There’s nothing quite like the sweet, sticky aroma of a perfectly glazed ham wafting through your kitchen. Imagine pulling a beautifully caramelized ham from the oven, the glaze shimmering like a holiday miracle, and your guests’ eyes lighting up at the sight. That’s what I call culinary magic! The flavors dance on your palate—sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of salty. It’s as if the ham is singing a song of joy that makes you want to whip out your phone and capture the moment.
Now, let me take you back to my last family gathering, where I unveiled my special ham glaze recipe. My uncle Bob actually shed a tear as he took his first bite. Yes, folks, it was that good! We all agreed it was the star of the show—sorry Uncle Bob—but truly, nothing beats gathering around a table filled with laughter and delicious food. For more inspiration, check out this Italian Sausage Pasta Soup recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This ham glaze recipe is not only easy to prepare; it elevates any occasion with its rich flavor
- It adds visual appeal with its glossy finish and comforting aroma that fills your home
- Perfect for holiday dinners or casual gatherings, this glaze works wonders on both baked and grilled hams
- Let’s dive into this delightful culinary adventure together!
I still chuckle thinking about how everyone fought over those last few bites of ham at dinner!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Bone-In Ham: Choose a quality bone-in ham for maximum flavor; it holds moisture beautifully during cooking.
- Brown Sugar: This golden goodness caramelizes beautifully to give your glaze that irresistible sweetness. sweet and tart dessert option.
- Honey: A drizzle of honey adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the ham.
- Dijon Mustard: Use Dijon for a zesty kick that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This will cut through the sweetness and add a tangy contrast that brightens every bite.
- Ground Cloves: A pinch of these aromatic spices imparts warmth and depth to your glaze.
- Salt and Pepper: Just enough seasoning to enhance all those delicious flavors without overwhelming them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures even cooking while keeping that ham juicy and tender.
Prepare Your Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, salt, and pepper until smooth. The mixture should be thick yet pourable.
Score Your Ham: Using a sharp knife, score diamonds into the surface of your ham. This allows the glaze to seep into those delicious crevices beautifully during baking.
Spoon On The Glaze: Generously brush half of your prepared glaze over the scored surface of the ham. Make sure you get it in all those little nooks and crannies for maximum flavor.
Bake To Perfection: Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound or until heated through. Remove foil during the last 30 minutes for extra caramelization.
Glaze Again!: About 20 minutes before taking it out of the oven, brush on more glaze so you can achieve that mouthwatering glossy finish that makes everyone drool!
Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated; just follow these steps closely for success!
Once you pull out this glorious creation from your oven, prepare yourself for applause because I guarantee everyone will rave about your culinary prowess! Serve slices warm alongside sides like roasted veggies or creamy mashed potatoes for an unforgettable meal that’ll leave everyone begging for seconds—and maybe even thirds! savory potato side dish.
You Must Know
- This delightful ham glaze brings out the best in your dish, transforming an ordinary ham into a flavorful centerpiece
- The glossy finish and sweet aroma will make your kitchen feel like a gourmet restaurant
- Perfect for festive occasions or cozy family dinners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the glaze ingredients while preheating your oven to ensure even caramelization. Coat the ham thoroughly before baking to infuse maximum flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out brown sugar for maple syrup or use mustard instead of honey for a tangy twist. Your creativity will make it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve its juicy texture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safety
- Allow it to rest after baking for at least 15 minutes before slicing
- This will keep it juicy and flavorful, preventing dryness
Cooking this glaze reminds me of my first holiday dinner where I accidentally spilled half of it on my shirt, but my family still raved about how delicious the ham turned out. delicious dinner rolls to serve.
FAQ
How do I make a simple ham glaze?
You can mix brown sugar, honey, and mustard for a classic sweet glaze. sweet snack for gatherings. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
Can I use other types of meat with this glaze?
Absolutely! This glaze works wonders on chicken or pork too.
How long should I bake glazed ham?
Bake at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes per pound until heated through.
Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 28 minute
- Yield: Serves about 12 people 1x
Description
Experience the joy of a perfectly glazed ham that transforms any gathering into a culinary celebration. With its sweet and smoky flavors, this delicious ham glaze is easy to prepare and elevates your holiday dinners or casual get-togethers. Watch as your guests savor every bite, completely captivated by the glossy sheen and mouthwatering aroma.
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern for better glaze absorption.
- Generously brush half of the glaze over the scored ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil; bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound until heated through.
- Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking; brush on remaining glaze about 20 minutes before it’s done for a beautiful finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 2 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 292
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 978mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 38mg
Keywords: For an alternative flavor, substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or use a different mustard variety. Ensure your ham reaches an internal temperature of 145°F using a meat thermometer for safety. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.