Easy Baked Ham Steaks Recipe

Name: Easy Baked Ham Steaks
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 cup water, or more as needed; 3 tablespoons brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 5 whole cloves; 2 slices ham steak

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This simple yet flavorful dish combines the richness of ham steaks with a sweet, savory Worcestershire sauce glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!

Ingredients

1 cup water (or more, as needed)
3 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
5 whole cloves
2 slices ham steak

Directions

Follow these simple steps to prepare a delicious ham steak dish:

Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).
In a baking dish, combine the water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cloves.
Place the ham steaks in the baking dish, making sure they are well-coated with the sugar mixture.
If necessary, add more water to ensure the ham steaks are partially submerged.
Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the ham is tender and fully cooked through.

Nutrition Facts

Each serving contains:

Calories: 202
Fat: 4g (5% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 1g (6% of daily value)
Cholesterol: 38mg (13% of daily value)
Sodium: 1261mg (55% of daily value)
Carbohydrates: 25g (9% of daily value)
Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% of daily value)
Total Sugars: 22g
Protein: 17g (34% of daily value)
Vitamin C: 30mg (33% of daily value)
Calcium: 57mg (4% of daily value)
Iron: 2mg (12% of daily value)
Potassium: 441mg (9% of daily value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

This easy baked ham steak recipe is a simple yet satisfying meal thats perfect for family dinners. The combination of tender ham, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce creates a sweet and savory flavor profile that everyone will love. With just a few basic ingredients, this dish is incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether youre looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty meal to serve guests, this recipe is a great option.

History of Ham Steaks

The concept of ham steaks traces back centuries, with ham being a staple in many cultures around the world. The use of ham as a primary meat product became popular in Western cuisine, particularly in Europe and the United States. Historically, ham steaks were cut from the hind leg of a pig and often served as part of larger family meals. The popularity of ham steak dishes grew with the advent of refrigeration in the 19th century, as it allowed for easier storage and preparation of cured meats. Over time, various regional dishes evolved, and ham steaks became a versatile component of meals, especially during holiday celebrations and Sunday dinners.

Regional Variations

In the United States, ham steaks are often associated with Southern cuisine, where they are served with side dishes like collard greens, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. The sweetness of the glaze, typically made from brown sugar or maple syrup, complements the saltiness of the ham. In the Midwest, ham steaks are sometimes paired with creamy dishes like scalloped potatoes or macaroni and cheese. In other parts of the world, ham steaks are also popular, though they may be prepared differently depending on local ingredients and tastes. For example, in Spain, ham steaks (known as "jamn") are often served in a more rustic style, with a simple drizzle of olive oil and herbs.

How This Recipe Differs from Similar Dishes

While there are many ways to prepare ham, this easy baked ham steak recipe stands out for its simplicity and the balance of sweet and savory flavors. Unlike traditional glazed ham, which is often served as a large whole roast, ham steaks are smaller, quicker to cook, and ideal for a smaller group or a more casual meal. Additionally, this recipe doesnt require a long cooking time or complex preparation methods, making it an ideal choice for busy individuals or families. The use of Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar gives this dish a unique flavor that sets it apart from more classic ham recipes, which might rely more on honey or mustard-based glazes.

Where to Serve Easy Baked Ham Steaks

Easy baked ham steaks are perfect for a wide range of occasions. They can be served as a main dish at a cozy family dinner, alongside traditional sides like baked potatoes, green beans, or macaroni and cheese. For holiday meals, such as Easter or Christmas, ham steaks can serve as a more manageable alternative to a whole ham roast. Additionally, theyre great for brunch gatherings, paired with eggs and a refreshing salad. The ease of preparation makes them an excellent choice for weeknight meals, yet they still have the potential to impress at a more formal gathering. Because the dish is so adaptable, it can also be served with a variety of sauces or side dishes to suit the occasion.

