Irresistible Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe for Family Feasts

There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of Honey-Glazed Ham wafting through the house, isn’t there? Picture this: a golden-brown ham, glistening with sweet honey and spices, the very embodiment of comfort food that turns ordinary meals into extraordinary feasts. This dish not only tantalizes your taste buds but also brings everyone together, making it perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations where laughter and love flow as freely as the gravy.

Now, I have to share a quick story. The first time I made Honey-Glazed Ham, I was hosting Thanksgiving dinner for the first time. I had visions of culinary grandeur dancing in my head. As I pulled that ham from the oven, it looked like a masterpiece worthy of a cooking magazine cover! My family stared at it in awe. And then my younger cousin exclaimed, “Wow! Did you steal this from a restaurant?” Let me tell you—nothing beats that moment of triumph!

When you whip up this dish, prepare to impress everyone at your table.

• The sweet and savory glaze adds depth and richness to each bite.

• Simple preparation means you can focus on enjoying time with family rather than stressing in the kitchen.

• Its beautiful presentation makes it a stunning centerpiece for any gathering.

• Versatile enough to serve on any occasion—from casual dinners to festive holidays.

My friends still rave about that ham, claiming it’s become their new holiday tradition.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bone-In Ham: A bone-in ham offers rich flavor and moistness; choose one that’s fully cooked for easier preparation.

• Honey: Opt for raw or local honey to enhance sweetness and add unique floral notes.

• Brown Sugar: This ingredient caramelizes beautifully during baking; light or dark both work well.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds a zesty kick; don’t skip it if you want depth in flavor!

• Ground Cloves: Just a pinch provides warm spice notes that complement the sweetness perfectly.

• Pineapple Juice: Use fresh juice if possible; it gives a delightful tanginess to balance the sweetness.

• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper enhances all flavors without overpowering them; just sprinkle generously!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Honey-Glazed Ham

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This ensures even cooking throughout your ham.

Prepare The Glaze: In a medium bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, ground cloves, and black pepper until smooth and shiny.

Score The Ham: Place your ham on a roasting pan lined with foil. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about half an inch deep; this helps the glaze penetrate deeper.

Apply The Glaze: Brush half of your delicious glaze over the scored surface of the ham generously. Reserve half for later application during baking.

Bake The Ham: Tent your ham loosely with foil (to prevent burning), then slide it into the preheated oven. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound or until heated through.

Baste And Brown: Remove foil during the last 30 minutes of baking. Baste with remaining glaze every 10 minutes until caramelized and golden brown—this step is crucial!

Rest And Serve: Once out of the oven, let your ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute and makes serving easier!

Enjoy creating this delightful Honey-Glazed Ham and watch as everyone gathers around for seconds!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by scoring the ham in a diamond pattern, allowing the glaze to seep in beautifully. Preheat your oven to 325°F for an evenly cooked ham. While it’s baking, prepare the honey glaze to maximize flavor infusion throughout the cooking process.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup for a unique twist on sweetness. Adding crushed pineapple elevates the glaze with tropical notes that are simply divine. A sprinkle of cloves or cinnamon can also add a festive flair, particularly during holiday gatherings.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Honey-Glazed Ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, wrap slices in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 275°F until heated through, keeping them moist and flavorful.

Sharing my first attempt at making Honey-Glazed Ham is quite memorable; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their enthusiastic compliments made me realize that this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

FAQ

What is the best type of ham for glazing?

For a Honey-Glazed Ham, bone-in hams like a spiral-cut or whole ham are ideal due to their rich flavor and moisture retention during cooking. These options provide an excellent canvas for your delicious glaze while ensuring every bite remains juicy.

How long should I cook my Honey-Glazed Ham?

Generally, plan on cooking your ham for about 15 minutes per pound at 325°F. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F before removing it from the oven, guaranteeing perfectly tender meat.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare your honey glaze up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before applying it to your ham during cooking; this saves time and enhances flavor development.

How do I prevent my ham from drying out?

To keep your Honey-Glazed Ham juicy, avoid overcooking by monitoring its internal temperature closely with a meat thermometer. Basting regularly with pan juices helps maintain moisture while creating that irresistible caramelized crust we all love.

Conclusion for Honey-Glazed Ham

In conclusion, making a delicious Honey-Glazed Ham can be both simple and rewarding! With thoughtful preparation techniques, personalization options, and proper storage methods, you’ll create a dish that dazzles both visually and flavorfully. Remember these tips as you embark on your culinary journey; soon you’ll be known as the go-to host with a knack for creating unforgettable meals!

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Honey-Glazed Ham

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 10 people 1x

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Description

Honey-Glazed Ham is the ultimate centerpiece for any gathering, combining savory and sweet flavors in a stunning presentation. This easy-to-follow recipe transforms an ordinary ham into a show-stopping dish that will impress your family and friends. With its rich, caramelized glaze, this ham is perfect for holiday feasts or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, ground cloves, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Score the ham in a diamond pattern and place it on a roasting pan.
4. Brush half of the glaze over the ham; reserve the rest.
5. Tent with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound until heated through.
6. Remove foil, baste with remaining glaze every 10 minutes for the last 30 minutes until caramelized.
7. Let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 oz
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a different flavor. For added depth, consider mixing crushed pineapple into the glaze.