When it comes to show-stopping centerpieces for your holiday table, "The Best Glazed Ham" is an unbeatable choice. This recipe combines the smoky, savory flavor of a perfectly baked bone-in ham with a rich, caramelized glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. The secret lies in scoring the ham to let the luscious glaze seep into every crevice, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. Finished with a sticky, golden-brown crust, this juicy and tender ham is as visually stunning as it is delicious. With just 15 minutes of prep time and simple ingredients, this hassle-free dish serves up to 12 and is perfect for holiday feasts, family gatherings, or any special occasion you'd like to make unforgettable. Serve it warm with your favorite sides and watch your guests swoon!
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position a rack in the lower third of the oven.
Remove any packaging or plastic covering from the ham and place it flat-side down in a large roasting pan equipped with a rack.
Using a sharp knife, score the top (fat side) of the ham in a crisscross pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze seep into the ham as it bakes.
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble, about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsalted butter. Continue whisking until the butter is fully melted and integrated into the glaze.
Brush about 1/3 of the glaze over the scored surface of the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with pan drippings every 30 minutes.
After 1 hour and 30 minutes, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Brush the ham with another 1/3 of the glaze and return it to the oven.
Bake uncovered for an additional 20-30 minutes, brushing with the remaining glaze during the last 10 minutes of cooking. The glaze should caramelize nicely, creating a rich, sticky coating.
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, flavorful slices.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Serving size | 3999.5 grams (3999.5g) |
---|
Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
---|---|
Calories | 6486 |
Total Fat 232.70g | 298% |
Saturated Fat 86.60g | 433% |
Cholesterol 2239mg | 746% |
Sodium 44634mg | 1941% |
Total Carbohydrate 297.90g | 108% |
Dietary Fiber 1.70g | 6% |
Total Sugars 293.00g | |
Protein 763.00g | 1526% |
Vitamin D 0IU | 0% |
Calcium 385mg | 30% |
Iron 35mg | 193% |
Potassium 10102mg | 215% |
Source of Calories