There’s something truly magical about the aroma of honey glazed ham wafting through the house during the holidays. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a centerpiece that brings everyone together around the table. The sweet, sticky glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering contrast with the savory ham. I remember the first time I made this for my family—it was Christmas Eve, and as I pulled the ham out of the oven, the whole house filled with warmth and joy. My family couldn’t wait to dig in, and the smiles on their faces as they took that first bite? Absolutely priceless! Trust me, honey glazed ham is the perfect holiday dish that will turn any gathering into a celebration, and it’s so easy to make!
Ingredients for Honey Glazed Ham
To make this delicious honey glazed ham, you’ll need a few simple yet impactful ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds) – This is the star of the show, so choose a high-quality ham for the best flavor.
- 1 cup honey – This adds that signature sweetness and sticky glaze.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar – For depth and that lovely caramelization.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – It brings a tangy kick that balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar – A splash of acidity to brighten flavors.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For a warm, cozy hint of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves – A little goes a long way in adding warmth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Just enough to round out the flavors.
How to Prepare Honey Glazed Ham
Getting your honey glazed ham just right is all about following some straightforward steps. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you’ll be breezing through the kitchen like a pro!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the magic number for perfectly cooked ham. While your oven heats up, grab your roasting pan and place the ham in it, cut side down. This helps keep it juicy as it cooks. If the ham comes with a plastic disk on the bone, don’t forget to remove that!
Create the Glaze
Now, let’s make that delicious glaze! In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper. Use a whisk or fork to blend it all together until it’s smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens! Brush this glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get into all those nooks and crannies. Yum!
Baking the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil to keep it from drying out. Bake it in your preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Here’s the fun part: every 30 minutes, carefully baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the pan. This keeps it moist and flavorful. For the last 30 minutes, remove the foil to let that glaze caramelize and create a beautiful, shiny coating. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Resting and Slicing
Once your ham is beautifully caramelized and cooked through, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This is key for juicy slices! When it’s time to slice, use a sharp knife to carve the ham against the grain. This will give you tender, scrumptious pieces that are perfect for serving.
Nutritional Information
When enjoying honey glazed ham, it’s good to know what you’re savoring! Each serving (about 3 ounces) has approximately 250 calories, 10g of fat, 15g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates, but they’ll help you plan your festive meal without a hitch!
Why You’ll Love Honey Glazed Ham
This honey glazed ham isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll absolutely adore making it:
- Irresistible flavor: The perfect balance of sweet and savory, this ham is a showstopper at any meal.
- Easy preparation: With just a few simple steps, you’ll look like a kitchen superstar without the stress.
- Perfect for gatherings: It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together, making your holiday celebrations unforgettable.
- Versatile leftovers: Enjoy the deliciousness in sandwiches or soups the next day—if there’s any left!
- Festive presentation: The shiny glaze and beautiful slices make for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
Tips for Success
To make your honey glazed ham the star of the show, here are some pro tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time! First, feel free to adjust the sweetness by playing with the amounts of honey and brown sugar—more honey for a sweeter glaze, or less if you prefer it a bit less sugary. Also, don’t skip the basting! Basting every 30 minutes keeps the ham moist and flavorful, so make that a priority. Lastly, let the ham rest after baking; this step is crucial for achieving those juicy slices. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your holiday dish to new heights!
Variations on Honey Glazed Ham
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up the flavors of your honey glazed ham! For a spicier kick, try adding chipotle powder or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a sweet and spicy contrast. Want a tropical twist? Mix in some pineapple juice or maple syrup for a hint of fruity sweetness. You could also experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice for a warm, aromatic flavor. And if you love a hint of citrus, add some orange juice or zest to brighten up the glaze. Each variation offers a deliciously unique take on this holiday classic!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing leftover honey glazed ham is super simple! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it fresh, and place it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 to 5 days, but let’s be honest—leftovers rarely last that long in my house! When it’s time to reheat, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a baking dish. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This way, you’ll enjoy that delicious flavor just like the first day!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving honey glazed ham, the possibilities are endless! I love pairing it with classic side dishes like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted Brussels sprouts, which balance the sweetness of the ham beautifully. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and lightness to the meal. For something a bit heartier, consider macaroni and cheese—it’s always a hit! And let’s not forget about drinks; a chilled white wine or a festive sparkling cider complements the flavors perfectly. Trust me, these pairings will elevate your holiday feast to a whole new level!
Z nadrukami
Honey Glazed Ham: 7 Reasons It’s the Perfect Holiday Dish
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 10-12 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
Honey glazed ham is the perfect holiday dish that brings sweetness and flavor to your table.
Składniki
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and pepper.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham.
- Cover the ham loosely 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.
Uwagi
- Choose a high-quality ham for best results.
- You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey and brown sugar.
- Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches or soups.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Main Course
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 3 ounces
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 10g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 10g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3.5g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 5g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 30g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: honey glazed ham, holiday dish, festive meal
