There’s nothing quite like the sweet and savory aroma of a glazed ham wafting through the house, is there? This Glazed Ham recipe holds a special place in my heart (and stomach). It reminds me of cozy holiday gatherings spent with family, where every slice of that succulent ham was fought over like it was the last piece of pizza at a party! I adore how the glaze caramelizes just right in the oven, creating that sticky, sweet exterior that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy meat inside. Honestly, it’s a dish that’s hard to resist!
What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. It looks fancy enough for a lavish feast, but it’s actually pretty straightforward and involves very little fuss. Trust me, if I can whip this up while juggling a couple of kids and a dog, so can you! Whether it’s for Easter, Thanksgiving, or just a Sunday family dinner, this glazed ham is sure to impress. So, let’s get cooking!
What’s in Glazed Ham?
Fully cooked bone-in ham: This is the star of the show! I recommend an 8-10 pound ham, which is perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, bone-in hams tend to have more flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds that beautiful caramel sweetness and helps create the glaze’s glossy finish. I opt for light brown sugar to keep things balanced.
Honey: The natural sweetness complements the brown sugar and helps the glaze stick! Use your favorite local honey if you can.
Dijon mustard: This gives a lovely tanginess that cuts through the sweetness, providing depth of flavor.
Apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity helps to brighten the palate and enhances the glaze.
Ground cloves: Just a hint of spice! Cloves add a warm and aromatic note that’s perfect for holiday flavors.
Cinnamon: I mean, who doesn’t love cinnamon? It brings in a cozy feeling that pairs wonderfully with ham.
Black pepper: Just a touch for a hint of heat that balances the sweetness.
Water: Only if needed, to thin the glaze if it gets too thick while baking.
Fresh herbs: Optional but highly recommended for a pop of color and freshness on the plate!
Is Glazed Ham Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health stuff, shall we? Ham can be a significant source of protein, which is great for muscle repair and overall health. However, it’s good to watch out for sodium since cured hams can be quite salty. Pairing it with fresh veggies or a light salad can help balance out the plate.
If you’re keeping an eye on sugar intake, you might want to adjust the amount of brown sugar or honey in the glaze – though, let’s be honest, that sugary glaze is what makes this dish sing! Everything in moderation, right?
Ingredients List
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 lbs)
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1 tsp ground cloves
– 1 tsp cinnamon
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1/4 cup water (if needed)
– Optional: Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish
*Serves 12-15 people*
How to Make Glazed Ham?
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut-side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart for maximum glaze coverage!
3. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, and you can’t resist tasting it!
4. Brush about half of the glaze mixture over the scored surface of the ham. This is where the magic begins!
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil (don’t wrap it too tightly!) and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and baste the ham with the remaining glaze. If it starts to thicken too much, add a bit of water to loosen things up.
7. Once done, take the ham out of the oven (it’s a beauty!) and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to keep all those juices in.
8. Slice the ham against the grain and serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if you like!
Garnish & Serving Suggestions
Alright, let’s take this to the next level! This glazed ham is fantastic served with sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Not to mention, the leftovers are just divine. Use them for sandwiches, toss them in soups, or throw them into salads – it’s a delightful way to avoid waste and enjoy the flavors again.
So, there you have it! A showstopper of a Glazed Ham that’s easier to make than you’d think, but impressive enough to wow your guests (or family). I can’t wait for you to try this recipe out. And hey, if you do make it, let me know how it turned out! Happy cooking!
