Easter Ham with Golden Breadcrumbs and Madeira Sauce

Ingredients for Easter Ham with Golden Breadcrumbs and Madeira Sauce

• 450g whole bone-in smoked ham

• 400g (packed) dark brown sugar

• 120ml Dijon mustard

• 60ml extra-virgin olive oil

• 725ml coarse fresh breadcrumbs made from six 1/2"-thick slices rustic white bread

• 350g Madeira

• Cheesecloth

Arrange a rack on lowest level of oven; preheat to 149°C. Without trimming fat, remove outer rind from most of ham, leaving a band around end of shank bone. Spacing cuts 3/4" apart to make a diamond pattern, score fat on top of ham crosswise and then lengthwise on a diagonal (do not cut into meat). Place ham in a large roasting pan. Pour 725ml water into pan and roast ham for 2 hours.

Meanwhile, stir brown sugar and mustard in a medium bowl until a thick paste forms; set aside. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs; toast, stirring often, until very crispy, 5-7 minutes. Set aside.

Remove ham from oven; increase temperature to 177°C. Spread half of sugar-mustard paste over scored top of ham. Bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part of ham registers 63°C, about 1 hour. If pan juices have dried out, add 240ml water to pan.

Remove ham from oven; increase temperature to 204°C. Spread remaining sugar-mustard paste over ham and pack breadcrumbs all over top.

Bake ham until crumbs are deep golden brown and crisp, 12-15 minutes. Transfer ham to a serving platter; let rest for 20 minutes before carving.

Line a fine-mesh sieve with cheesecloth. Set sieve over a medium pitcher or gravy boat. Spoon off fat from surface of juices in pan; discard. Add Madeira to pan. Place roasting pan over medium-high heat and simmer liquids briskly, scraping up browned bits, until sauce thickens and is reduced to 475ml , about 15 minutes. Strain sauce through prepared sieve, pressing on solids; discard solids.

Carve ham. Serve sauce alongside.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.