Oh, let me tell you, there’s something truly magical about preparing a delicious glazed ham for the holidays! The aroma that fills your kitchen as it bakes is nothing short of heavenly. This glazed ham recipe is my go-to for family gatherings and festive celebrations. It’s not just about the taste—though trust me, the sweet and tangy glaze is a crowd-pleaser—but also the way it brings everyone together around the table. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple to make, even if you’re not a seasoned chef. With just a few ingredients and some love, you’ll end up with a centerpiece that steals the show. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your loved ones with a stunning glazed ham that’s sure to become a cherished tradition in your home!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create a mouthwatering glazed ham that will impress everyone at your holiday table:
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds) – make sure it’s pre-cooked for ease!
- 1 cup brown sugar – this is what gives that lovely sweetness!
- 1/2 cup honey – adds a touch of natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – for that perfect tanginess that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – brings in a nice acidity to cut through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves – a warm spice that adds depth to the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – because who doesn’t love a hint of cozy spice?
Having these handy will set you up for success in crafting a glazed ham that’s not only beautiful but absolutely delicious!
How to Prepare Glazed Ham
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step magic of preparing your glazed ham! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds, and I promise you’ll be amazed at the results.
Preheat and Score the Ham
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your ham cooks evenly and gets that lovely caramelized glaze we’re after. While that’s warming up, grab your ham and place it on a cutting board. You’ll want to score the surface in a diamond pattern—this not only looks beautiful, but it also helps the glaze seep into the ham, making every bite extra flavorful. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts about an inch apart, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat.
Prepare the Glaze
Next up, let’s whip up that glorious glaze! In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, and the spices: 1 teaspoon of ground cloves and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Mix everything together until it’s a smooth, sticky delight. Oh, the smell is divine! This glaze is what will make your ham shine and taste out-of-this-world.
Bake the Glazed Ham
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Place your scored ham in a roasting pan, and generously brush that beautiful glaze all over the surface. Cover the ham loosely with foil—this helps keep it moist while it bakes. Pop it in the oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Here’s the key: every 30 minutes, baste the ham with the glaze. This ensures each bite is packed with flavor! In the last 30 minutes, remove the foil to let it caramelize and get that gorgeous, shiny finish. Once it’s done baking, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute for a perfectly juicy ham!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation time – you can have this stunning glazed ham ready with minimal effort!
- Perfect for holiday meals, making it the star of your celebratory table.
- Delicious flavor that balances sweetness and tang, sure to please all palates.
- A true crowd-pleaser; everyone will be coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
- Gluten-free options mean everyone can enjoy this delightful dish without worry.
This glazed ham recipe is a no-brainer for your next gathering, bringing joy and flavor to your holiday traditions!
Tips for Success
Want to nail that perfect glazed ham? Here are my best tips to ensure success! First, invest in a meat thermometer—it takes the guesswork out of cooking. You’ll want your ham to reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for optimal flavor and safety. Also, don’t hesitate to get creative with your glaze! A splash of orange juice adds a delightful citrus twist, and a pinch of nutmeg can elevate the spices. Lastly, remember to let your ham rest after baking; this is key to keeping it juicy and tender. Trust me, these little tricks make all the difference!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. The values provided below are estimates and may not be exact. For a serving size of 1 slice of this delicious glazed ham, you can expect approximately 250 calories, 10g of sugar, and 20g of protein. It’s always a good idea to check the labels of your ingredients for the most accurate information!
FAQ Section
How do I store leftover glazed ham?
Storing leftover glazed ham is super easy! Just make sure to let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This way, you can enjoy those tasty leftovers without worrying about spoilage!
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love using a fully cooked ham for this recipe, you can definitely switch it up. Bone-in or boneless hams work well, and you can even try a spiral-cut ham if you want to save some time on slicing. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type and size of the ham you choose.
What sides pair well with glazed ham?
Oh, you’ve got to love the sides that go with glazed ham! I recommend serving it with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a bright, fresh salad. Don’t forget about macaroni and cheese for that comfort food vibe, or some sweet potato casserole for a seasonal touch. Trust me, these pairings will make your holiday meal unforgettable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious glazed ham fresh, allow it to cool completely before storing. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container to prevent drying out. Properly stored, your leftovers will last in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply slice off what you need. For reheating, I recommend using the oven to maintain its juicy texture. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), place the slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy the flavors all over again!
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Glazed Ham: 7 Simple Steps for a Perfectly Juicy Feast
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious glazed ham recipe perfect for any holiday meal.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.
- Brush the glaze over the ham.
- Place ham in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze.
- Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let it rest before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- For extra flavor, add orange juice to the glaze.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Glazed ham, holiday ham, baked ham