This recipe is the Honey Glazed Ham – a succulent, sweet, and savory creation that’s bound to steal the show at your Christmas dinner table. This timeless dish is a celebration of flavors, blending the richness of ham with the lusciousness of honey. Let’s dive into the steps of creating this culinary masterpiece that will undoubtedly become a holiday tradition.
Ingredients
1 bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
1 cup honey
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup whole grain mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon ground cloves
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preparing the Ham:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If the ham has skin, score it in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate.
2. Creating the Glaze:
In a medium saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is well combined. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. Glazing the Ham:
Generously brush the ham with the honey glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Use a basting brush for an even application. Tent the ham with foil to prevent excessive browning and to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat.
4. Roasting the Ham:
Place the ham in the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, uncover the ham to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful golden crust.
5. Checking Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving.
6. Serving Suggestions:
Slice the honey glazed ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
Nutritional Information
While the exact nutritional content can vary based on the specific ingredients and serving sizes, a typical serving of Honey Glazed Ham offers a balance of protein and sweetness. Ham is a good source of high-quality protein, essential B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and phosphorus. However, it’s worth noting that ham can be relatively high in sodium, and the honey glaze contributes to the overall sugar content. For a healthier option, consider using a leaner cut of ham or reducing the amount of added sugars in the glaze.
Presenting a honey glazed ham at your Christmas dinner is not just a culinary achievement; it’s a gift to your loved ones, a culmination of effort and tradition. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, this ham will undoubtedly become the highlight of your holiday feast, creating memories that linger far beyond the festive season. Enjoy the warmth, joy, and exquisite flavors of a Christmas dinner adorned with a Honey Glazed Ham.
Needing some Holiday dessert ideas? Check out this super delicious muffin recipe! Spiced Cranberry Orange Holiday Muffins
Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 1 Bone-in Ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup Honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1/4 cup Whole Grain Mustard
- 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 tsp Cloves (ground)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparing the Ham:Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If the ham has skin, score it in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate.
- Creating the Glaze:In a medium saucepan, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, whole grain mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, salt, and pepper.Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is well combined. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Glazing the Ham:Generously brush the ham with the honey glaze, ensuring it covers the entire surface. Use a basting brush for an even application.Tent the ham with foil to prevent excessive browning and to allow the glaze to penetrate the meat.
- Roasting the Ham:Place the ham in the preheated oven and roast for about 15-20 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes.During the last 30 minutes of cooking, uncover the ham to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful golden crust.
- Checking Doneness:Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Serving Suggestions:Slice the honey glazed ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for an extra burst of flavor.Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a festive touch.
