This baked ham is juicy and full of flavor! With a sweet glaze that makes your mouth water, it’s perfect for special gatherings or just a Sunday dinner at home.
Honestly, the smell of this ham baking is enough to bring the whole family to the kitchen. I love serving it with a side of mashed potatoes—because yum!
Making this ham is super simple. Just bake it with the glaze, and let it work its magic. It’s an easy way to impress your guests without much fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bone-in Ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham is the star of this dish. If you can’t find one, a boneless ham or even a ham steak could work in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since they may vary in size and thickness.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. If you need a substitute, try using white sugar with a little molasses, or coconut sugar for a healthier twist. There’s a depth of flavor when you use brown sugar, so keep that in mind!
Dijon Mustard: Dijon gives a nice tang to the glaze. If you don’t have Dijon, you can use yellow mustard, though it will change the flavor slightly. For a spice kick, consider whole grain mustard.
Apple Cider Vinegar: This ingredient provides acidity to balance the sweetness. If you’re out, white vinegar or lemon juice can be good substitutes. Just a tiny bit of either will do the trick!
Spices: The ground cinnamon, cloves, and ginger add warmth and spice. If you don’t have all of them, a mix of pumpkin pie spice can ease the load. And if you’re a fan of nutmeg, adding a pinch can be delightful too!
How Do I Make the Ham Glaze Shine?
The glaze is what makes this ham truly special. To achieve that stunning caramelized finish, follow these tips:
- Mix all glaze ingredients thoroughly in a bowl for even distribution. Ensuring there are no dry clumps will help it coat the ham smoothly.
- When brushing the ham, make sure to cover all surfaces. It’s like giving the ham a flavor hug! Use a long-handled brush for better reach and control.
- Cover the ham with foil in the first part of baking to keep it moist. This helps prevent it from getting too dry, which is key for a succulent end result.
- Removing the foil for the last 30 minutes is crucial. This step allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully. Keep an eye on it—oven temperatures can vary!
And remember, letting the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing helps the juices redistribute, keeping it juicy and flavorful!
How to Make Baked Ham?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
For Garnish:
- Fresh fruits (such as peeled mandarin oranges and pomegranate arils)
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for this baked ham recipe is about 2.5 to 3 hours. You’ll need around 15 minutes for prep and then about 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. The ham will rest for another 15-20 minutes before serving, making it easy and well worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is the perfect temperature to ensure your ham cooks thoroughly and evenly.
2. Prepare the Ham:
Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan, cut side down. If you’d like, you can stud the surface of the ham with whole cloves. This adds a lovely flavor and a nice look to your finished dish!
3. Make the Glaze:
In a medium bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Stir the ingredients until well combined to create your flavorful glaze.
4. Apply the Glaze:
Brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham. Make sure to coat it evenly so that every bite will be delicious!
5. Bake the Ham:
Cover the ham loosely with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Caramelize the Glaze:
During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham before putting it back in the oven to finish cooking.
7. Rest the Ham:
Once the ham is cooked, take it out of the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes. This resting time helps keep the ham juicy and makes it easier to slice.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the ham and serve it garnished with fresh fruits like peeled mandarin oranges and pomegranate arils for a festive touch. Enjoy your delicious baked ham with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Absolutely! You can use a variety of hams, such as spiral-cut or boneless. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly: spiral hams usually need less time since they are often pre-sliced and fully cooked. Aim for the same internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Dijon Mustard?
No worries! If Dijon mustard isn’t on hand, you can substitute it with yellow mustard or whole grain mustard. For a sweeter twist, you can even use honey mustard, but adjust the sweetness of the glaze by reducing the honey slightly.
How to Store Leftover Ham?
Once cooled, store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Enjoy within 1-2 months for the best flavor!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze up to a week in advance. Just keep it stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to use, reheat it on the stove until it’s warm and easy to brush on your ham.
