Honey Glazed Ham
The perfect Honey Glazed Ham is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary masterpiece that transforms any gathering into a festive occasion. With its sweet, caramelized exterior and juicy, tender meat, this dish resonates with the warmth of family traditions and joyful memories. Picture a sprawling holiday table adorned with colorful dishes, laughter filling the air, and the inviting aroma of honey mingling with spices as you carve into the beautiful ham. I remember making this with my grandmother every Thanksgiving, her careful hands guiding mine as we created a glaze that was both sweet and savory, an embodiment of our time together. You will love how simple yet satisfying it is.
Prep Time: Twenty minutes
Cook Time: One hour and ten minutes
Total Time: One hour and thirty minutes
Servings: Eight to ten
Difficulty: Easy
Key Ingredients: Bone-in spiral ham, honey, brown sugar, orange juice
Dietary Tags: Gluten-free, nut-free
Quick Answer: This Honey Glazed Ham features a sweet and tangy glaze over succulent ham, perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight dinner.
Why Make This Recipe
Creating a Honey Glazed Ham offers an irresistible blend of flavors that can elevate any meal. The natural sweetness of honey and brown sugar caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy, mouthwatering crust. Every slice reveals tender meat, infused with aromatic spices that dance on the palate. There is something enchanting about serving this centerpiece dish at gatherings, where every bite sings of comfort and shares rich culinary heritage.
Imagine family members gathering around the table, eyes bright with anticipation as the ham is unveiled. Everyone leans in, eager to savor that first slice; it’s a moment that transcends mere eating and becomes a celebration of tradition. More than just a meal, it serves as a reminder of the importance of sharing love and laughter while indulging in delightful flavors.
This recipe comes together effortlessly, making it accessible for any home cook, whether you are hosting an elaborate feast or simply seeking to make an ordinary day special. It’s the kind of recipe you will come back to all year long.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham
To begin making your Honey Glazed Ham, preheat your oven to a warm three hundred fifty degrees. In a shallow roasting pan, layer fresh orange slices that add a burst of color and a zesty aroma, pouring a cup of orange juice around them for a fragrant base. Place a sturdy roasting rack in the pan and gently set your fully cooked bone-in spiral ham weighing about eight pounds on top.
As the ham rests, combine a cup of dark brown sugar and a cup of honey in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Add half a cup of orange marmalade and a quarter cup of Dijon mustard, stirring until just combined. The sweet aromas will fill your kitchen as the mixture begins to bubble gently. Allow it to simmer for about four minutes; the glaze should become slightly thick and wonderfully fragrant.
Carefully pour half the glaze over the ham, letting it cascade over the spirals. Bake the ham uncovered for fifty minutes, allowing it to absorb the wonderful flavors and transform into a glossy centerpiece. After this time, drizzle the remaining glaze over the ham, returning it to the oven for an additional twenty minutes. If you are using a thermometer, it should read one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit when the ham is done.
Once the glorious ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven, tent it with foil, and let it rest for about fifteen to twenty minutes. This step is crucial; allowing the juices to redistribute ensures every slice will be moist and tender. When ready, carve the ham and serve with any extra glaze on the side for delightful dipping.
Now that your kitchen smells amazing, let’s look at what you’ll need: one fully cooked bone-in spiral ham weighing eight pounds, one orange sliced, one cup of orange juice, one cup of dark brown sugar, one cup of honey, half a cup of orange marmalade, a quarter cup of Dijon mustard, one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, half a teaspoon of Bayou City Lemon Pepper, half a teaspoon of cloves, and one teaspoon of salt. Using fresh ingredients will enhance the flavors, so feel free to substitute with what you have on hand, such as maple syrup for honey if desired.
Why This Recipe Works (The Science)
The magic behind a successful Honey Glazed Ham begins with the sweetness of the glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The sugar in the glaze melts and then begins to bubble, allowing the surface of the ham to become syrupy and slightly crispy, creating a satisfying contrast to the tender meat beneath.
Science Tip: The combination of acidic and sweet elements in the glaze not only enhances flavor but also helps to tenderize the meat as it bakes, ultimately creating an extremely juicy and flavorful outcome.
Expert Insight: Using a spiral-cut ham ensures that the glaze seeps into every crevice, allowing for an easy and consistent flavor throughout the dish. This method encourages even cooking and helps each slice maintain moisture.
Enjoy the additional health benefit of the vitamins in orange juice, which can support your immune system while enhancing overall flavor. Eating fresh fruits alongside your main course is a smart way to balance your dish.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Ham
Your Honey Glazed Ham serves as a perfect centerpiece that sets the stage for delightful meal pairings. Serve it alongside fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up the delectable glaze or roasted seasonal vegetables that add a pop of color and flavor to the plate.
Consider a refreshing salad with crisp greens, bright citrus segments, and a light vinaigrette to complement the richness of the ham. This delightful balance will transport you to a cozy evening where laughter echoes as everyone gathers around your table.
Perfect for both holiday celebrations and comforting family dinners, this ham can be a cherished favorite for many occasions.
How to Store Honey Glazed Ham
Once the celebration concludes, store any remaining ham carefully for future enjoyment. Wrapped in foil, it can safely sit at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, where they will stay fresh for three to five days.
