Introduction
Christmas is a celebration, family celebration, and most importantly, amazing food time. Perfectly glazed ham is one dish that always steals the spotlight on the dinner table. This cheerful focal point tastes great as well as looks fantastic.
This post will walk you methodically through how to make the best glazed ham recipe for your Christmas feast. We have you covered from selecting the perfect ham to cooking a delicious glaze.
Why Glazed Ham is a Christmas Favorite?
Serving glazed ham around Christmas has been a cherished custom for many years. Its sweet, savory, and Smokey tastes fit the festive season exactly. Moreover, its huge size makes it excellent for feeding a multitude. Whether combined with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or fresh salads, a glazed ham lends warmth and cheer to your Christmas feast.
What Makes a Perfect Glazed Ham?
To create a show-stopping glazed ham, three elements are crucial:
- High-Quality Ham – A bone-in, fully cooked ham is great for this recipe.
- Flavorful Glaze — a good glaze blends sweetness, tanginess, and a hint of spice.
- Proper Cooking Method – Low and slow roasting ensures the ham stays moist and tasty.
Ingredients for the Best Glazed Ham Recipe
For the Ham:
- 1 thoroughly cooked, bone-in ham (8–10 pounds).
- Whole cloves (optional, for garnishing)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Remove the ham from its package and set it on a roasting pan with the flat side down.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This lets the glaze permeate into the meat for additional flavor. If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections of the slices for extra scent.
Step 2: Making the Glaze
- In a saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, cinnamon, ground cloves, and grated ginger.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar melts and the glaze thickens slightly. This should take roughly 5–7 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Roasting the Ham
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Roast for about 15 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this will take around 2 hours.
- Baste the ham with the prepared glaze every 20–30 minutes during cooking. This ensures the flavors enter the meat while creating a beautiful, caramelized crust.
Step 4: Final Glaze and Broil
- During the last 20 minutes of roasting, remove the aluminum foil to allow the glaze to caramelize wonderfully.
- For further caramelization, switch to broil mode for 2–3 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.
Step 5: Resting and serving
- Once the ham is done, take it from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes. This allows the liquids to redistribute, making the ham soft and juicy.
- Slice the ham thinly and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Use Leftovers Wisely: Leftover ham is wonderful for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: High-quality honey, mustard, and spices make a considerable difference in the flavor of the glaze.
Perfect Pairings for Glazed Ham
Complement your glazed ham with these classic Christmas sides:
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes
- Buttery Dinner Rolls
- Maple-Glazed Carrots
- Green Bean Casserole Cranberry Sauce
Healthier Alternatives
For a lighter version of this recipe, consider these substitutions:
- Use low-sugar honey or maple syrup instead of ordinary honey.
- Opt for a leaner cut of ham or a turkey option.
- Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar for a healthier glazing option.
FAQs about Glazed Ham
Can I make the glaze in advance?
Yes, you can create the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator and reheat before use.
What if I don’t have a roasting pan?
A big baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil works just as well
How do I keep leftover ham?
Wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
Conclusion
A nicely glazed ham may convert your Christmas dinner into an unforgettable feast. With its golden, caramelized crust and tender, juicy meat, this meal is guaranteed to surprise your family and friends.
Follow this recipe, and your glazed ham will be the highlight of the holiday table.
Let us know how your ham works out, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a great feast!
