The Crown Jewel of Your Holiday Table
As the holidays approach, the memories of family gatherings and festive meals come flooding back. One recipe that always stands out as a showstopper on my table is the classic Honey-Glazed Ham. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory, this dish has become a beloved tradition in my home, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Why Make This Recipe
- Unbeatable Flavor: The honey glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a rich, mouthwatering crust that you won’t find with any other dish.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a family reunion, a ham can easily feed a crowd, making it an ideal centerpiece.
- Simple Preparation: With minimal prep time and hands-off cooking, you can focus on other holiday tasks.
- Versatile Leftovers: The magical thing about ham is that leftovers can be transformed into sandwiches, soups, or even casseroles.
- Personal Connection: I cherish this recipe because it brings my loved ones together around the table, creating moments and memories that last a lifetime.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 10-12
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Cooking Method: Roasting in the oven
This honey-glazed ham is prepared by scoring the surface, creating a criss-cross pattern, and applying a homemade glaze before baking in the oven until perfectly caramelized and heated through.
My Experience Making This Recipe
The first time I made this honey-glazed ham, I was nervous about getting the glaze just right. The scent of the honey and mustard mingling while the ham roasted was pure magic! I learned that the key to a beautiful glaze is patience—allowing it to slowly caramelize ensures an irresistible finish.
How to Make Honey-Glazed Ham
To make this showstopper, start by scoring the surface of a pre-cooked ham, which allows the glaze to seep into the meat as it cooks. The glaze consists of honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and clove, which you’ll brush generously over the ham. Bake it in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about two hours, basting every 30 minutes, until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Expect your kitchen to smell heavenly as the flavors meld and the glaze turns a beautiful golden brown.
Expert Tips for Success
- Choose the Right Ham: I recommend a bone-in, fully cooked ham for the best flavor and moisture. Look for one with a nice layer of fat for extra richness.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your ham is cooked perfectly, using a meat thermometer is essential. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Baste Frequently: Basting the ham every 30 minutes keeps the glaze moist and enhances flavor.
- Let It Rest: Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more succulent bite.
- Invest in a Roasting Pan: A large roasting pan is perfect for ham; it accommodates the size and allows you to collect drippings for gravy.
How to Serve Honey-Glazed Ham
- Traditional Presentation: Serve the ham on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced citrus for a pop of color.
- Accompaniments: Pair it with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing cranberry salad.
- Sandwiches: Use leftovers to create delicious sandwiches with your favorite bread, sharp cheese, and a slather of mustard.
- Easter or Christmas: This ham shines not just during the holidays but any special occasion, making it versatile for festive gatherings.
Storage and Reheating Guide
- Storage: Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, slice the ham and freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of broth or water, cover with aluminum foil, and warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through.
Recipe Variations
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your Dijon mustard and honey are certified gluten-free.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a hint of heat.
- Maple Glaze: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor dynamic.
- Herb-Infused: Mix finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Highlights
- Protein-Packed: Ham is a great source of protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Low Carb: This dish is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those watching their carb intake.
- Sodium Consideration: While ham can be high in sodium, choosing a lower sodium option can help manage this concern.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Dry Ham: If your ham turns out dry, it likely overcooked. Always use a meat thermometer and watch the cooking time closely.
- Glaze Not Caramelizing: If the glaze isn’t caramelizing, try increasing the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) during the last 15-20 minutes.
- Burned Glaze: If the glaze starts burning before the ham is done, cover it loosely with aluminum foil to protect the surface while the meat continues cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! A spiral-cut ham can be even easier to serve and allows the glaze to seep into the layers effectively. Just be cautious with the baking time since it may cook faster. -
How do I keep the ham moist while cooking?
Basting every 30 minutes with the glaze helps retain moisture. Additionally, placing a pan of water in the oven can add steam, keeping everything juicy. -
What’s the best way to slice the ham?
Use a sharp carving knife, and slice against the grain for tender pieces. Start at the shank end, where the meat is easiest to access. -
Can I use other sweeteners instead of honey?
Yes, you can experiment with brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave nectar for different flavor profiles. Just adjust the amounts based on sweetness preference.
Enjoy crafting this culinary centerpiece for your holiday table and bringing joy to the hearts of your loved ones!
Print
Honey-Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Diet: Carnivore
Description
A show-stopping honey-glazed ham that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern.
- In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and ground cloves to create the glaze.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
- Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a refreshing cranberry salad. Leftovers can be used for sandwiches or casseroles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg