Majestic Ham is a beloved Filipino holiday tradition, known for its unique smoky, slightly sweet flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can cook impressive Majestic Ham at home This fully cooked, ready-to-eat ham only needs gentle reheating to be the star of your next Noche Buena
A Quick History of Majestic Ham
Majestic Ham has been a Filipino holiday favorite for over a century. The traditional curing process used today remains unchanged since 1908. Hams are aged for months in oak barrels and smoked over aromatic woods to develop the distinctive flavor. Limited quantities are produced each year, making Majestic Ham highly sought after. For many Filipino families, Christmas is not complete without this special ham!
Ingredients
- 1 whole Majestic Ham (approx. 6-8 lbs)
- Brown sugar or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
Thaw the Ham
Majestic Ham comes fully cooked, so thawing is the only preparation needed. Thaw frozen ham for 24 hours per 4 lbs in the refrigerator. For quicker thawing submerge the vacuum-sealed ham in a large container of cool water changing water every 30 mins.
Preheat the Oven
Preheat oven to 325°F. Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup later.
Bake the Ham
Place thawed ham cut-side down in the prepared pan. Bake for approximately 15-18 minutes per pound, until ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. For example, bake an 8 lb ham for 120-144 minutes total.
Glaze (Optional)
During the last 15 minutes of baking, you can add a glaze for extra flavor. In a small pan, heat brown sugar or maple syrup until melted. Brush over ham and return to oven to caramelize.
Rest and Slice
Remove ham from oven and let rest 15 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to be reabsorbed. Use an electric knife to cut thin slices across the grain.
Serve and Enjoy!
Serve Majestic Ham garnished with pineapples, maraschino cherries or parsley. Pair it with classic Filipino holiday sides like lumpia and pancit. Drizzle any extra glaze over individual slices. Enjoy this delicious tradition!
With just a few easy steps, you can serve incredible Majestic Ham, the star of your holiday Noche Buena feast!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Majestic Ham
For the most flavorful and juicy Majestic Ham, follow these handy tips:
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Thaw ham fully in the fridge before baking to prevent food safety issues. Never bake frozen.
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Cook ham low and slow at 325°F to keep it tender and moist. High heat dries it out.
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Glaze during the last 15-30 minutes only to prevent burning.
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Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Ham should reach 140°F.
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Let ham rest 10-15 minutes after baking so juices redistribute before slicing.
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Carve thin slices across the grain using an electric knife for best texture.
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly and enjoy within 3-4 days. Freeze portions for longer storage.
With this guidance, your Majestic Ham will be juicy, smoky perfection ready to wow your guests!
Frequently Asked Questions About Majestic Ham
Here are helpful answers to common Majestic Ham questions:
How long does an 8 lb Majestic Ham need to bake?
Approximately 120-144 minutes at 325°F, allowing 15-18 minutes per pound. Check internal temperature.
Should I bake the ham straight from frozen?
Never! Always thaw ham fully in the fridge first for food safety and even cooking.
Can I use my own glaze instead of just brown sugar?
Yes, get creative! Honey, maple, pineapple, orange, or bourbon glazes are all delicious on Majestic Ham.
How do I prevent the ham from drying out while baking?
Cook at 325°F and use a meat thermometer for doneness. Basting with glaze also keeps it moist.
How long does leftover ham stay fresh in the fridge?
Cooked Majestic Ham keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated. Freeze sliced portions in bags for 1-2 months storage.
What classic Filipino sides pair well with Majestic Ham?
Try lumpia, pancit noodles, steamed rice, leche flan, and ube halaya for a delicious Noche Buena feast!
Now you can cook impressive Majestic Ham with confidence for your next gathering. It’s sure to be a hit!
Delicious Leftover Ham Recipes
Leftover Majestic Ham makes amazing sandwiches, omelets, fried rice, pasta, and more! Get creative with these tasty recipes:
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Ham and Egg Breakfast Sandwiches – Fry an egg and top with ham, cheese, and sauce on an English muffin.
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Ham Fried Rice – Makeclassic fried rice with peas, carrots, onions and eggs. Stir in diced ham.
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Ham and Pineapple Pizza – Top prepared crust with ham, pineapple, mozzarella and red onion.
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Ham and Potato Soup – Simmer ham, potatoes, onions, cream and chicken broth.
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Ham and Cheese Stromboli – Layer ham, cheese, spinach and dough into a roll. Bake until golden brown.
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Ham Quiche – Line a pie crust with ham and fill with a whisked egg custard. Bake until set.
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Ham Salad Sandwiches – Chop ham and mix with mayo, mustard, onion, pickles. Serve on bread.
Don’t let leftover Majestic Ham go to waste! With these creative recipes, you can give it delicious new life after the main holiday meal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Majestic Ham
Follow my simple instructions for perfectly cooked Majestic Ham every time:
1. Thaw the Ham
- Place frozen ham in fridge. Allow to thaw 24 hours per 4 lbs weight. Crucial for even cooking!
2. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 325°F. The low temp prevents drying out the ham.
3. Prepare the Pan
- Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup. Place thawed ham cut-side down.
4. Bake the Ham
- Bake 15-18 minutes per lb until ham reaches 140°F internal temperature.
5. Make the Glaze
- In a small pan, heat brown sugar or maple syrup until melted and smooth.
6. Brush with Glaze
- During the last 15 minutes, brush glaze over ham and return to oven to caramelize.
7. Allow Ham to Rest
- Once baked, let ham rest 15 minutes before slicing so juices absorb.
8. Carve and Serve
- Use an electric knife to slice ham across the grain. Serve with pineapple and cherries.
With my step-by-step instructions, you’ll have delicious Majestic Ham ready for your holiday Noche Buena!