There’s something utterly magical about Glazed Honey Ham. Imagine a succulent ham, glistening under a golden sheen of honey, with aromas that dance through the air like a cheerful little waltz. Each slice reveals layers of flavor that balance sweetness with the savory depth of the meat, creating a symphony of taste that makes every bite a celebration. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or just a family gathering, this dish promises to steal the spotlight and leave everyone wanting more.
I still remember the first time I made Glazed Honey Ham for Thanksgiving. My family gathered around the table, eyes wide as they awaited my culinary masterpiece. The moment I unveiled it, you could hear gasps of delight! It was love at first slice. The sweet aroma filled the room, and my aunt’s eyes sparkled with nostalgia as she recalled her own attempts at this glorious dish. It is definitely one of those recipes that brings people together and creates lasting memories.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Glazed Honey Ham recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion.
- The sweet and savory flavor profile will leave your taste buds dancing with joy.
- With its stunning golden glaze, this ham becomes the centerpiece of any festive table.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve during holidays or casual gatherings alike.
I remember my cousin’s delighted face when he took his first bite of this ham; it was pure joy and laughter all around.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Bone-in Ham: A good-quality bone-in ham provides rich flavor and moisture during cooking.
Honey: Use pure honey for maximum sweetness; it makes the glaze glossy and delectable.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar adds depth and caramelization to the glaze.
Dijon Mustard: A touch of mustard brings a tangy contrast that balances out the sweetness beautifully.
Ground Cloves: Just a pinch of ground cloves elevates the flavor profile with warmth and spice.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice adds brightness and acidity to cut through the richness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Glazed Honey Ham
Preheat your oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). While it’s heating up, grab your favorite roasting pan and line it with foil for easy cleanup later.
Prepare the ham: Place your bone-in ham in the roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern, which allows for better glaze penetration and an impressive presentation.
Mix the glaze: In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and fresh orange juice until smooth. The mixture should smell heavenly—you’re practically halfway there!
Glaze that ham: Pour half of your luscious glaze over the ham while reserving some for basting later. Use a brush or spoon to ensure every nook and cranny gets coated in sticky goodness.
Roast it right: Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove foil during the last 30 minutes to allow that glorious glaze to caramelize into a shiny masterpiece.
Baste regularly: Every 15 minutes during those last 30 minutes, baste your ham with the remaining glaze. This step not only adds flavor but also creates an irresistible crust on top.
Let it rest: Once cooked through (an internal temperature of 140°F/60°C), remove from oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing. Resting lets those juices redistribute throughout the meat so each slice is juicy perfection.
Serve up slices: Slice your beautiful glazed honey ham into wedges and display like royalty on your serving platter. Watch as everyone gathers around in awe—you’ve officially become their culinary hero!
Now go ahead; enjoy every moment with family and friends as they savor each delightful bite!
You Must Know
- Glazed Honey Ham is not just delicious; it’s the centerpiece of any feast.
- The sweet aroma fills your kitchen, and the tender, juicy slices make everyone come back for seconds.
- Perfect for holidays or family gatherings, it’s a dish that impresses without stressing you out.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by scoring the ham for even glazing. Bake it covered initially, then uncover for caramelization, ensuring a golden crust.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like cloves or ginger. Adding orange juice can brighten the flavors while enhancing sweetness.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently in the oven to prevent drying.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect Glazed Honey Ham, choose a bone-in ham for better flavor and moisture retention.
- Always allow the ham to rest before slicing; this keeps juices intact.
- Keep your glaze warm while baking to help it stick better and enhance flavor.
Sharing my first attempt at Glazed Honey Ham brings back fond memories. Friends couldn’t stop complimenting it, and I felt like a culinary rockstar that day.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of glaze?
Absolutely! Try maple syrup or brown sugar for varied flavors.
How long should I bake my glazed ham?
Bake at 325°F for about 15 minutes per pound for best results.
What can I serve with Glazed Honey Ham?
Pair it with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Glazed Honey Ham
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Glazed Honey Ham. This dish features a tender, juicy bone-in ham enveloped in a mouthwatering glaze of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for holiday gatherings or family dinners, each slice bursts with sweet and savory flavors that will impress your guests and create lasting memories. Easy to prepare and visually stunning, this glazed ham is sure to become the star of your table.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup pure honey
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and line a roasting pan with foil.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it flat side down in the pan.
- In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and orange juice until smooth.
- Pour half of the glaze over the ham, reserving the rest for basting.
- Cover loosely with foil and roast for 1 hour. Remove foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze.
- Baste every 15 minutes during the uncovered cooking time.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), let it rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 3 oz or 85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: <1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Experiment with spices like ginger or cinnamon for added flavor. Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
