There’s something truly magical about preparing a glazed ham for special occasions, isn’t there? The way the sweet and savory aromas fill the kitchen as it bakes is enough to get anyone excited! This recipe is a standout because it marries the rich flavors of brown sugar and honey with a tangy kick from Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. It’s a showstopper at any holiday table or family gathering. I remember my grandmother’s holiday dinners, where the glazed ham was always the centerpiece, and everyone would gather around to savor each slice. Trust me, this recipe will bring that same warmth and love to your home!
Ingredients for Glazed Ham
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the perfect glazed ham! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 pounds): Choose a high-quality ham for the best flavor. Look for a pre-cooked ham to save time and ensure tenderness.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: This gives your glaze that sweet, caramelized finish. Be sure to pack it tightly in the measuring cup!
- 1/2 cup honey: Adds a lovely, rich sweetness that complements the savory ham beautifully.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: This tangy ingredient balances the sweetness and adds depth to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: A splash of acidity brings brightness to the flavors and helps cut through the richness of the ham.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the sweetness and adds a cozy aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Just a hint of this spice will bring a delightful depth to your glaze.
Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go before you start cooking. Trust me, it makes the process so much smoother and more enjoyable!
How to Prepare Glazed Ham
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious glazed ham! The process is straightforward and I promise, the results are absolutely worth it. Just follow along, and we’ll get that ham sizzling in no time!
Prepping the Ham
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is crucial because a properly preheated oven ensures even cooking. While that’s heating up, grab your ham and place it on a sturdy cutting board. You’ll want to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This means making shallow cuts about an inch apart—don’t worry if they’re not perfect! This helps the glaze seep in and caramelize beautifully. Plus, it makes for a gorgeous presentation!
Making the Glaze
Time to whip up that glaze! In a mixing bowl, combine the packed brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. I like to use a whisk here; it helps blend everything smoothly. You want a thick, syrupy consistency that will stick to the ham but pour easily. Give it a taste—this is your chance to adjust flavors! If you love a bit more sweetness, add a touch more honey or brown sugar. If you want it tangier, a bit more vinegar does the trick!
Baking the Ham
Now that your ham is prepped and glazed, it’s time for the oven! Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover it tightly with aluminum foil. This keeps the moisture in as it cooks. Bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting it with the glaze every 30 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The glaze will start to caramelize and create that sticky, shiny coating we all love. In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize further. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn’t burn—it should be bubbling and golden brown when it’s done!
Resting and Slicing
Once your ham is out of the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This is super important because it allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender. When you’re ready to slice, use a sharp knife and cut against the grain for the best texture. Wow, just look at that glaze—your family and friends are going to be so impressed!
Tips for Success
Getting that glazed ham just right can feel a bit daunting, but with these pro tips, you’ll be a ham master in no time! Here are some things I’ve learned over the years that will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure your ham is a showstopper.
- Choose the right ham: A fully cooked ham is your best bet for an easy and delicious result. Look for one that’s labeled “spiral cut” if you want to make slicing easier later on!
- Don’t skip the scoring: Scoring the ham not only makes for a beautiful presentation but allows the glaze to seep in, creating that sweet, sticky coating we all crave. It’s an important step, so don’t rush it!
- Baste regularly: Basting every 30 minutes is key! It helps keep the ham moist and allows the glaze to build up that luscious flavor. Set a timer so you don’t forget!
- Watch the caramelization: When you remove the foil in the last 30 minutes, keep a close eye on it. Ovens can vary, and you don’t want your glorious glaze to turn into a burnt mess. It should be bubbling and golden brown!
- Let it rest: I can’t stress enough how important it is to let your ham rest after baking. This step is crucial for juicy slices. If you cut into it right away, you’ll lose all those delicious juices!
- Adjust the glaze to your taste: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to add a little more honey or brown sugar. If you’re looking for more tang, a dash more vinegar can do wonders. Make it your own!
