There’s just something magical about a beautifully glazed ham, isn’t there? It’s the centerpiece of any holiday gathering, bringing everyone together around the table, savoring that sweet and savory aroma wafting through the house. Trust me, when you walk in and see that golden, caramelized crust, your heart will skip a beat. I love how this glazed ham recipe not only looks impressive but is also surprisingly simple to make! Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy family dinner, this dish brings joy and warmth to any occasion. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delightful. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this festive masterpiece that’s sure to be the star of your holiday feast!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this delicious glazed ham! I promise, these ingredients come together to create a flavor explosion that’s perfect for your holiday table. Make sure you have these on hand:
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Feel free to adjust the glaze ingredients to suit your taste! The combination of the sweet brown sugar and honey with the tangy mustard and vinegar creates a glaze that’s simply irresistible. So, let’s gather these goodies and get ready to make something truly special!
How to Prepare Glazed Ham
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part—preparing our glorious glazed ham! Don’t worry, it’s all quite straightforward, and I’m here to guide you through each step. Just follow along, and you’ll have a stunning centerpiece in no time!
Preheat and Score the Ham
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is crucial for that perfect bake! While your oven is warming up, take your fully cooked ham and place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern. This not only looks beautiful but also helps the glaze seep into the meat, making it even more delicious!
Prepare the Glaze
In a mixing 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, 1 teaspoon of ground cloves, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well blended and smooth. This glaze is where the magic happens, giving your ham that sweet and tangy kick that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds!
Apply the Glaze and Bake
Brush that luscious glaze all over the scored ham, making sure to get into those little diamond cuts. This is where the flavor really infuses! Place your glazed ham in a roasting pan and cover it with aluminum foil. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the juices every 30 minutes. In the last 30 minutes, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize beautifully, creating that irresistible golden crust!
Rest and Serve
Once your ham is done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to settle, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. When you’re ready to serve, slice it up and watch your guests’ faces light up! This ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, making for an unforgettable holiday feast.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This glazed ham recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, and here’s why you’re going to love it just as much as I do:
- Effortless Elegance: It looks stunning on the table, making you the star of any holiday gathering without a ton of fuss.
- Flavor Explosion: The sweet and savory glaze perfectly complements the rich, juicy ham, creating a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few everyday ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that’s both impressive and satisfying.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The leftovers (if you have any!) are just as delicious, making fantastic sandwiches or adding flavor to soups.
- Time-Saving: It’s baked in the oven, leaving you free to enjoy time with your loved ones while it cooks to perfection.
Trust me, this glazed ham will become your go-to recipe for all your festive occasions!
Tips for Success
To make sure your glazed ham turns out absolutely perfect, here are some handy tips that I’ve learned over the years. First, don’t skip the scoring step! It really allows the glaze to seep in and gives you those beautiful caramelized edges. Also, be generous with the glaze—don’t be shy! The more, the merrier when it comes to flavor. Remember to baste regularly; it keeps the ham moist and enhances that delightful glaze. If your ham is a bit larger, you might need to adjust the baking time, so keep an eye on it. Finally, let it rest before slicing! This little step is key for juicy slices. Trust me, following these tips will lead you to a show-stopping glazed ham every time!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying your delicious glazed ham, it’s good to keep in mind that nutrition can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s an estimated breakdown per slice:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
Feel free to adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs, but remember, this glazed ham is all about indulgence and celebration!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While this recipe is perfect for a traditional fully cooked ham, you can also use spiral-cut or even a smoked ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of the ham you choose.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have leftovers (which is a big if, trust me!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to a week. You can also freeze slices for up to two months—just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Definitely! You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to make sure everything’s mixed well. It’ll save you some time on the big day!
What can I serve with glazed ham?
Glazed ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also get creative with sides like mac and cheese or even a fruit salad for a refreshing contrast!
How do I know when the ham is done?
For perfectly cooked ham, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham. This ensures it’s heated through without drying out. Remember, it’s all about that juicy goodness!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After the festivities, if you find yourself with leftover glazed ham (which is rare but oh-so-welcome!), storing it properly is key to keeping it delicious. First, let the ham cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. This will help lock in moisture and flavor! You can keep your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you want to save some for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to two months!
When it’s time to enjoy those leftovers, the best way to reheat your glazed ham is gently in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C), and place the slices in a baking dish. Cover them with foil to keep them moist, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can even add a splash of apple cider or a drizzle of honey over the top to refresh the glaze. Enjoy your ham just like the first time around!
Drucken
Glazed Ham: 5 Simple Steps to a Festive Delight
- Gesamtzeit: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ertrag: 10 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A delicious glazed ham recipe perfect for holiday gatherings.
Zutaten
- 1 fully cooked ham (5–7 lbs)
- 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
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze evenly over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust the glaze ingredients to taste.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 2 hours
- Kategorie: Main Dish
- Methode: Baking
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 slice
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 10g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 3g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 30g
- Faser: 0g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterin: 50mg
Keywords: glazed ham, holiday ham, glazed ham recipe, baked ham
