Classic Honey Glazed Ham is the stuff of holiday legends, a sweet symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. Picture this: tender, succulent ham, glistening under a luxurious coat of honey glaze, with aromas wafting through the house that make every mouth water in anticipation. refreshing cranberry salad.
Every family gathering has its star dish, and for mine, that’s Classic Honey Glazed Ham. It brings everyone together around the table and sparks joy and laughter as we reminisce about old times while diving into this delicious centerpiece. perfect side dish for ham.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Classic Honey Glazed Ham is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy holidays
- The combination of sweet honey and savory spices creates an irresistible flavor profile
- Its golden-brown exterior makes it visually stunning on any feast-worthy table
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as leftovers in sandwiches or salads!
Family gatherings always come alive with this recipe; I still remember my grandma’s delighted smile when she carved into her famous ham. flavorful Brussels sprouts recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious roasted potatoes. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Roast Potatoes recipe.
- Bone-In Ham: A 8-10 pound bone-in ham offers great flavor and serves a crowd beautifully.
- Honey: Opt for raw or local honey for a more robust sweetness that enhances the glaze.
- Brown Sugar: This adds depth and caramelization to your glaze; dark brown sugar works wonders!
- Mustard: Use Dijon or yellow mustard to balance the sweetness; it’s essential for flavor complexity.
- Cinnamon: A pinch can elevate your glaze with warmth; don’t skip this warm spice!
- Cloves: Whole cloves add a fragrant touch; studding the ham with them makes it super festive.
- Pineapple Juice: A splash brings acidity to balance the sweetness; it also adds moisture during baking.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). A well-heated oven ensures even cooking and helps achieve that beautiful caramelization.
Prepare the Ham: Remove your ham from packaging and place it in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife for optimal glaze coverage.
Create the Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together honey, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and pineapple juice until smooth. The mixture should smell divine!
Apply the Glaze: Brush half of the glaze generously all over the ham. Ensure you get into all those lovely scored spaces—this is where flavor happens!
Bake and Baste: Bake your ham covered loosely with foil for about 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, baste with remaining glaze to build up that sticky goodness.
Crisp It Up!: After an hour, remove the foil and bake for another 30 minutes until caramelized and golden brown. The aroma will have you drooling!
Your Classic Honey Glazed Ham is ready! Let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving to keep those juicy flavors locked in. Enjoy! For more inspiration, check out this Slow Cooker BBQ Baby Back Ribs recipe.
You Must Know
- Classic Honey Glazed Ham is a showstopper at any gathering
- The sweet aroma fills the air while the glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering crust
- Remember, low and slow is your best friend for juicy perfection!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Score the ham’s surface, creating diamond patterns to allow the glaze to seep in. Bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound, basting every 30 minutes for even flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like cloves or nutmeg in your glaze. You can swap out honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness. Adding orange juice can also enhance that zesty flavor profile.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover ham tightly wrapped in foil or an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. To reheat, wrap it in foil and warm it in a 325°F (163°C) oven until heated through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For extra flavor, inject the ham with a mixture of honey and bourbon before baking
- This step ensures moistness and depth of flavor throughout your dish
- Don’t skip basting; it’s key to achieving that glossy finish!
- Always let it rest before slicing for juicier results
Classic Honey Glazed Ham has become my family’s favorite tradition during holidays. My uncle once declared it was better than dessert, which made my heart swell with pride!
FAQ
Can I use a different type of glaze?
Absolutely! Try using brown sugar or pineapple juice for unique flavors.
How long should I cook the ham?
Bake it at 15-18 minutes per pound until it reaches 140°F (60°C).
Can I freeze leftover ham?
Yes, wrap it tightly and store in the freezer for up to six months.
Classic Honey Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
Description
Classic Honey Glazed Ham is a festive centerpiece that transforms holiday gatherings into unforgettable celebrations. With its sweet honey glaze, tender meat, and aromatic spices, this dish captures the essence of comfort and tradition. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it promises to delight your taste buds and fill your home with irresistible aromas. Ideal for family feasts or special occasions, this ham is as versatile as it is delicious—enjoy it freshly carved or as delightful leftovers in sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey (preferably raw or local)
- 1 cup brown sugar (dark preferred)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Remove the ham from packaging and score the surface with a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and pineapple juice; mix until smooth.
- Brush half the glaze over the scored ham.
- Bake covered with foil for about 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with remaining glaze.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes until caramelized.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before carving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
