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Honey-Glazed Ham: A Festive Centerpiece

This recipe focuses on creating a show-stopping Honey-Glazed Ham, perfect for holidays and special occasions. We’ll guide you through selecting the right ham, preparing a flavorful glaze with honey as the star ingredient, and baking it to golden-brown perfection. From ingredient list and step-by-step instructions to serving suggestions and troubleshooting tips, this article provides everything you need to create a delicious and memorable Honey-Glazed Ham. We even cover frequently asked questions about honey-glazed ham to ensure your success. You’ll also find detailed nutritional information and a printable recipe card for easy reference. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will help you achieve a perfectly cooked, beautifully glazed ham that will impress your guests.

Ingredients for the Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham

The quality of your ingredients plays a significant role in the final taste of your Honey-Glazed Ham. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Bone-in or boneless ham (fully cooked, shank or spiral-cut): 8-10 pounds. A spiral-cut ham makes glazing easier.
• Honey: ½ cup. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
• Dijon mustard: ¼ cup. Adds a tangy depth to the glaze.
• Brown sugar: ¼ cup, packed. Provides sweetness and helps create a caramelized crust.
• Apple cider vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Balances the sweetness and adds a slight acidity.
• Ground cloves: ½ teaspoon. A warm, aromatic spice that complements the honey.
• Pineapple juice: 2 tablespoons (optional). Adds a tropical note to the glaze.
• Water: ½ cup. To keep the ham moist while baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey-Glazed Ham

Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious Honey-Glazed Ham:

1. Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. If using a spiral-cut ham, ensure the cut side is facing down.
2. Add Moisture: Pour ½ cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help prevent the ham from drying out during baking.
3. Bake the Ham: Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone.
4. Prepare the Honey Glaze: While the ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and optional pineapple juice.
5. Simmer the Glaze: Cook the glaze over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth and slightly thickened. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
6. Glaze the Ham: Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
7. Apply the Glaze: Generously brush the ham with about half of the honey glaze. Make sure to get the glaze into all the nooks and crannies, especially if using a spiral-cut ham.
8. Bake Again: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
9. Second Glaze: Remove the ham from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze. Bake for another 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. The ham should be a deep golden brown color.
10. Rest the Ham: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
11. Carve and Serve: Carve the ham and serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Honey-Glazed Ham

• Choosing the Right Ham: Opt for a high-quality ham from a reputable source. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, while boneless hams are easier to carve. A spiral-cut ham is ideal for glazing as it allows the glaze to penetrate deeper.
• Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in a dry ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Glaze Application: Apply the glaze in layers for a richer, more flavorful crust.
• Resting Time: Allowing the ham to rest before carving is crucial for retaining moisture and flavor.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices and flavors in the glaze. Ginger, cinnamon, and smoked paprika are all excellent additions. You can also add a splash of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist.

Serving Suggestions for Honey-Glazed Ham

Honey-Glazed Ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls are classic accompaniments.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus provide a healthy and flavorful contrast.
• Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of sweet potato casserole complements the savory ham.
• Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad adds a refreshing element to the meal.
• Macaroni and Cheese: A creamy macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

Troubleshooting Your Honey-Glazed Ham

Even with the best recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

• Dry Ham: If your ham is dry, make sure you’re not overbaking it. Also, ensure there’s enough liquid in the roasting pan and that the pan is tightly covered with foil during the initial baking process.
• Burnt Glaze: If the glaze is burning, reduce the oven temperature or tent the ham with foil during the final baking stage.
• Uneven Glaze: For an even glaze, apply it in thin layers, ensuring each layer is properly caramelized before adding the next.
• Ham Not Warm Enough: If the ham isn’t warm enough after the initial baking time, continue baking in 15-minute increments until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Recipe Card: Honey-Glazed Ham

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 2-3 hours | Total Time: 2-3 hours, 15 minutes | Category: Main Course | Method: Baking | Cuisine: American

Nutrition Card: Honey-Glazed Ham (per serving)

Calories: 450 | Sugar: 30g | Fat: 25g | Carbohydrates: 35g | Fiber: 0g | Protein: 20g | Yields: 12-16 servings

FAQs About Honey-Glazed Ham

How do I keep my honey-glazed ham moist?

To keep your honey-glazed ham moist, ensure you’re not overbaking it. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the ham from the oven when it reaches 140°F (60°C). Baking it in a roasting pan with some water in the bottom and covering it with foil for the majority of the cooking time will also help retain moisture. Allowing the ham to rest after cooking is also crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute.

Can I make honey-glazed ham ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the honey glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best to bake and glaze the ham on the day you plan to serve it for optimal flavor and moisture. If you need to prepare it partially in advance, you can bake the ham a day ahead, let it cool completely, and then glaze and reheat it before serving.

What is the best type of ham to use for honey-glazing?

A fully cooked, bone-in or boneless ham works well for honey-glazing. Bone-in hams tend to be more flavorful, while boneless hams are easier to carve. A spiral-cut ham is particularly good for glazing, as the cuts allow the glaze to penetrate more easily and evenly.

How long do I bake a fully cooked ham with a honey glaze?

For a fully cooked ham, bake it at 325°F (163°C) for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). After that, glaze the ham and bake it at 400°F (200°C) for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.

What can I do with leftover honey-glazed ham?

Leftover honey-glazed ham can be used in a variety of dishes. Dice it and add it to omelets, quiches, or frittatas. Use it in sandwiches, wraps, or salads. Add it to pasta dishes, soups, or casseroles. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2-3 months for later use.

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