When you think of festive meals, glazed ham often tops the list for its rich flavors and impressive presentation. You'll want to investigate the five best recipes that can transform your holiday table. From the classic Brown Sugar Glazed Ham to the tantalizing Spicy Bourbon Glazed Ham, there's a perfect option for every palate. Each recipe not only improves the natural sweetness of the ham but also introduces unique flavor profiles that can raise your meal. Curious about which one might become your new favorite?
Classic Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
A classic brown sugar glazed ham is a festive centerpiece perfect for any holiday gathering or special occasion. The sweet and sticky glaze, made from brown sugar, honey, and a hint of mustard, caramelizes beautifully on the outside of the ham, creating a mouthwatering crust while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. This recipe is easy to follow and will have your guests raving about the delicious flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6 to 8 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Whole cloves (for studding, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, and score the surface in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart.
In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Heat over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. Brush half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your ham stays moist, consider adding a bit of water to the bottom of the roasting pan before cooking. This helps create steam during the cooking process.
Additionally, using a meat thermometer is essential; the ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for peak flavor and safety. If you prefer a more intense glaze, feel free to increase the amount of brown sugar or honey in the recipe.
Studding the ham with whole cloves before glazing can also add an aromatic touch to the dish. Enjoy your delicious classic brown sugar glazed ham!
Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham
Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and pineapple with the savory flavor of ham, creating a perfect centerpiece for any holiday gathering or family dinner. The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, infusing the ham with a rich, sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with its salty profile.
This recipe is simple yet impressive, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced cooks alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pineapple slices (fresh or canned)
- Maraschino cherries (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
In a bowl, mix together the honey, pineapple juice, brown sugar, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Brush this glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
Arrange pineapple slices on top of the ham, securing them with toothpicks if necessary. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze.
Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee your Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham is juicy and flavorful, consider letting the ham rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. This helps it cook evenly.
If you want a more intense flavor, you can marinate the ham in half of the glaze overnight in the refrigerator. Additionally, feel free to experiment with the spices in the glaze to suit your taste.
For a festive touch, garnish the finished ham with maraschino cherries in the center of the pineapple slices. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Maple Mustard Glazed Ham
Maple Mustard Glazed Ham is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of maple syrup with the tanginess of mustard, creating a flavorful glaze that improves the savory taste of the ham.
Perfect for family gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any special occasion, this recipe is simple yet impressive. With just a few ingredients, you can create a beautiful centerpiece that will have your guests raving about the delicious flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
In a bowl, mix together the maple syrup, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper until well combined.
Remove the foil and brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham. Roast the ham in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until heated through and caramelized on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Extra Tips:
For an added layer of flavor, consider studding the ham with whole cloves in a decorative pattern before glazing.
You can also save any leftover glaze to pour over the sliced ham when serving. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to increase the amount of maple syrup.
Additionally, using a meat thermometer will help guarantee the ham is cooked perfectly without drying it out.
Finally, pair this dish with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
Spicy Bourbon Glazed Ham
For a festive gathering or a special occasion, a Spicy Bourbon Glazed Ham is sure to impress your guests with its sweet and savory flavor profile. This dish combines the rich, smoky taste of ham with a delightful glaze made from bourbon, brown sugar, and a kick of heat from spices. The result is a beautifully caramelized ham that's both moist and bursting with flavor.
Perfectly paired with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, this glazed ham will be the centerpiece of your meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart.
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, honey, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is well combined and begins to simmer, about 5 minutes.
Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour half of the glaze over the top. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Extra Tips:
For best results, allow the ham to come to room temperature before cooking, as this helps it heat more evenly.
Additionally, if you want to improve the glaze's flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing to guarantee that the juices redistribute, resulting in a moist and flavorful dish.
Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham
Cranberry Orange Glazed Ham is a festive and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of cranberries with the zesty brightness of oranges, creating a delightful glaze for your ham. Perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this dish not only looks impressive but also offers a delicious balance of flavors that will have your guests coming back for seconds.
With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you can create a stunning centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup cranberry sauce (canned or homemade)
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cranberries and orange slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down.
In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberry sauce, orange juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring until the sugar has dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
Brush half of the glaze over the ham, then cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Bake the ham for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until heated through and caramelized.
Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to set and develop a beautiful shine.
Extra Tips:
For an even richer flavor, consider adding a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the glaze mixture.
If you prefer a sweeter glaze, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
To guarantee the ham stays moist during cooking, you can add a little water to the bottom of the roasting pan.
Additionally, let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices.
Garnish with fresh cranberries and orange slices for a festive touch!