Holiday Glazed Ham Made Easy

Last updated on December 10th, 2024

Glazed ham is a great main dish for any big meal. It mixes sweet and salty tastes that many people love. It’s easy to make, which is great when cooking for lots of people. The best trick? Use a spiral-cut ham—it looks fancy and is easy to serve. Let’s find out how to make this tasty dish that people will remember.

Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pre-cooked spiral-cut ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan, cut side down.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful presentation.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create the glaze.
5. Brush about 1/3 of the glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
6. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
7. Bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
8. Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and brush it with more glaze. This will build up layers of flavor and create a beautiful, caramelized exterior.
9. For the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and the exterior to crisp up slightly.
10. Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before serving.

Tips and Tricks

1. Choose the right ham: A bone-in, spiral-cut ham is ideal for this recipe. The bone adds flavor, while the pre-cut slices make serving a breeze.
2. Don’t overcook: Remember, you’re working with a pre-cooked ham. You’re essentially just reheating it and adding flavor, so be careful not to dry it out.
3. Glaze generously: Don’t be shy with the glaze – it’s what gives the ham its signature flavor and appearance. Make sure to get it into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Use a meat thermometer: This is the most reliable way to ensure your ham is heated through without overcooking.
5. Save the bone: After you’ve enjoyed your ham, save the bone to make a delicious soup or flavored stock.
6. Experiment with flavors: While honey and maple are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other glazes. Pineapple juice, orange marmalade, or even cola can make interesting alternatives.

How to Serve

Glazed ham is incredibly versatile when it comes to side dishes. Here are some popular pairings:

1. Scalloped Potatoes: The creamy, cheesy goodness of scalloped potatoes complements the sweet and salty ham perfectly.
2. Green Beans: Whether you prefer them almondine, sautéed, or in a casserole, green beans offer a fresh contrast to the rich ham.
3. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and parsnips adds color and nutrition to your plate.
4. Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze or making mini ham sandwiches.
5. Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of this classic side dish echoes the flavors in the ham glaze.

Remember, you can always adapt your side dishes to suit dietary needs or preferences. A fresh salad or quinoa pilaf could be great options for those looking for lighter fare.

Your Glazed Ham Journey

Learning to make a great glazed ham is a super useful cooking skill that’s both easy and makes lots of people happy. The sweet coating and salty meat create a taste that’s hard to resist. Plus, any leftover ham is great for sandwiches or other meals later. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a big holiday party or just a special dinner at home, glazed ham is always a winner. 

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