If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone asking for seconds, you are going to fall in love with this Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe. It’s all about tender, juicy meat paired with a luscious, caramelized glaze that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and warm holiday spices. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or any special gathering, this ham brings that festive spirit right to your dinner table with a sticky, flavorful coating that’s absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these ingredients is straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect harmony of flavors, textures, and colors in this ham recipe. From the rich sweetness of brown sugar to the gentle warmth of cinnamon, every element enhances the final masterpiece.
- 1 (8–10 lb) bone-in spiral ham: The star of the dish, providing juicy, flavorful meat with perfect slices thanks to the spiral cut.
- ½ cup brown sugar or maple sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and sweetness that cling beautifully to the ham’s surface.
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup: Brings sticky richness and natural sweetness, helping the glaze to form that signature shiny crust.
- ¼ cup orange juice: Offers a bright, citrusy tang that balances the sugar while keeping the glaze light and fresh.
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to cut through the sweetness.
- ½ tsp cinnamon: Provides a warm, comforting spice that evokes nostalgic holiday feelings.
- ¼ tsp cloves: A dash of aromatic spice that rounds out the glaze with festive character.
How to Make Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place your handsome bone-in spiral ham into a roasting pan, making sure it’s centered and stable. This ensures even cooking and gives the glaze a perfect canvas to work with.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Whisk together the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl until silky and combined. This delightful mixture is what transforms your baked ham into a sticky, flavorful sensation you’ll be bragging about.
Step 3: Glaze and Cover
Brush a generous amount of glaze over the ham, letting those sweet, spicy flavors start their party on the surface. Tenting the ham loosely with aluminum foil traps moisture but still allows the glaze to work its magic as the ham bakes.
Step 4: Bake Low and Slow
Bake the ham for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze to build layers of flavor and that irresistible sticky texture. This slow baking keeps the meat tender and lets the spices infuse gradually.
Step 5: Caramelize the Glaze
Uncover the ham, crank the oven up to 400°F, and roast for an additional 15 minutes. This final blast of heat caramelizes the glaze, creating that gorgeous, slightly crisp, sticky crust that defines a perfect holiday ham.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This step is key to preserving juices and ensures every slice is moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Presentation is part of the feast! Garnish your ham with fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme for a pop of green that adds a lovely aroma and festive flair. Thin slices of orange or pineapple around the platter give vibrant color and a hint of citrus freshness to complement the glaze.
Side Dishes
Pair your holiday ham with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or buttered green beans. For a sweeter touch, consider candied yams or a fresh cranberry sauce—each side perfectly balances the rich, sweet flavors of the glazed ham.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not elevate your holiday ham by serving it on a wooden carving board surrounded by assorted nuts and dried fruits? You can also create a lovely buffet spread by slicing the ham thinly, letting guests serve themselves, perfect for large gatherings or casual celebrations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the fridge to keep it juicy and flavorful for up to 4 days. It makes for incredible sandwiches or can be diced into salads or soups.
Freezing
If you want to save ham for longer, freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers. Be sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen ham will keep well for up to 2 months without losing quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven covered with foil at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through to avoid drying out. For slices, microwave with a damp paper towel on top to maintain moistness. Reheated ham remains delicious and ready for round two of your celebrations.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! Boneless ham works well, but be mindful that cook times may vary slightly due to size and shape differences—just keep an eye on it and baste regularly.
What can I substitute for Dijon mustard?
If you’re out of Dijon, a bit of yellow mustard or even a touch of whole-grain mustard will do nicely, offering a similar tangy bite without overpowering the glaze.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, mixing the glaze a day in advance is a great time saver. Just store it covered in the fridge and give it a good whisk before brushing on the ham.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in the Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or allergies.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
Since most spiral hams are pre-cooked, you’re mainly reheating and glazing. The internal temperature should reach about 140°F (60°C) when warm and ready to serve.
Final Thoughts
This Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe is truly the kind of dish that turns moments into memories. The perfect balance of sweet, spice, and tender meat makes it more than just a meal—it’s a celebration on a platter. I cannot wait for you to try it and watch your holiday table come alive with those glorious flavors and aromas!
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Holiday Glazed Baked Ham Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 10–12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender, juicy baked ham with a sweet and sticky holiday glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and warm spices. This classic glazed baked ham is perfect as a festive centerpiece for Christmas, Easter, or any special gathering, offering a delicious balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 (8–10 lb) bone-in spiral ham
Glaze
- ½ cup brown sugar or maple sugar
- ¼ cup honey or maple syrup
- ¼ cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cloves
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the bone-in spiral ham in a roasting pan, preparing it for glazing and baking.
- Prepare Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined to create the flavorful holiday glaze.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush a generous amount of the prepared glaze over the ham evenly. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking.
- Bake and Baste: Bake the ham for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with additional glaze to build layers of flavor and maintain moisture.
- Caramelize Glaze: Uncover the ham, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), and bake for an additional 15 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a sticky, golden crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute for optimal tenderness and flavor.
Notes
- For a tropical twist, substitute the orange juice in the glaze with pineapple juice.
- Leftover ham freezes well and is excellent for making sandwiches or adding to soups.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Dish, Holiday
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
