Honey Baked Ham with Glaze: A Festive Delight
The holiday season is synonymous with gatherings, celebrations, and, of course, delicious food. One dish that stands out as a centerpiece for any festive table is a beautifully honey baked ham with a sweet and tangy glaze. This recipe combines the rich flavors of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar, creating a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes perfectly on the ham. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner, a holiday party, or a special family gathering, this honey baked ham will be the star of your table.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham 8-10 pounds: Choose a high-quality ham for the best results. A bone-in ham often has more flavor and moisture.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
- 1/2 cup honey: Enhances the sweetness and adds a rich floral flavor.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness adding depth to the glaze.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the flavors and tenderize the meat.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a warm aromatic touch that complements the other ingredients.
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature ensures that the honey baked ham heats through evenly without drying out.
Step 2: Score the Ham
- Place the ham on a cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This step is crucial as it allows the glaze to penetrate the meat, infusing it with flavor. Make shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep, ensuring not to cut too deeply into the meat. Scoring also helps the fat render out, creating a crispy, flavorful exterior.
Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Mix well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined. The glaze should have a smooth, thick consistency. If you prefer a spicier glaze, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
- Place the ham in a roasting pan. Using a basting brush, generously brush the glaze over the entire surface of the ham. Make sure to get the glaze into the scored cuts for maximum flavor. Reserve some glaze for basting during the baking process. For an extra layer of flavor, you can stud the ham with whole cloves, inserting them into the intersections of the scored lines.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven. Bake the ham for 2 to 3 hours, or until it is heated through and the glaze has caramelized. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C). If you prefer a more caramelized crust, remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Step 6: Baste Occasionally
- Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with the reserved glaze. This step ensures that the honey baked ham remains moist and flavorful. Re-cover the ham with foil after basting. Basting also helps build up layers of glaze, creating a beautiful, glossy finish.
Cutting the Ham
- Once the honey baked ham is fully cooked and caramelized, it’s time to carve it. Here’s how to cut the ham in cross sections for an elegant presentation:
- Let the Ham Rest: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the meat more tender and easier to slice.
- Place on Cutting Board: Transfer the ham to a large cutting board. Position the ham so that the flat side is facing down.
- Slice Across the Grain: Using a sharp carving knife, make slices across the grain of the meat. Cutting across the grain ensures that each slice is tender and easy to chew. Aim for slices that are about 1/4 inch thick. For a more decorative presentation, you can cut the ham into thicker slices and then cut those slices into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Serve: Arrange the slices on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the slices for added flavor and a beautiful presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
Notes
Honey Baked Ham with Glaze: A Festive Delight