Fun Facts About Ham Steaks

The term "ham steak" actually refers to a cut from a cured ham, not a fresh pork steak. Its typically pre-cooked and needs only to be heated through or lightly seared.
Ham is one of the oldest preserved meats, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Romans, who used salt to cure pork for long-term storage.
While ham steaks are often thought of as an American dish, ham itself is widely consumed across the globe, with varieties like prosciutto in Italy, jamn in Spain, and gammon in the UK.
In some Southern regions, ham steaks are often served with a side of grits or cornbread, highlighting the region's love for hearty, comforting meals.

Whether youre cooking for a large family or a small group, this easy baked ham steak recipe is sure to satisfy. Its simple preparation and bold flavor make it a perfect choice for both casual dinners and festive occasions. And as an added bonus, its versatile enough to be paired with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to make it your own!

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FAQ about Easy Baked Ham Steaks Recipe

Leftover baked ham steaks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the ham steaks for up to 2 months. When reheating, it's best to do so in the oven at a low temperature to avoid drying out the meat.

Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time. Assemble the ham steaks with the sugar mixture and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. You can also cook the ham steaks ahead and store them in the fridge. Reheat in the oven at a low temperature to preserve moisture.

Yes, you can use boneless ham steaks instead of bone-in. The cooking process and time will be very similar, but boneless ham steaks might cook a bit faster, so you may need to check for doneness a few minutes earlier.

Baked ham steaks go well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, mac and cheese, or a simple salad. You can also pair them with bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.

Yes, you can substitute the brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Just be aware that using a liquid sweetener might change the consistency of the sauce.

If the ham steaks turn out dry, try covering the dish with foil during baking to lock in moisture. You can also baste the ham steaks halfway through cooking with the sauce to keep them moist. If reheating, add a little water or broth to the dish and cover with foil to prevent further drying.

If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can increase the Worcestershire sauce, add a pinch of black pepper, or experiment with different spices like paprika or mustard. If you're looking for a sweeter ham steak, you can add more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey.

If you don't have Worcestershire sauce, you can substitute it with a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, and a bit of sugar. You could also try balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor.

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn't require any flour or gluten-containing ingredients. Just be sure to check the Worcestershire sauce for gluten if you have a gluten sensitivity, or opt for a gluten-free version.

The ham steaks should be tender when fully cooked. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach at least 140°F (60°C). The meat should also be slightly caramelized and the sauce thickened.

Comments

Dawn Risko

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Incredibly easy and delicious! This ham steak passed the test with all of my picky eaters, too! I used 2 lbs. ham steak, doubled all the ingredients and baked in a 9 x 13 in. baking dish, sprinkled a little ground cloves as I didn't have whole ones on hand, and flipped the ham steaks over halfway through cooking. No dry, curly meat...turned out perfect! It was such easy prep, it was nice to be able to concentrate on the side dishes to accompany this meal.

KayDeeTheQueen Me

10/29/2020 12:44:00 AM

Followed this recipe with a few alterations. I used less water and a 8x8 glass dish. I added teaspoon full of mustard in the sugar mixture and added asparagus while cooking. Asparagus had a sweet taste but I got the kids to eat their veggies tonight!!!

Carrie Thomas

06/01/2020 01:25:47 AM

I made this following the recipe. I did make an adjustment and that was thickening the liquid to make a glaze to pour over the steaks when they were done. But I forgot I had to cook uncured ham steaks longer. After trying to chew them, my kids and I gave up and back in the oven they went. I did add a little more brown sugar to the liquid. Since they were uncured ham steaks I baked them an hour and a half longer at 325. When I took them out, my 6 year old wouldn't leave them alone!

Honeybird

02/01/2016 06:05:32 PM

Tasted really good. I didn't use a cup of water, though -- maybe a quarter cup -- and only 1 T. of Worcester sauce. I also added about 2 T of butter. I baked for 20 min covered with foil, turned the ham, then only 10 more min uncovered. Thirty minutes was more than long enough in the oven. Husband really liked the sauce.

