Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 4 hours 15 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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If you're looking to impress with a centerpiece that's both hearty and vibrant, this Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham is it. Infused with fresh herbs and a zesty citrus kick, it transforms a traditional roast into something extraordinary. Perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, it's sure to be a hit.

Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham

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Ingredients for Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham

Ingredients for Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham

The hero here is obviously the fresh ham. Weighing in at about 10 pounds, it's perfect for a larger group. Olive oil acts as a flavor carrier, helping to distribute the herbs and citrus evenly. The combination of lemon juice and orange juice brings a fresh and tangy zest that complements the richness of the ham. Freshly chopped rosemary and thyme bring earthy, aromatic notes. Garlic adds depth and warmth, while salt and black pepper are essential for seasoning. The orange and lemon slices not only add flavor but also keep the ham moist. Finally, chicken broth ensures the ham stays juicy throughout the roasting process.

Why This Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham Works

In the oven, the fresh ham cooks slowly, so the inside has time to warm up without drying out. The chicken broth in the bottom of the pan steams around the meat and keeps the air moist, so the ham stays juicy instead of shrinking and turning tough. While it roasts, the fat under the skin slowly melts and soaks into the meat, which keeps it tender.

As the hours go by, the lemon juice, orange juice, garlic, rosemary, and thyme that were rubbed into the scored skin sink into the outer layer of the ham. Those cuts in the skin give the liquid more places to go, so the outside doesn’t just taste like plain pork. The citrus also gently softens the surface as it cooks.

Near the end, the heat goes up and the foil comes off. At this stage the skin dries out and browns, and the fat under the scored lines bubbles and crisps. By the time it rests, the juices have settled back inside, so the slices stay moist and the outside has a chewy, crispy crust.

Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham Tips & Tricks

  • Score the ham deeply enough to penetrate the fat but not the meat.
  • Let the ham rest after roasting to prevent juices from escaping.
  • Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.

Mistakes To Avoid

Letting the ham cook only by time and not checking the thermometer often leads to a dry outside and slightly undercooked center. A 10 lb “fresh ham” is thick, so the edges can lose a lot of moisture while the middle still sits below 145°F, giving tough slices around the bone and slightly soft, unsafe meat inside.

Skipping the scoring or cutting the skin too shallow keeps the fat and skin from opening up. The heat can’t reach the fat under the rind, so it stays thick and rubbery instead of slowly melting and helping the meat stay moist, and the outside never really crisps.

Pouring the broth over the top instead of into the bottom of the pan washes off the citrus and herb rub. During roasting, the surface then browns unevenly and the skin steams instead of drying out, so it ends up soft and pale instead of crisp and blistered.

Pulling the ham from the oven and slicing right away causes the juices to rush out onto the board. The meat then looks wet on the surface but eats dry and stringy, especially in the leaner parts.

Equipment Used:

Roasting pan, Basting brush, Meat thermometer

Ingredients

  1. 10 lbs fresh ham
  2. 1/2 cup olive oil
  3. 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  4. 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  5. 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
  6. 2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
  7. 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  8. 1 tbsp salt
  9. 1 tbsp black pepper
  10. 1 orange, sliced
  11. 1 lemon, sliced
  12. 2 cups chicken broth

Step-by-step Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
  2. 2. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice, rosemary, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  3. 3. Score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a large roasting pan.
  4. 4. Rub the herb and citrus mixture all over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts.
  5. 5. Arrange the orange and lemon slices over the top of the ham.
  6. 6. Pour the chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan.
  7. 7. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the oven for about 3 hours, basting occasionally.
  8. 8. Remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Continue roasting for an additional 45 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and a thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) when inserted into the thickest part of the ham (avoiding the bone).
  9. 9. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, but use half the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Can I prepare this in advance?
You can marinate the ham the night before to enhance the flavors.

Serving Ideas for Citrus Herb Roasted Fresh Ham

This roast pairs beautifully with roasted root vegetables or a simple green salad. For a more festive touch, serve it alongside a cranberry or apple chutney. A glass of crisp white wine or an amber ale complements the citrus and herb flavors nicely.

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This recipe is for informational purposes only. Always follow proper food safety practices, cook foods to safe internal temperatures, and store leftovers appropriately. Results may vary.