Get ready to become the star of your next family gathering with this irresistible Super Simple Glazed Ham that will have everyone begging for seconds! Imagine a perfectly cooked ham with a glistening, caramelized exterior that's both sweet and tangy, promising to transform an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary experience. This foolproof recipe combines classic American flavors with professional-level technique, ensuring you'll create a show-stopping main dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the ham.
- Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan or baking dish. If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and well combined.
- Brush about 1/3 of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored lines if you've cut them.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Place in the preheated oven.
- Bake the ham for approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, or about 15-20 minutes per pound. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush with additional glaze every 10 minutes to build up a rich, caramelized coating.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F (60°C) at the thickest part.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Transfer to a serving platter, brush with any remaining glaze, and slice against the grain to serve.
Tips
- • Always let your ham come to room temperature before cooking to guarantee even heat distribution and prevent dry edges.• The diamond-scoring technique isn't just for looks - it helps the glaze penetrate deeper and creates those gorgeous caramelized lines.• Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. 140°F is your golden target for a perfectly moist ham.• Basting frequently during the last 30 minutes creates that irresistible glossy, caramelized exterior that will make your guests swoon.• Let the ham rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent and flavorful.• For extra flavor, consider using high-quality honey and Dijon mustard - the small details make a big difference!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
