Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love affair with glazed ham! Every holiday season, without fail, I find myself whipping up this sweet and savory masterpiece that’s become a family tradition. I remember the first time I made it—it was for a big family gathering, and the moment that ham came out of the oven, the entire house filled with that mouthwatering aroma. It’s like a warm hug on a plate! Glazed ham is not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together, sparking joy and laughter around the table. Trust me, when you take that first bite, with the glossy glaze caramelized to perfection, you’ll understand why it’s a must-have for any celebration. Let’s dive into how to make your own delicious glazed ham!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to create your show-stopping glazed ham. Don’t worry, these ingredients are simple and easy to find!
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Feel free to adjust the ingredients a bit to suit your taste. For instance, if you love a little extra sweetness, add a tad more honey! Trust me, it’ll be delicious no matter how you tweak it. Let’s get cooking!
How to Prepare Glazed Ham
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of preparing your fabulous glazed ham! This part is where the magic really happens, and I promise, it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping centerpiece for your table!
Prepping the Ham
First things first, let’s get that ham ready for its glorious transformation! Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). While that’s heating up, take your ham and place it on a cutting board. Now, here’s a little trick: score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This means you’ll make shallow cuts about an inch apart, creating a crisscross effect. Not only does this look gorgeous, but it also helps the glaze seep into the meat, making every bite oh-so-delicious!
Making the Glaze
Now for the fun part—making the 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, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves. Give it a good stir until it’s all well mixed and smooth. It should have a lovely, thick consistency that’s just begging to be slathered on your ham. Don’t be shy, taste it as you go! Adjust the sweetness or spice if you feel like it needs a little something extra.
Baking Instructions
Alright, time to bake this beauty! Place the scored ham in a roasting pan and spread that luscious glaze all over it, making sure to get into those cute little diamond cuts. Cover the pan tightly with foil—this keeps the ham moist and juicy while it bakes. Pop it in the preheated oven and let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Here’s a little tip: every 30 minutes, take it out and baste it with the juices that collect in the bottom of the pan. This will keep it flavorful and oh-so-glazed!
For the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil. This is your moment to let that glaze caramelize to perfection! You’ll want to keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t burn; we want a beautiful golden color, not charred edges. Once the timer goes off, take it out and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps it super tender. Get ready for the most mouthwatering glazed ham you’ve ever made!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Easy preparation with simple ingredients—perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
- A stunning centerpiece for any holiday gathering or family dinner.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) make for delicious sandwiches or salads the next day.
- Feel free to customize the glaze to suit your taste, making it truly your own.
- It fills your home with the most amazing aroma, making everyone eager to dig in!
Tips for Success
Now that you’re all set to make this fabulous glazed ham, let me share some of my top tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make a world of difference.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: This is a must! Ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for the best flavor and safety. It takes the guesswork out of cooking!
- Don’t Skip the Scoring: Scoring the ham not only looks beautiful but allows the glaze to penetrate deeply, enhancing that sweet and savory goodness. So, take your time with those diamond cuts!
- Baste Generously: Remember to baste your ham every 30 minutes. This keeps it moist and helps that glaze form a sticky, caramelized crust that you’ll drool over.
- Rest Before Slicing: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but letting the ham rest for 15 minutes is key! This helps the juices redistribute, making every slice tender and juicy.
- Customize Your Glaze: Don’t hesitate to play around with the glaze ingredients! Adding a splash of orange juice or a hint of ginger can elevate the flavor profile. Get creative!
- Watch the Last 30 Minutes: When you remove the foil, keep a close eye on the ham. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want to end up with burnt edges instead of that beautiful caramelization!
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of glazed ham. It’s all about patience, love, and a little bit of practice. Enjoy the process, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here are the typical nutritional values for this delicious glazed ham. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes you use. But this should give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 18g
So there you have it! Glazed ham is a delightful combination of flavors and nutrients, making it a hearty main dish for any gathering. Just remember to enjoy it in moderation—though I won’t judge if you go back for seconds! Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect glazed ham? No worries! I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I hear, along with my best answers. Let’s dive in!
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! While I love a classic fully cooked ham, you can also use a bone-in ham or even a spiral-cut ham for easier slicing. Just make sure it’s fully cooked, and adjust the cooking time if necessary based on the weight.
How long should I bake the ham?
The general rule is to bake it for about 15 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C). For a 5-7 pound ham, you’re looking at roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Just remember to baste every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful!
What should I serve with glazed ham?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing glazed ham with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You could even whip up some homemade rolls to soak up that delicious glaze. It’s all about creating a festive spread!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
You bet! You can mix up the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before slathering it on your ham. This way, you save time on the big day and still get that freshly glazed flavor!
How do I store leftover glazed ham?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze individual slices for later use. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn!
Hopefully, these FAQs clear up any doubts you might have about preparing your delicious glazed ham. Remember, it’s all about enjoying the process and making it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Let’s talk about how to handle those delicious leftovers because trust me, you’ll want to savor every last bite of your glazed ham! Proper storage is key to keeping that sweet and savory flavor intact.
First up, once your ham has cooled down a bit, slice it into individual portions. I find that this makes it easier to grab just what you need later. Place the slices in an airtight container, or you can wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. If you’re planning to freeze some, make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. Leftover glazed ham will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days, and if you freeze it, it should last up to 2 months.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of options for you! For the best results, the oven is your friend. Preheat it to 325°F (165°C), then place your ham slices in a baking dish and cover it with foil. This keeps the moisture in and prevents the ham from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. If you want to reintroduce that lovely glaze, you can brush a little more on top before reheating!
In a pinch, you can also use the microwave. Just place a slice on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a damp paper towel, and heat it in short bursts of about 30 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overcooking. Remember, nobody wants rubbery ham!
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your fabulous glazed ham even after the festivities are over. Happy eating!
Print
Glazed Ham: 5 Secrets to Create a Mouthwatering Centerpiece
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A sweet and savory glazed ham recipe perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5–7 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- 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, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Spread the glaze over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Adjust the glaze ingredients to your taste.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: glazed ham
