Savory Glazed Ham Recipe for Your Perfect Holiday Feast

Why Make This Recipe

Holiday celebrations bring families and friends together, often centered around a delicious feast. One of the star dishes for these gatherings is a beautifully glazed ham. This Savory Glazed Ham recipe elevates the traditional ham to a whole new level. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, paired with the festive aroma, makes this dish an unforgettable centerpiece for your holiday meal.

Ham is not only tasty but also very versatile. You can serve it hot or cold, making it suitable for any occasion. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, yet it delivers impressive results that will wow your guests. Plus, the process of preparing the ham fills your kitchen with delightful scents, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

So, if you want to impress your family and friends this holiday season, continue reading to learn how to create this savory, glazed ham that is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home.

How to Make Savory Glazed Ham

Making a savory glazed ham is straightforward and requires minimal effort. By following the steps outlined below, you will create a juicy, flavorful ham that everyone will love.

Ingredients

• 1 each Bone-in Ham (Fully cooked)
• 1 cup Brown Sugar (For the glaze)
• 1/2 cup Honey (Use local honey if possible)
• 1/4 cup Dijon Mustard (Can substitute with yellow mustard)
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar (Can substitute with white vinegar)
• 10 cloves Cloves (For studding the ham)
• 1/2 cup Maple Syrup
• 1/4 cup Orange Juice (Freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• 1/4 cup Water (Can replace with more orange juice)
• 1 each Pineapple Slices (For presentation)
• 1/4 cup Fresh Herbs (Chopped rosemary or thyme)

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking and helps to develop that lovely glaze on your ham.

2. Prepare the Ham
   Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a large cutting board. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the glaze stick better.

3. Score the Ham
   Using a sharp knife, score a diamond pattern on the surface of the ham. Make shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. Scoring helps the flavor of the glaze penetrate and creates a beautiful presentation.

4. Stud the Ham with Cloves
   Take your 10 cloves and stud them into the intersections of the scored lines on the ham. This adds both flavor and a decorative touch.

5. Prepare the Glaze
   In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, orange juice, and water over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar completely dissolves, and everything is well blended.

6. Glaze the Ham
   Once the glaze is ready, brush a generous amount over the scored ham. Make sure to coat it well, letting some of it seep into the scored cuts.

7. Bake the Ham
   Place the glazed ham in a roasting pan, fat side up. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes per pound. A fully cooked ham will only need to be heated through, so keep an eye on it.

8. Apply Additional Glaze
   Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven to brush it with more of the glaze. This step builds depth of flavor and creates a sticky, caramelized crust.

9. Remove Foil for Final Browning
   In the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the outside of the ham to brown. If you like a darker glaze, you can leave it uncovered for longer.

10. Check Temperature
    Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. It should reach 140°F (60°C). Once it’s ready, pull it from the oven.

11. Rest the Ham
    Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat remains moist.

12. Serve
    Slice the ham and arrange it on a platter. You can add pineapple slices and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the top for an added touch of color and flavor.

How to Serve Savory Glazed Ham

Serving your savory glazed ham is all about presentation and pairing. Here are some tips for serving:

• Presentation: Arrange the sliced ham on a large platter. You can layer the slices or fan them out for a more elegant look. Adding pineapple slices around the ham enhances both beauty and flavor. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an appealing finish.

• Complementary Dishes: Pair your ham with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted vegetables. Don’t forget about stuffing, cornbread, or a festive salad. Serving various sides will balance out the meal.

• Sauce Options: Consider providing extra glaze on the side for guests who may want more. You can also offer additional condiments like apple sauce or mustard for those who enjoy dipping.

• Wine Pairing: A sweet white wine or a light red, such as Pinot Noir, can complement the flavors of the ham nicely. If you’re serving it during a festive occasion, sparkling wine is also a popular choice.

How to Store Savory Glazed Ham

Storing leftover savory glazed ham properly ensures that it remains delicious for days to come. Here are some guidelines:

• Refrigerate: Store any leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap. This helps prevent air exposure, which can lead to spoilage.

• Consume Quickly: For the best quality, try to eat leftover ham within 3 to 5 days. The sooner you consume it, the fresher it will taste.

• Freezing: If you have a larger quantity of leftover ham, consider freezing it. Wrap the ham tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers, and it can last for up to 2 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label it with the date, so you know how long it’s been stored.

• Reheat Properly: Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through. If heating from frozen, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Tips to Make Savory Glazed Ham

Here are some tips to ensure that your savory glazed ham turns out perfectly:

1. Use Quality Ingredients: The quality of ingredients plays a significant role in the flavor of your ham. Opt for local honey, fresh herbs, and high-quality mustard for the best results.

2. Don’t Skip the Cloves: The cloves add a traditional flavor that enhances the ham’s overall taste. Studding the ham with cloves may take some extra time, but it’s worth it for the unique flavor it provides.

3. Control the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet glaze, feel free to adjust the quantity of brown sugar and honey. You can also add a touch more vinegar to balance the sweetness.

4. Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to your glaze to create a unique flavor profile that suits your taste.

5. Make it Ahead of Time: If you have a busy holiday schedule, consider preparing the glaze a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and give it a quick reheat before glazing the ham.

Variation

If you want to mix things up or cater to different tastes, consider these variations:

• Fruity Twist: Add chopped apricots or cherries to the glaze for a fruited touch. The sweetness from the fruit brightens the dish and provides a delicious contrast to the savory elements.

• Spicy Glaze: By adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the glaze, you can give the ham a warm kick that balances the sweetness beautifully.

• Herb-Infused: If you want an herbaceous flavor, consider adding garlic or finely chopped fresh herbs like sage or thyme to the glaze.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! This glaze works well with various types of ham, including spiral-cut, boneless, or even a smoked ham. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of ham you choose.

Q2: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! The glaze can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before using. This makes preparation on the day of your celebration much easier.

Q3: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of brown sugar?

Yes, you can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar, honey, or maple syrup. Just be aware that each sweetener can slightly alter the flavor of the glaze.

Q4: What can I do with leftovers?

Leftover ham can be used in various dishes! Consider making ham sandwiches, adding it to casseroles, or incorporating it into soups for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Q5: Is it necessary to coat the ham with foil while baking?

Covering the ham with foil keeps moisture in, which is essential for preventing it from drying out. You can remove the foil in the last half-hour of cooking to achieve a nice caramelization on the glaze.

Creating the perfect savory glazed ham doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up a dish that steals the spotlight at your holiday feast. As you enjoy each bite, relish the traditions you are creating, and remember that good food often brings people together. So gather your loved ones, sit down to share a meal, and celebrate special moments around this delicious glazed ham.

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