Print

Fresh Ham with Cracklings

Fresh ham with cracklings, sliced and served on a white plate over a bed of arugula with a knife placed on the side.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A traditional Irish-inspired roast, Fresh Ham with Cracklings features juicy, tender pork wrapped in crispy golden skin, paired with a rich pan gravy made from savory drippings. Perfect for holidays or Sunday dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 fresh ham (8 to 10 pounds, shank end)
  • Vegetable oil (for rubbing)
  • 1 tablespoon coarse salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried English-style mustard
  • 12 ounces beer (not dark)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry English-style mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried sage, crumbled
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried thyme, crumbled
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cider vinegar
  • Watercress sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prick the ham skin all over and make 4 parallel 1/4-inch deep incisions. Rub the ham lightly with oil.
  2. In a bowl, mix salt, thyme, sage, pepper, and mustard. Rub the mixture all over the ham.
  3. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Preheat oven to 500°F, then reduce to 325°F immediately and roast for 1 hour.
  4. Pour half of the beer over the ham, roast for 30 minutes, then pour the rest. Roast for another 2.5 hours or until internal temperature reaches 170°F.
  5. Let ham rest for 15 minutes. Remove brown skin, cut into pieces, and roast at 350°F for 15 minutes until crisp to make cracklings.
  6. Slice the meat thinly across the grain and keep warm.
  7. Skim fat from the pan, add 1 cup water, and deglaze over moderate heat. Transfer liquid to a saucepan.
  8. Whisk flour with 1/4 cup broth, then add to pan with remaining broth, mustard, sage, thyme, sugar, and vinegar. Simmer for 5 minutes while whisking.
  9. Garnish ham with cracklings and watercress sprigs. Serve with gravy.

Notes

  • Use light beer for mild flavor; apple cider or white wine can be used instead.
  • Ensure the skin is dry before roasting for crispier cracklings.
  • Let the meat rest before slicing to retain moisture.
  • Store cracklings separately to keep them crispy when reheating.
  • Leftovers are great in sandwiches or breakfast hash.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipeeasily.com/fresh-ham-with-cracklings-recipe/