This honey glazed baked ham is a delicious centerpiece for any holiday gathering or special occasion. The combination of sweet honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a flavorful crust that enhances the natural taste of the ham.
The recipe is simple and requires minimal preparation, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks. You can easily adjust the glaze ingredients to suit your taste.
Creating the Perfect Honey Glazed Baked Ham
The honey glazed baked ham is a stunning centerpiece that can elevate any festive gathering. Its rich, golden glaze not only enhances the visual appeal but also offers a delightful sweetness that complements the savory flavors of the ham.
When preparing this dish, the choice of ingredients plays a significant role in achieving that perfect glaze. Honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard come together to create a sticky coating that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
Preparation Tips for a Flavorful Ham
Before you begin, ensure that your ham is fully cooked and ready to be glazed. Scoring the surface in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to seep into the meat, enhancing its flavor.
If you want to add a touch of elegance, consider studding the ham with whole cloves. This not only adds a decorative element but also infuses the meat with a subtle spice.
Choosing the Right Accompaniments
To complement the honey glazed ham, a selection of colorful roasted vegetables makes for a beautiful presentation.
Root vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts not only add color but also provide a hearty side that pairs well with the sweetness of the ham.
Setting the Scene for Your Feast
The atmosphere in which you serve your baked ham can enhance the overall dining experience.
Consider a festive table setting adorned with candles and seasonal decorations. This creates a warm and inviting ambiance that encourages guests to gather around and enjoy the meal together.
Serving Suggestions and Leftover Ideas
Once your ham is beautifully glazed and ready to serve, slice it into generous portions.
Leftovers can be creatively repurposed into sandwiches, salads, or even breakfast dishes. The sweet and savory flavors of the ham lend themselves well to various culinary creations, ensuring that nothing goes to waste.
Final Thoughts on Your Honey Glazed Ham
Preparing a honey glazed baked ham is not just about the cooking process; it’s about creating memories with loved ones.
This dish, with its inviting appearance and delightful taste, is sure to be a highlight of any gathering. Embrace the joy of cooking and sharing this special meal with those around you.
Easy Honey Glazed Baked Ham Recipe
This baked ham is coated with a sweet and sticky glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and mustard. It takes about 2 hours to bake and serves approximately 10-12 people.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves if desired.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally.
- Bake the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan, brush with half of the glaze, and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 1.5 hours.
- Glaze Again: Remove the foil, brush the ham with the remaining glaze, and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes until caramelized.
- Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 30g