Imagine cutting into a perfectly glazed ham that's so succulent, it makes your entire family gather around the table in anticipation. This Honey Glazed Baked Ham isn't just another holiday dish—it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience. With a perfect balance of sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and tangy Dijon mustard, this recipe will have your guests begging for seconds and asking for your secret!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 90 mins
Total Time: 105 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature allows the ham to heat through evenly without drying out.
- Place the fully cooked ham on a large cutting board. If it has a skin or a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat and create a beautiful presentation.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of honey, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended and the sugar is mostly dissolved.
- Place the scored ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. This will help keep it moist while it bakes.
- Brush a generous amount of the honey glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts. Reserve some of the glaze for basting later.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the ham to heat through.
- After 1 hour, remove the ham from the oven and carefully uncover it. Baste the ham with the reserved glaze, making sure to cover the surface evenly.
- Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue to bake for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a nice, sticky coating.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 140°F (60°C) for safe consumption.
- Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the ham into thick or thin slices as desired, and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze from the roasting pan. Enjoy your delicious honey glazed baked ham!
Tips
- Always use a fully cooked ham to ensure food safety and simplify the cooking process.
- Scoring the ham's surface creates beautiful presentation and allows the glaze to penetrate deeper.
- Cover the ham with foil initially to prevent drying out, then uncover to caramelize the glaze.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches the safe internal temperature of 140°F.
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- For extra flavor, you can add a splash of bourbon or apple cider to your glaze mixture.
- If you prefer a more intense glaze, brush on additional layers during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
