Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for Special Occasions

Introduction

Creating the perfect holiday ham can be a delightful experience, bringing the warmth of flavorful traditions to your table. This recipe features a succulent 10-pound bone-in spiral sliced ham glazed with a sweet and tangy mixture that warms the heart. The blend of honey, brown sugar, and spices, finished with a broiled caramelization, elevates this classic dish to a new level.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

– 10-pound bone-in spiral sliced ham
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1 cup honey
– ¼ cup Dijon mustard
– ½ cup pineapple juice
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– ½ teaspoon cinnamon
– ½ teaspoon cloves

Prep Time

Preparation time for this recipe is approximately 20 minutes, allowing you to gather your ingredients and prepare the ham before it enters the oven.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook time is 2.5 hours, given that the ham is baked for 15 minutes per pound. The total time, including prep and cooking, sums up to roughly 3 hours. This recipe yields a deliciously glazed ham that serves about 12 to 15 people, perfect for gatherings and festive occasions.

Feel free to follow the instructions carefully for a standout centerpiece that is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich flavors and the joy of sharing a beautifully prepared meal!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350ºF (180ºC) to ensure it’s ready for the ham.

Prepare the Ham

Unwrap the 10-pound bone-in spiral sliced ham and drain off any excess broth that may have accumulated.

Line the Roasting Pan

Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil, making sure the foil is long enough to wrap over the top of the ham. Place the ham in the center of the pan.

Make the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Bring this mixture to a simmer over medium heat and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until it has reduced by about one-third and has thickened slightly.

Glaze the Ham

Reserve ⅓ cup of the glaze for later use and set it aside. Brush the remaining glaze generously over each slice of the ham, making sure to pour any extra glaze over the top of the ham.

Wrap the Ham

Wrap the foil over the ham completely, sealing it tightly to keep it moist during baking. Place the wrapped ham in the preheated oven.

Calculate Baking Time

Bake the ham for approximately 15 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound ham, that will be about 2.5 hours.

Unwrap the Ham

Once baked, remove the ham from the oven and carefully unwrap the foil to let the steam escape.

Set Oven to Broil

Change the oven setting to broil to caramelize the glaze, preparing for the final cooking step.

Brush with Reserved Glaze

Using the reserved ⅓ cup of glaze, brush it generously over the top of the ham. Return the ham to the oven under the broiler for about 5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. The goal is to achieve a nice caramelized top.

Serve the Ham

Once caramelized to your liking, remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving as desired.

Notes

Storage

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Alternative Glaze Options

Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like orange juice or maple syrup in the glaze for different flavor profiles.

Temperature Check

For safety, ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches at least 140ºF (60ºC) when reheated.

Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for Special Occasions
Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for Special Occasions

Cook techniques

Preheating the Oven

Setting the oven to 350ºF ensures even cooking and helps develop flavors in the ham as it bakes.

Preparing the Roasting Pan

Using foil to line the roasting pan prevents sticking and makes clean-up easier. It also allows you to create a seal that helps keep the ham moist during baking.

Sauce Reduction

Simmering and reducing the glaze mixture thickens it, concentrating the flavors which enhances the overall taste of the ham.

Applying the Glaze

Brushing the glaze generously over the ham allows for a flavorful crust that caramelizes during baking and broiling.

Wrapping the Ham

Wrapping the ham in foil during the initial baking process traps steam, ensuring that the meat stays juicy and prevents it from drying out.

Broiling for Caramelization

Switching to broil for the final steps allows for a quick caramelization of the glaze, providing a delicious sheen and added texture to the ham’s surface.

FAQ

How long should I cook a 10-pound ham?

You should bake it for 15 minutes per pound, which totals approximately 2.5 hours for a 10-pound ham.

Can I use a different type of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute with yellow mustard or whole-grain mustard depending on your flavor preference.

What can I use instead of pineapple juice?

You may substitute with orange juice or apple juice for a different flavor profile, though this will alter the final taste slightly.

Is it necessary to broil the ham?

Broiling is recommended for caramelization, but if you prefer, you can skip this step for a softer glaze.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before using on the ham.

Conclusion

The bone-in spiral sliced ham prepared with the sweet and tangy glaze results in a tender, flavorful dish perfect for celebrations and gatherings. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices not only enhances the ham’s natural flavors but also creates a beautiful caramelized crust that is sure to impress your guests. Serve this ham as the centerpiece of your meal and enjoy the delightful aromas and flavors it brings to your table.

Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken

Try a honey mustard glaze on roasted or grilled chicken for a delicious twist. Combine honey, Dijon mustard, and a splash of apple cider vinegar for the perfect marinade.

Pineapple Glazed Salmon

Use the pineapple juice and brown sugar to create a glaze for salmon fillets. Bake or grill the salmon for a sweet and tangy seafood dish.

Spiced Apple Cider Ham Sliders

Create sliders using leftover ham and a spiced apple cider reduction. Layer with cheese and serve on slider buns for a tasty appetizer.

Cinnamon Clove Roasted Vegetables

Roast vegetables with a sprinkle of cinnamon and cloves to complement the flavors of the ham, making for a perfect side dish that enhances your meal.

Fruit and Nut Salad

Prepare a refreshing salad with mixed greens, fresh fruits, nuts, and a light vinaigrette. This can provide a crisp contrast to the rich flavors of the ham.

Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for Special Occasions
Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for Special Occasions