutes until glaze bubbles and browns slightly.

The high heat caramelizes the glaze for delicious flavor. Watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 5: Slice and Serve Ham Nugget

Allow the glazed ham to rest 5 minutes before slicing. Use a sharp knife to cut into thin slices.

Arrange slices on a platter and spoon over any extra glaze. Serve warm by itself or with favorite sides like mac and cheese, roasted veggies, or biscuits.

Tips for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Follow these tips for the best baked ham nugget:

• Choose a ham with natural ingredients when possible.

• Let frozen ham thaw 1-2 days in the fridge before baking.

• Use an instant read thermometer for perfectly cooked ham.

• Tent foil over the ham instead of sealing tightly if the ham browns too quickly.

• Make the sweet glaze while the ham bakes for maximum flavor infusion.

• Broil just until the glaze bubbles and caramelizes, 3-5 minutes.

• Let ham rest before slicing for juicier results.

• Store leftovers refrigerated up to 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave.

Serving Suggestions

A baked ham nuggetstars as the main event but pairs nicely with various side dishes:

• Scalloped potatoes or potato salad

• Green bean casserole

• Cornbread muffins

• Fruit salad or baked apples

• Dinner rolls or biscuits

• Pasta salad or macaroni and cheese

• Sauteed Brussels sprouts with bacon

And don’t forget the leftovers! Sliced ham makes delicious sandwiches, omelets, pizza topping, soup addition, and more. It freezes well too.

Satisfying and Simple

From prep to plate, baking a glazed ham nugget takes under an hour. The mesmerizing aromas will have everyone eager for a taste. Surrounded by your choice of sides, this petite ham makes a hearty and comforting meal. Best of all, quick cleanup lets you relax and enjoy more time with family and friends. Give this easy ham nugget recipe a try for your next special occasion dinner!