Roast Fresh Ham with Garlic and Herbs

What Ingredients Do You Need?

• 12-14 lbs Fresh (uncured) bone-in ham, skin on
• 10 Garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp Fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 tbsp Fresh sage, chopped
• 1 tbsp Fennel seeds, crushed
• 1/3 cup Olive oil
• 3 tbsp Kosher salt
• 1 tbsp Black pepper
• from 2 lemons Lemon zest
• 1.5 cups, for the pan Dry white wine

How Do You Make Roast Fresh Ham with Garlic and Herbs?

1. 1

   Score the skin

   Using a sharp knife, score the skin and fat in a crosshatch pattern, cutting through the fat but not into the meat.

2. 2

   Make the rub

   Combine garlic, rosemary, sage, fennel seeds, olive oil, salt, pepper, and lemon zest into a thick paste.

3. 3

   Season generously

   Rub the paste all over the ham, working it into the scored skin and any exposed meat. Let sit uncovered in the refrigerator overnight for the best flavor and crisper skin.

4. 4

   Bring to room temperature

   Remove the ham from the fridge 1 hour before roasting. Preheat the oven to 325°F.

5. 5

   Roast low and slow

   Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan with wine poured into the bottom. Roast for about 3.5 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 140°F.

6. 6

   Crisp the skin

   Increase oven temperature to 450°F and roast an additional 20-25 minutes, until the skin blisters and crackles.

7. 7

   Confirm final temperature

   The center of the ham should register 145°F once out of the oven, accounting for carryover heat.

8. 8

   Rest and carve

   Rest for 20-25 minutes before carving into thin slices, spooning pan juices over the top.