TammyH

03/18/2019 01:03:40 PM

I made this with 2 ham steaks. I didn’t have Worcester sauce so I used Dale’s seasoning. I also had to slow the cook time down because we were away from the house about 3-4 hours before we ate, so I baked it at 275. The meat was SO tender with just enough sweet to it. I covered the pan with foil and had no trouble with dryness. We will do this again!

Linda in Dallas

12/26/2018 01:29:39 AM

I liked the sauce recipe except I didn’t use any water in it. I set the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, topped it with the sauce, Put 2 cups of water in the pan, tented it with aluminum foil, and baked for 30 minutes. It was moist and perfect!

CHEF CLAY

12/26/2014 04:49:33 PM

This just looked like a decent start so I had to attempt.....with a few modifications of course, the original recipe just seemed to be missing a few flavor opportunities. First off.....water was replaced with no sodium chicken stock (ham or veggie stock would be great also) and a splash of bourbon. I then added a few (10) whole black peppercorns, a bay leaf, 1t. salt (on ham only), and the brown sugar I used I smoked to give it that outdoor grill taste. I also added a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little heat. Then tossed into a 425° oven ( i run all my ovens @425) for 25 min. or so until tasty hot. Not to bad for a first run, now to fine tune this and see where it takes me.

ANND1

11/29/2016 01:28:50 AM

I've made this several times with ham steak from Costco (awesome ham steaks) and my family loves it. It couldn't be easier. I make two ham-steaks without doubling the Worcestershire sauce, sugar and (ground) cloves and it does the trick. I flip half way through. Very adaptable recipe when time is a concern. I've baked as recipe states and I've baked it low and longer when I have to run out but want dinner ready when I get back.

RoseYeast8511

09/21/2023 05:02:02 AM

I doubled all ingredients on sauce due to adding so much water. I also covered it with foil to keep it juicy and it turned all very tasty. Nice, easy recipe.

nothankyou

04/16/2014 04:55:07 PM

The ham was nice and moist. I covered the dish with foil as others suggested, and used ground cloves instead of whole cloves. The reason why it gets three stars is because the flavors were simply too muted to really taste past the ham. If I made this again, I would use way less water-- just enough to cover the bottom of the pan, not enough to cover the ham itself-- to see if I could bring the other ingredients to the forefront. Otherwise, a very easy, straightforward recipe for dinner.

Scott Goymerac

01/15/2017 04:05:45 PM

I browned & reduced in frying pan. Thick glaze.

Emily Lee

07/20/2024 05:52:32 PM

Can’t wait to make it again soon.

PuffyCup1074

03/08/2024 09:49:35 PM

Magic!

ZanyHoney7944

01/01/2024 11:03:30 PM

So easy to do. My husband loved it and he's tough to please. thank you so much for sharing 😀

Danielle K

11/12/2022 09:45:56 PM

Sweet and savory ham. We liked it a lot!

SOLHOUSE

01/23/2021 11:48:27 PM

My whole family liked it. If I make any change next time it would be to thicken the sauce for pouring over the ham on the plate.

Bambi Juryea

06/23/2020 10:24:07 PM

The flavor was amazing! 3 lbs ham steak and time was too long (35 mins.) Next time we’ll cut down to 25 mins.

BJS

04/09/2020 08:15:26 PM

Great, super moist!

Bonnie Stanchiu

01/01/2020 08:03:52 PM

I made this exactly according to the recipe. It was delicious and simple because I had all the ingrédients in my pantry. It was the perfect addition to my New Year's Day Brunch. SO EASY! Next time I make this, I will substitute pineapple juice for the water. I think it will be tasty and I think I will add the pineapple slices as well.

Jo Jones

04/09/2019 10:20:35 PM

I didn't have cloves handy but it turned out great! I used foil in the bottom of the baking pan.

Cook Time: 30 minutes