This Honey-Glazed Ham with cloves and brown sugar is a delightful centerpiece for any holiday meal, especially Easter. The combination of sweet honey and rich brown sugar creates a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.
This recipe is straightforward and perfect for those looking to impress guests with minimal effort. With the right ham glaze, you can elevate your baked ham recipes to new heights, making it a favorite for holiday gatherings.
Creating the Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham
The Honey-Glazed Ham with cloves and brown sugar stands out as a remarkable centerpiece for any holiday meal, particularly during Easter celebrations. This dish combines the sweetness of honey with the rich flavor of brown sugar, resulting in a glaze that caramelizes beautifully while baking.
Preparing this dish is straightforward, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking to impress guests without excessive effort. With the right ham glaze, you can elevate your baked ham recipes, ensuring they become a favorite at holiday gatherings.
Essential Ingredients for a Flavorful Glaze
To achieve the perfect Honey Ham Glaze, a few key ingredients are essential. A fully cooked bone-in ham serves as the foundation, typically weighing around 8-10 pounds. The glaze itself consists of honey, brown sugar, ground cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and Dijon mustard.
Whole cloves can be used for studding the ham, adding both flavor and visual appeal. This combination of ingredients creates a sweet and aromatic profile that enhances the natural flavors of the ham, making it a standout dish.
Preparation Steps for a Juicy Ham
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Scoring the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern not only allows the glaze to penetrate but also creates an attractive presentation. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves for added flavor and decoration.
The next step involves making the glaze. Combine honey, brown sugar, ground cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth, creating a delicious Honey Glaze.
Baking the Ham to Perfection
Once the ham is prepared, place it in a roasting pan and brush half of the glaze over the surface. Reserve the remaining glaze for basting later. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for approximately 1.5 hours, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes to enhance the flavor.
During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize, resulting in a beautifully golden-brown finish. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Serving Suggestions for Your Holiday Feast
After baking, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and flavorful. Serve the Honey Baked Ham warm, accompanied by vibrant seasonal vegetables for a colorful presentation.
This dish not only serves as a delicious main course but also as an inviting centerpiece for your holiday table. The combination of flavors and the stunning visual appeal make it a memorable addition to any festive gathering.
Why Choose Honey-Glazed Ham for Your Celebrations?
Honey-Glazed Ham is a classic choice for holiday meals, particularly during Easter. Its sweet and savory profile appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a versatile option for family gatherings and celebrations.
With its easy preparation and impressive presentation, this ham recipe is perfect for those looking to create a memorable dining experience. The combination of honey and brown sugar not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful glaze that makes the dish truly irresistible.
Delicious Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe
This Honey-Glazed Ham features a succulent baked ham coated in a sweet and aromatic glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and cloves. The recipe takes approximately 2 hours from start to finish and serves 8-10 people.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- Whole cloves for studding the ham (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves if desired.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, ground cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Glaze the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush half of the glaze over the surface. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Serve: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g