Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience with this irresistible Honey Glazed Ham recipe! Imagine a perfectly cooked ham with a glistening, caramelized exterior that's both sweet and tangy, promising to be the star of any holiday table or special gathering. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this foolproof recipe will have you creating a show-stopping main dish that looks like it came straight from a professional chef's kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 2 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is ideal for gently warming the ham while allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
- Remove the fully cooked ham from its packaging and place it on a large cutting board. If the ham has a thick layer of skin or fat, you may want to score it in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This will help the glaze penetrate and flavor the meat.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. If you have a rack, place the ham on it to allow the heat to circulate evenly around the meat.
- In a medium bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground cloves. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well blended. This mixture will serve as your glaze.
- Using a brush or a spoon, generously apply about half of the honey glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas for maximum flavor.
- Cover the roasting pan loosely with aluminum foil. This will help keep the ham moist during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes. This will allow the ham to heat through and absorb the flavors of the glaze.
- After 1 hour and 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil from the ham and brush on the remaining glaze. This will create a sticky, caramelized crust on the ham as it finishes cooking.
- Return the uncovered ham to the oven and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
- Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful.
- Slice the ham and serve it warm. You can drizzle any remaining glaze from the roasting pan over the slices for extra flavor. Enjoy your delicious honey glazed ham!
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Always start with a high-quality, fully cooked ham for the best results. An 8-10 pound ham is perfect for feeding a crowd.
- Scoring Technique: Take the time to score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern. This isn't just for looks – it helps the glaze penetrate deeper and creates those beautiful caramelized edges.
- Glaze Application Matters: Apply the glaze in stages – first halfway through cooking, then again in the final 30 minutes. This builds layers of flavor and creates that gorgeous sticky crust.
- Temperature is Key: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This guarantees it's heated through without drying out.
- Resting is Crucial: Always let your ham rest for 15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This recipe can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it perfect for holiday meals or large gatherings.
- Leftover Magic: Don't worry about extras – honey glazed ham is fantastic in sandwiches, salads, and countless other recipes for days after cooking!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 120mg
