Get ready to transform your Easter dinner from ordinary to extraordinary with this show-stopping ham recipe straight from culinary legend Emeril Lagasse! Imagine a succulent, golden-brown ham glazed with a perfect blend of sweet honey, zesty lemon, and warm spices that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This isn't just a ham; it's a centerpiece that promises to elevate your holiday meal from good to absolutely unforgettable.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 10-12 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for gently heating the ham and allowing the flavors to meld without drying it out.
- Prepare the ham by placing it on a large cutting board or a roasting pan. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, creating a smooth glaze.
- Season the ham generously with salt and pepper, ensuring that the seasoning is evenly distributed over the surface.
- Using a basting brush or a spoon, generously apply the honey and lemon glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
- Place the glazed ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will help to keep the ham moist during the initial cooking phase.
- Transfer the ham to the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a beautiful golden-brown color.
- Continue baking the ham uncovered for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, basting it with the pan juices every 20 minutes. This will help to create a sticky, flavorful crust on the outside.
- To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C). If the ham is not yet at the desired temperature, continue baking and basting as needed.
- Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful ham.
- Carve the ham into slices and serve warm. Drizzle any remaining glaze from the pan over the slices for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Easter feast!
Tips
- • Always let your ham come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heating • Score the ham's fat layer in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and create a beautiful caramelized exterior • Baste frequently to lock in moisture and develop a rich, sticky glaze • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness without overcooking • Allow the ham to rest after cooking to redistribute juices and maintain maximum tenderness • If the ham's surface browns too quickly, loosely tent with foil to prevent burning • Save the pan drippings - they're liquid gold for making incredible gravies or additional glazes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 100mg