Trust me, with these tips, you’ll not only impress your guests but also create a glazed ham that you’ll be proud to serve. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional data for this delicious glazed ham recipe. Keep in mind that these values can vary slightly based on the specific brand of ingredients you use and portion sizes. But this should give you a good idea of what you’re serving up:
- 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! This glazed ham is not only a feast for the eyes and taste buds but also provides a hearty serving of protein. Perfect for those festive gatherings or family dinners where you want a little something special!
FAQ About Glazed Ham
Got questions about glazing ham? Don’t worry—I’ve got answers! Here are some common queries I hear when it comes to this delicious dish:
What type of ham is best for glazing?
Honestly, I recommend a fully cooked ham for the best results. You can’t go wrong with a bone-in or a spiral-cut ham, as both allow the glaze to soak in beautifully and make slicing a breeze. Just look for one that’s labeled “pre-cooked” to save time and ensure tenderness!
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
You absolutely can! In fact, making the glaze ahead of time can save you some stress on the big day. Just mix all the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good stir before using, and you’re all set!
How do I store leftover glazed ham?
Leftover glazed ham is a treasure! To store it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container. It’ll last about 3-5 days in the refrigerator. If you want to keep it longer, feel free to slice it up and freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle any glazed ham adventure. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can have a stunning glazed ham ready for your guests in no time!
- Flavorful: The perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors creates a deliciously indulgent experience that everyone will love.
- Perfect for celebrations: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a family gathering, this glazed ham is sure to impress and bring everyone together.
- Easily adaptable: Feel free to tweak the glaze ingredients to suit your taste! Want it sweeter? Add more honey! Prefer a tangy kick? A splash more vinegar works wonders.
- Impressive presentation: The beautiful caramelized glaze and scored design make for a stunning centerpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
- Leftovers galore: You’ll have plenty of delicious leftovers to enjoy! Use them in sandwiches, salads, or even breakfast dishes—endless possibilities!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your stunning glazed ham ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve with it! The right side dishes can really elevate your meal and complement those sweet and savory flavors. Here are some of my favorite pairings that are sure to please your guests:
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful mix of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes adds a lovely earthy balance to the richness of the ham.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are a classic choice! They’re perfect for soaking up any extra glaze that drips onto the plate.
- Green Bean Almondine: The crispness of green beans tossed with toasted almonds and a squeeze of lemon brightens up the meal beautifully.
- Macaroni and Cheese: For a comforting touch, serve up some gooey macaroni and cheese. The creaminess pairs wonderfully with the sweet glaze!
- Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is a fantastic side that adds a hint of sweetness—perfect for complementing the glazed ham.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with strawberries, pineapple, and mandarin oranges can provide a light contrast to the heavy flavors of the ham.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds a crunchy texture and a nice acidity that cuts through the richness of the glazed ham.
Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. No matter what you choose, your glazed ham will shine as the star of the meal! Enjoy your delicious spread and the lovely moments shared around the table!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious glazed ham, you’ll likely have some tasty leftovers to savor! Proper storage and reheating can help keep that flavor and moisture intact. Here’s how I like to do it:
First, let the ham cool down to room temperature before storing it. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. When stored this way in the refrigerator, your glazed ham will last about 3-5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can slice it up and freeze it! Just make sure to use freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll be good for up to 2 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, here’s my favorite way to reheat without drying it out: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take the ham out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps it reheat evenly. Place the ham in a roasting pan, and add a little bit of water or broth to the bottom of the pan—this will create steam and keep the ham moist. Cover it tightly with foil and heat it for about 15-20 minutes per pound. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through, and it should still be juicy and flavorful! Enjoy every last bite!
Z nadrukami
Glazed Ham: 7 Secrets to an Irresistibly Juicy Feast
- Całkowity Czas: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Ustępować: 8-10 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A sweet and savory glazed ham recipe perfect for holidays or family gatherings.
Składniki
- 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
Instrukcje
- 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.
Uwagi
- 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.
- Czas Przygotowania: 20 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 2 hours
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 3 ounces
- Kalorie: 220
- Cukier: 12g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 8g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 4g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 20g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: glazed ham
