why make this recipe
Holiday Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze is a classic dish that brings joy to festive gatherings. With its sweet and savory glaze, this ham is not only delicious but also visually stunning. It makes for an impressive centerpiece on your holiday table. The recipe is simple, making it doable for cooks of all skill levels. Whether you are celebrating with family or friends, this baked ham will be a hit.
how to make Holiday Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. If you want, you can score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves for decoration.
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Brush the glaze over the ham generously, making sure it gets into the scored areas.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the glaze get caramelized.
- Once done, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
how to serve Holiday Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Serve the Holiday Baked Ham warm, thinly sliced. It pairs well with sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with bread rolls or biscuits for a complete meal. This ham is perfect for gatherings, and everyone will love it!
how to store Holiday Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
To store leftover ham, first allow it to cool completely. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the ham. Wrap it securely and place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for 1 to 2 months in the freezer.
tips to make Holiday Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
- Make sure to score the ham to help the glaze penetrate and flavor the meat.
- Baste frequently for a thicker, sweeter crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Feel free to adjust the spices in the glaze according to your taste.
variation
You can add other flavors to the glaze, such as orange juice or apple cider for a fruity twist. Some people also like to incorporate mustard variations or spices like ginger for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, you can use a spiral-sliced ham or a boneless ham. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of the ham.
2. Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it slightly before using it on the ham.
3. How do I know when the ham is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for safe eating.
Enjoy making your Holiday Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze and delight your loved ones with this festive dish!
Holiday Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 each fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- optional Whole cloves (for decoration)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Optionally, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and insert whole cloves for decoration.
Glaze Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Brush the glaze over the ham generously, making sure it gets into the scored areas.
Cooking
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes of cooking to let the glaze caramelize.
- Once done, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.