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
