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Honey Baked Ham

Honey Baked Ham
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This Honey Baked Ham recipe features a perfectly glazed, golden caramelized crust paired with tender, juicy meat. Easy to follow and full of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, it’s ideal for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any special occasion. The honey glaze enhances the natural flavor of the ham while achieving a crisp sugary crust without drying out the meat.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in, spiral-cut ham (about 8–10 pounds)

Glaze

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons pineapple juice (optional)

Optional Variations & Garnishes

  • Pinch of cayenne or chipotle powder (for a spicy kick)
  • Pure maple syrup (to substitute honey for maple glaze)
  • Gluten-free mustard and brown sugar (for gluten-free option)
  • Orange zest or apple cider (for fruit-infused glaze)
  • Finely chopped rosemary or thyme (herb-enhanced flavor)
  • Fresh rosemary or parsley (for garnish)
  • Pineapple rings or cherries (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Oven and Ham: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove all packaging from the ham. If not pre-scored, lightly score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate the meat.
  2. Mix the Honey Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and pineapple juice (if using). Stir well until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.
  3. Apply the Glaze: Place the ham in a roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. Brush the honey glaze all over the surface of the ham, ensuring every part is covered for maximum flavor.
  4. Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. Every 20 minutes, baste the ham with additional glaze to build layers of flavor and keep it moist.
  5. Finish with a Caramelized Crust: For the last 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a sticky, golden brown crust.
  6. Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it juicy and tender. Slice against the grain and serve warm.

Notes

  • Choose a high-quality fully cooked bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture.
  • Pat the ham dry before applying the glaze to ensure even caramelization.
  • Baste frequently with glaze to maintain moisture and flavor layers.
  • Use a roasting rack to elevate the ham for even heat circulation and to prevent sogginess on the bottom.
  • Let the ham rest after baking to lock in juices for moist slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Baked Ham, holiday ham, glazed ham, baked ham, honey glaze, spiral ham, holiday recipe

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/honey-baked-ham/