Good Luck Dinner is our traditional New Year’s Day meal of fresh ham, mashed potatoes, sauerkraut, gravy, and No Peek Dumplings. We have this every New Year’s Day because, around our house, you just don’t want to start the year without it!
This hearty meal probably originated from Pennsylvania Dutch traditions, where pork and sauerkraut have long been associated with good luck and prosperity for the coming year. The fresh ham cooks slowly until tender, creating flavorful pan juices that make an excellent gravy to serve over the potatoes and dumplings.
It does take some time to cook, but most of that time is hands-off. We usually take the easy route with instant mashed potatoes, and our No Peek Dumplings make the meal complete.
Good Luck Dinner
Ingredients
- 6 to 10 lb Fresh ham un smoked
- 3 to 4 potatoes medium sized, or use instant, we like Idahoan brand
- 16 oz. sauerkraut we prefer Boarshead,, but others are acceptable
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the fresh ham on a rack in a large covered roaster. Add enough water to the bottom of the roaster so the ham is sitting slightly above the water, not submerged.
- Cover the roaster and bake at 325°F for approximately 20 minutes per pound. Cooking time will vary depending on the size and shape of the ham, so use the internal temperature rather than time alone to determine when it is done.
- About 30–45 minutes before the estimated cooking time is complete, begin checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone if there is one.
- Cook the fresh ham until it reaches at least 145°F internally. Remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for at least 3 minutes before carving. The temperature will continue to rise slightly during the rest.
- Transfer the ham to a cutting board or serving platter and let it rest while you prepare the rest of the meal.
- Prepare the potatoes. Either cook and mash the potatoes yourself or prepare instant mashed potatoes according to the package directions. We usually use instant potatoes for convenience.
- Make the gravy using the cooking liquid from the roaster. Strain the liquid to remove any solids. Thicken the liquid with a flour-and-water slurry. We also like to add a packet of pork gravy mix for additional flavor and thickening.
- Prepare the No Peek Dumplings according to the separate recipe. Start them about 20 minutes before you plan to serve the meal.
- Slice the ham and serve with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, gravy, and No Peek Dumplings.
Notes
The cooking time is an estimate. A meat thermometer is the best way to determine when the fresh ham is done.
Save the cooking liquid from the roaster—it makes a flavorful base for the gravy.
We make our No Peek Dumplings as part of this meal. They are especially good served with the gravy.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Art of Cooking Recipes (Paulson Pursuits} is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Must start the New Year with this dinner.
We have been fortunate to share the Good Luck Dinner with the Paulsons, and it is always such a wonderful evening—delicious food, great fun, fellowship, and a very special tradition. We highly recommend making the Good Luck Dinner part of your family’s annual tradition. It is a fabulous way to gather around the table, enjoy an incredible meal, and start the year with good food, good friends, and a little extra good luck!