When I think of the perfect centerpiece for a family feast, a honey glazed ham immediately comes to mind—it’s like wrapping comfort in a sweet, sticky hug. There’s something about the way the glaze caramelizes, a bit like the golden hue of sunsets over a bustling cityscape, that just screams holiday delight. It’s like a culinary masterpiece that requires no effort but delivers all the joy, and honestly, who doesn’t love a dish that does all the heavy lifting for you?
Steps
- Position the uncovered ham in a roasting pan and bake it at 325°F for two hours. Once cooked, take the ham out of the oven to apply the glaze.
- Prepare the honey glaze by mixing honey, clove, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard. Heat the mixture until it boils, then let it simmer for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Cool the glaze slightly before adjusting the taste with additional lemon juice or honey, if needed. Brush the ham with the glaze every 10 minutes for 30-45 minutes before serving.
- Pair the honey-glazed ham with sides like Cajun-spiced asparagus or braised collard greens. Consider serving it alongside garlicky mashed potatoes or a refreshing pasta salad.
- Store any leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to five days. To reheat, use a 325°F oven for optimal results.
- For freezing, ensure the ham is fully cooled, then slice it and place it in an airtight freezer bag or container. Properly stored, the ham will keep for 3-4 months in the freezer.
Ingredients
- Bone-in ham
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Pineapple juice
- Dijon mustard
- Clove
- Lemon juice (optional, for adjusting sweetness and acidity)
FAQ
- How long should I cook a honey-glazed ham?
- Begin by placing the uncovered ham in a roasting pan and cooking it at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for two hours. After this initial cooking period, remove the ham from the oven for glazing.
- How do I make the honey glaze for ham?
- To prepare the glaze, combine honey, clove, pineapple juice, and Dijon mustard, whisking the ingredients over high heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust the glaze by adding more lemon juice or honey for desired sweetness and acidity.
- What dishes pair well with honey-glazed ham?
- Honey-glazed ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with Cajun-spiced asparagus, braised collard greens, garlicky mashed potatoes, or a pasta salad to complement the bold flavors.
- How should I store leftover honey-glazed ham?
- Store any leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. Keep it refrigerated for up to five days. For reheating, use an oven set to 325 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results.
- Can honey-glazed ham be frozen?
- Yes, you can freeze honey-glazed ham. Ensure that the ham is fully cooled, then place the slices in an airtight freezer bag or container. Properly stored, the ham will last in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Tips
- Adjust the Glaze to Taste: When preparing the honey glaze, allow it to cool slightly before tasting. You can enhance the flavor by adding more lemon juice for acidity or extra honey for sweetness, tailoring it to your preference.
- Consistent Glazing: For the best flavor, brush the glaze onto the ham every 10 minutes for the last 30-45 minutes of baking. This will ensure the ham absorbs the maximum amount of flavor from the glaze.
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, freeze the fully cooled, sliced ham in an airtight freezer bag for up to 3-4 months.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding your personal touch to the glaze by incorporating ingredients like smoky chili powder, hot paprika, or garlic for a unique flavor twist.
Equipment
- Roasting Pan – Essential for cooking the ham in the oven.
- Whisk – Necessary for combining and whisking the glaze ingredients.
- Basting Brush – Used for applying the glaze to the ham.
- Airtight Containers – Useful for storing leftover ham.
