This oven-baked half ham is a delicious centerpiece for any gathering or holiday meal. With a sweet and savory glaze, it offers a perfect balance of flavors while being easy to prepare.
The recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal ingredients and time. You can customize the glaze with your favorite flavors, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.
Creating the Perfect Glazed Half Ham
Preparing a beautifully glazed half ham is a delightful experience that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering. The process begins with selecting a quality half ham, which can be either bone-in or boneless, weighing between 6 to 8 pounds. This size is ideal for serving approximately 8 to 10 people, making it a fantastic choice for family meals or festive occasions.
Once you have your ham, the next step is to preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature ensures that the ham cooks evenly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The preparation involves placing the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, and optionally scoring the surface in a diamond pattern for added texture and flavor absorption.
Crafting the Glaze
The glaze is what truly elevates the ham, providing a sweet and savory coating that caramelizes beautifully during baking. A simple mixture of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices creates a rich flavor profile. Ground cloves and cinnamon add warmth, while black pepper introduces a subtle kick.
Mix these ingredients until well combined, then brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored areas. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect caramelized finish. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and let it bake for about 1.5 hours, removing the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
Roasting Vegetables for a Complete Meal
To complement the ham, consider roasting a selection of seasonal vegetables. Carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes are excellent choices that not only add color to the plate but also enhance the meal’s overall flavor. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the oven alongside the ham for a harmonious cooking experience.
As the ham and vegetables roast, the aromas will fill your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for your gathering. The combination of the glazed ham and roasted vegetables makes for a visually stunning and delicious centerpiece.
Setting the Scene
Presentation plays a significant role in the enjoyment of a meal. Once the ham is beautifully glazed and the vegetables are perfectly roasted, it’s time to serve. Place the ham on a wooden cutting board, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. Surround it with the roasted vegetables, creating an appealing display.
To enhance the festive atmosphere, set the table with candles and holiday decorations. A warm, inviting table setting encourages guests to gather and enjoy the meal together, making the occasion even more special.
Serving and Enjoying the Ham
After allowing the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes post-baking, it’s ready to be sliced. This resting period is essential as it allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful. Serve the ham warm, alongside the roasted vegetables, and watch as your guests delight in the delicious flavors.
This glazed half ham not only serves as a satisfying main dish but also creates lasting memories around the dinner table. Whether it’s a holiday celebration or a casual family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
Final Thoughts on the Glazed Half Ham
Making a glazed half ham is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. With minimal ingredients and a bit of time, you can create a dish that is both visually stunning and delicious. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the festive presentation, makes this ham a perfect choice for any occasion.
So gather your loved ones, set the table, and enjoy the delightful experience of sharing a beautifully glazed half ham together. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of good food and great company.
Simple Baked Half Ham Recipe
This half ham is baked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and flavorful dish. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves approximately 8-10 people.
Ingredients
- 1 (6-8 pound) half ham, bone-in or boneless
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Place the half ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. If desired, score the surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Apply the Glaze: Brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored areas.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 hours, or until heated through. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Glaze Again: Brush the remaining glaze over the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
- 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: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 320kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g