Glazed Holiday Honey Ham Recipe
This glazed holiday honey ham is a centerpiece dish perfect for festive gatherings. The combination of sweet honey, brown sugar, and aromatic spices creates a deliciously sticky glaze that enhances the flavor of the ham.
The recipe is simple to follow and results in a beautifully caramelized exterior while keeping the meat juicy and tender. It’s ideal for holiday celebrations or special occasions.
Creating the Perfect Holiday Honey Ham
The holiday season calls for dishes that not only satisfy the palate but also create a stunning visual centerpiece. A beautifully glazed honey ham fits this description perfectly. This dish combines the sweetness of honey with a hint of spice, resulting in a glaze that enhances the ham’s natural flavors.
When preparing this dish, the key is to achieve that rich golden-brown glaze that glistens invitingly. The process involves scoring the ham, applying the glaze, and baking it to perfection, ensuring that every bite is juicy and tender.
Ingredients That Make a Difference
The ingredients for this holiday ham are simple yet impactful.
A fully cooked bone-in ham serves as the base, while honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard create the sweet and savory glaze.
Adding spices like ground cloves and cinnamon elevates the flavor profile, making it a memorable dish for any gathering.
Optional ingredients, such as whole cloves for studding and apple cider or orange juice for moisture, can further enhance the dish.
These elements not only contribute to the flavor but also add to the visual appeal when served.
The Baking Process
Preparing the ham is straightforward and requires minimal effort.
Start by preheating the oven and scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
This step not only allows the glaze to penetrate but also creates an attractive presentation.
Once the ham is prepared, the glaze is made by combining honey, brown sugar, and spices in a saucepan.
Heating this mixture until the sugar dissolves ensures a smooth, sticky glaze that will caramelize beautifully during baking.
Serving Suggestions for a Festive Table
Presentation plays a significant role in holiday meals.
Once the ham is baked and allowed to rest, it can be sliced and arranged on a festive platter.
Garnishing with fresh herbs and surrounding it with seasonal fruits like oranges and cranberries adds color and freshness to the display.
Setting the table with elegant tableware and twinkling lights creates a warm atmosphere that complements the ham.
This dish not only serves as a main course but also as a conversation starter, drawing guests to the table.
Tips for a Successful Holiday Feast
To ensure the ham is the star of the meal, timing is essential.
Plan the cooking process to allow for basting every 30 minutes, which helps build that coveted glaze.
This attention to detail will result in a beautifully caramelized exterior.
Lastly, allowing the ham to rest before slicing is crucial.
This step helps retain the juices, ensuring that each slice is tender and flavorful.
With these tips, your holiday honey ham will surely impress your guests.
Nutrition and Serving Size
This holiday ham is not only a feast for the eyes but also offers a satisfying meal.
With approximately 10-12 servings, it’s perfect for gatherings, providing about 350 calories per serving.
Each slice delivers a balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a hearty addition to your holiday spread.
As you prepare for your festive gathering, remember that this glazed honey ham can be the highlight of your meal.
With its rich flavors and stunning presentation, it’s sure to create lasting memories around the table.
Easy Glazed Honey Ham Recipe
This holiday honey ham is baked to perfection, coated with a sweet and savory glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and mustard. The cooking process takes about 2 hours, and it serves approximately 10-12 people.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider or orange juice (optional for moisture)
- Whole cloves for studding the ham (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves if desired.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Heat over medium until the sugar dissolves.
- Bake the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush with the glaze. Pour apple cider or orange juice into the bottom of the pan for added moisture. Cover loosely with foil.
- Cook: Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Serve: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 10-12 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