If you wish to preserve it for even longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Properly wrapped, your Honey Glazed Ham can last for two to three months in the freezer without losing its delightful flavor and moisture. However, do keep in mind that flavor deepens overnight, so those next-day sandwiches are always a delicious option.
Tips to Make Honey Glazed Ham
For the perfect Honey Glazed Ham, remember that glaze consistency is key; a thicker glaze clings beautifully to the ham. Always taste and adjust sweetness to your preference. Don’t hesitate to try different citrus fruits that might complement the ham, like pineapple for a tropical twist.
Ensure your ham is fully defrosted before baking for even cooking, as a frozen piece may take longer to heat through. Use the remaining glaze as a dipping sauce for a burst of flavor that ties the meal together.
Save this recipe for your next cozy weekend dinner, where it will surely impress everyone around the table.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to explore creative variations on this Honey Glazed Ham to suit your tastes. For a spicier kick, consider adding a tablespoon of sriracha or chipotle sauce to the glaze, offering a delightful contrast to the sweetness.
For a more seasonal touch, add a few cloves of minced garlic or fresh rosemary to the glaze to boost the aromatic profile, bringing earthy notes that beautifully complement the ham.
If you love maple syrup, substitute a cup of honey with pure maple syrup for a unique depth of flavor that will still deliver a pleasing sweetness.
For a festive twist, consider adding pomegranate molasses for extra tanginess and a vibrant color, making the ham not just delicious but stunningly beautiful on your holiday table.
FAQs
What goes well with Honey Glazed Ham?
Honey Glazed Ham pairs beautifully with side dishes such as creamy mashed potatoes, vibrant green beans, and a refreshing citrus salad. The combination of textures and flavors creates a well-balanced meal that everyone will love.
Can I prepare Honey Glazed Ham in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze and keep it stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake the ham. This way, you save time on busy days, ensuring that your Honey Glazed Ham is as flavorful as ever when served.
Is Honey Glazed Ham suitable for leftovers?
Definitely! Honey Glazed Ham is perfect for leftovers, making delicious sandwiches or being added to dishes like casseroles or omelets. The flavors continue to develop, making every bite a treat.
What is the best way to reheat Honey Glazed Ham?
To reheat your Honey Glazed Ham, wrap the slices in foil and place them in a preheated oven at three hundred degrees for about fifteen minutes, ensuring it’s heated through without drying out. You can also add a splash of orange juice to keep it moist.
How can I make my Honey Glazed Ham stand out?
To make your Honey Glazed Ham extra special, try adding a selection of herbs and spices to the glaze or incorporating fruit slices into the roasting pan. This adds depth, flavor, and beautiful presentation to the dish.
People Also Ask
What is Honey Glazed Ham made of? Honey Glazed Ham typically consists of a fully cooked bone-in spiral ham combined with a glaze made of honey, brown sugar, orange juice, and various spices.
How do you know when Honey Glazed Ham is fully cooked? Your Honey Glazed Ham is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of one hundred forty degrees Fahrenheit.
Is it okay to eat cold Honey Glazed Ham? Yes, cold Honey Glazed Ham makes for a delicious and satisfying snack, particularly when served in a sandwich or on a charcuterie board.
Nutritional Information
This recipe provides approximately four hundred calories per serving, twenty-eight grams of protein, thirty-eight grams of carbohydrates, twenty-two grams of fat, zero grams of fiber, and provides a good source of Vitamin A.
Rich in fiber and naturally low in fat, serving Honey Glazed Ham offers both delightful flavors and essential nutrients, making it a smart choice for any meal.
Conclusion
The experience of savoring Honey Glazed Ham combines joyful memories and the aroma of cherished gatherings. This recipe showcases the beauty of simplicity, bringing loved ones together in moments filled with laughter and love. Each slice carries the essence of tradition, making it a timeless dish worthy of any table throughout the year. As you serve and enjoy, remember that food goes beyond mere sustenance; it fosters connections and celebration. Sip slowly, breathe deeply, and let every meal remind you that wellness can be simple.
Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 piece Bone-in spiral ham, approximately 8 pounds Fully cooked
- 1 cup Orange juice Freshly squeezed if possible
- 1 cup Dark brown sugar Packed
- 1 cup Honey Can substitute with maple syrup if desired
- 1/2 cup Orange marmalade
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Spices
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon Bayou City Lemon Pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Cloves
- 1 teaspoon Salt
For Serving
- 1 slice Fresh orange Sliced for layering
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a shallow roasting pan, layer fresh orange slices and pour a cup of orange juice around them.
- Place a sturdy roasting rack in the pan and gently set the ham on top.
Glaze Preparation
- Combine brown sugar and honey in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Add orange marmalade and Dijon mustard, stirring until just combined.
- Allow it to simmer for about 4 minutes until it thickens.
Baking
- Pour half the glaze over the ham and bake uncovered for 50 minutes.
- Drizzle the remaining glaze over the ham and bake for an additional 20 minutes.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F before removing it from the oven.
Resting and Serving
- Tent the ham with foil and let it rest for 15-20 minutes.
- Carve the ham and serve with any extra glaze on the side.