There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a Glazed Holiday Spiral Ham wafting through the house, enticing everyone from the living room to the kitchen. Picture this: juicy, tender ham drizzled with a sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes in the oven, creating a shiny coat that beckons you to take a slice (or three). The holidays are a time for gathering, and this dish transforms any dinner table into a festive feast.
I remember my first attempt at making Glazed Holiday Spiral Ham. I invited friends over, hoping to impress them with my culinary skills. Spoiler alert: I did! As we gathered around the table, laughter filled the air, and my ham was the star of the show. The sweet glaze paired perfectly with the savory meat, creating an unforgettable memory. There’s something magical about sharing good food with loved ones during special occasions.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Glazed Holiday Spiral Ham is incredibly easy to prepare, even for novice cooks.
- The delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- Its stunning presentation makes it a centerpiece worthy of any holiday gathering.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy year-round for any occasion!
My friends were so smitten with my ham that they asked for seconds—and then thirds! It was definitely a hit.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Spiral-Cut Ham: Choose a fully cooked spiral-cut ham for easy serving and maximum flavor.
Brown Sugar: Opt for light brown sugar; it adds sweetness without overwhelming the other flavors.
Honey: A natural sweetener that creates a beautiful glaze—local honey is best for added depth.
Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess; choose smooth Dijon for a luxurious texture in your glaze.
Ground Cloves: Just a pinch provides warm, aromatic notes that elevate your holiday ham.
Apple Juice: Use fresh apple juice for moisture and subtle fruity undertones in your glaze.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Glazed Holiday Spiral Ham
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This ensures even cooking as your ham bakes to perfection.
Prepare the Ham: Remove any packaging from your spiral-cut ham and place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. Cover it tightly with aluminum foil to keep all those flavorful juices trapped inside.
Create the Glaze: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and apple juice until smooth. The mixture should smell like holiday magic!
Glaze That Ham!: Brush half of your glorious glaze all over the surface of the ham. Make sure it seeps into those lovely spiral cuts—this is where flavor builds up!
Bake and Baste: Place your ham in the oven and bake according to package instructions—typically about 10-15 minutes per pound. Baste every 20 minutes with remaining glaze for extra flavor and shine.
Finish Strong!: About 20 minutes before it’s done baking, remove the foil to allow that beautiful caramelization to happen. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
And there you have it—a spectacular Glazed Holiday Spiral Ham that not only tastes divine but also looks absolutely stunning on your table! Enjoy each bite as you reminisce about wonderful moments shared with family and friends during this festive season.
Content:
Tip one: Choose a high-quality spiral ham for the best flavor and texture. A good ham enhances the glaze’s sweetness beautifully. When I served this to my family, their eyes lit up like kids on Christmas morning.
Tip two: Don’t skip the resting time; let your ham sit before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute and keeps it moist. The first time I rushed, my guests enjoyed it but complained it was a bit dry.
Tip three: Experiment with different glazes to find your favorite. Honey, brown sugar, or even maple syrup can add personal flair! One holiday, I mixed bourbon into my glaze, and let’s just say people were feeling festive!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Place your glazed holiday spiral ham in a roasting pan and cover it tightly with foil. This ensures even cooking while keeping moisture locked in.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your glaze with flavors like orange zest or spicy mustard. You can also add crushed pineapple for an unexpected tropical twist that brightens up the dish wonderfully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover ham tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, place it back in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Selecting a bone-in spiral ham provides richer flavors and easier slicing.
- Ensure you baste often for maximum glaze coverage and flavor infusion.
- Always check the internal temperature; it should reach 140°F before serving fresh and hot!
Memories flood back every holiday season as I serve glazed holiday spiral ham; laughter fills the room as family reminisces about past feasts together.
FAQ
What is the best type of ham for glazing?
Bone-in spiral hams are ideal for flavor and ease of carving.
Can I use a different glaze?
Absolutely! Experiment with honey mustard or ginger for unique flavors.
How long do leftovers last?
Wrap tightly; leftovers in the fridge last up to five days without losing quality.
Glazed Holiday Spiral Ham
Glazed Holiday Spiral Ham is the ultimate centerpiece for any festive gathering. This succulent ham, drizzled with a sweet and tangy glaze, creates an inviting aroma that will leave your guests eagerly awaiting their first slice. Perfectly baked to achieve a caramelized exterior, this dish combines convenience with impressive flavor, making it ideal for both special occasions and year-round celebrations. Easy enough for novice cooks, it promises to be the star of your holiday feast.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: Approximately 90 minutes
- Total Time: 54 minute
- Yield: Serves about 10 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Remove packaging from the ham and place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and apple juice until smooth.
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the cuts.
- Bake according to package instructions (about 10-15 minutes per pound), basting every 20 minutes with the remaining glaze.
- Remove foil for the last 20 minutes to allow caramelization.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Use high-quality bone-in spiral ham for optimal flavor and moisture. Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Experiment with glazes; add orange zest or crushed pineapple for unique flavors.
