Honey-glazed ham is a timeless dish that brings elegance and mouthwatering flavor to any table. This recipe transforms a simple ham into a sweet and savory masterpiece, with a golden glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven. The blend of honey, brown sugar, and a hint of spices creates a beautiful balance of flavors that pairs wonderfully with the ham’s natural saltiness. Whether you’re preparing a festive meal for Christmas, Easter, or a special family gathering, this honey-glazed ham is sure to be the star of your feast.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a culinary expert to achieve a restaurant-quality ham at home. The glaze infuses the ham with deep flavors, while also keeping it moist and juicy. Plus, the leftovers make for excellent sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes in the days following your celebration. Let’s dive into how to create this delicious honey-glazed ham that will undoubtedly impress your guests and leave them coming back for more.
Honey-Glazed Ham Ingredients:
– 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Honey-Glazed Ham Directions:
1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, orange juice, and apple cider vinegar. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
4. Apply the glaze: Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. Brush a generous amount of the honey glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure it gets into the scored lines.
5. Roast the ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Caramelize the glaze: During the last 30 minutes of roasting, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue to baste every 10 minutes to create a deep, caramelized crust.
7. Rest the ham: Once the ham is fully heated through and beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
How to Prepare Honey-Glazed Ham
Begin by making the glaze, which will serve as both a marinade and a finishing touch for your ham. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a rich, flavorful coating that enhances the natural taste of the ham. Scoring the ham allows the glaze to seep into the meat, ensuring every slice is infused with sweetness and spice. Roasting the ham at a moderate temperature ensures even heating, while the final blast of high heat caramelizes the glaze for that perfect, sticky finish. Don’t skip the resting period, as it helps the juices redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful.
Preparation Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 2 to 2.5 hours
- Resting time: 15-20 minutes
- Total time: Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours
Servings:
– Serves 12 to 14 people
Honey-Glazed Ham FAQs
1. Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a spiral-cut ham. Just be careful when glazing to make sure you get the glaze into all the slices for even flavor.
2. How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
Covering the ham with foil while it bakes and basting it regularly with the glaze helps keep it moist. Remove the foil only towards the end to caramelize the glaze.
3. What if my glaze is too thick?
If the glaze thickens too much while cooking, add a little more orange juice or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
4. How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover honey-glazed ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
5. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, and gently reheat it before applying it to the ham.
Conclusion
Honey-glazed ham is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration on a plate. The combination of sweet honey, rich spices, and savory ham creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for any special occasion. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, ensuring that even novice cooks can achieve a stunning result. The glaze adds a beautiful shine and a deep, caramelized flavor that makes every slice of ham irresistible.
Whether it’s for a holiday dinner or a family gathering, this honey-glazed ham is bound to be a crowd-pleaser. And with its incredible aroma and deliciously sweet-and-savory taste, it will quickly become a tradition that everyone looks forward to year after year.
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Honey-Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A beautifully roasted ham with a sweet and sticky honey glaze, perfect for holiday celebrations or special gatherings. This ham is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
? Ingredients:
- ? 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 lbs)
- ? 1 cup honey
- ? 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- ? 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- ? 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- ? 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ? 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- ? Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2️⃣ Prepare Ham:
Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This helps the glaze penetrate better.
3️⃣ Make the Glaze:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir until the mixture is smooth and heated through.
4️⃣ Glaze the Ham:
Brush half of the honey glaze over the scored surface of the ham. Season with salt and pepper.
5️⃣ Roast the Ham:
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, removing the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
6️⃣ Check Temperature:
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
7️⃣ Rest and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. Serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy your delicious honey-glazed ham! ?️?
Notes
◻️ This honey-glazed ham is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions!
◻️ Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week and are great for sandwiches! ?
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 1/2 - 2 hours
- Category: Main Course, Holiday
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American