The Best Glazed Easter Ham Recipe for a Festive Family Feast

Ham has become a centerpiece of many celebratory Easter gatherings around the world.

Rich, succulent meat transforms an ordinary meal into something special.

Families eagerly anticipate this classic dish with its sweet and savory glaze.

Each slice promises a delightful combination of flavors that dance across your palate.

Selecting quality ingredients makes a significant difference in the final result.

The right technique ensures a juicy, tender centerpiece that impresses everyone at the table.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this mouthwatering main course.

Why Glazed Easter Ham Is Juicy, Sweet, And Holiday-Ready

• Simplify Holiday Cooking: This glazed Easter ham recipe transforms complex cooking into an easy, stress-free experience with straightforward steps and minimal ingredients that anyone can master.
• Hands-Off Preparation: The recipe requires minimal active cooking time, allowing you to spend more moments with family while the ham slowly bakes and develops rich, caramelized flavors.
• Crowd-Pleasing Centerpiece: The sweet and spicy glaze creates a stunning, professional-looking ham that will impress guests and become the star of your Easter celebration, making it perfect for large family gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion: Combining brown sugar, honey, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves delivers a mouthwatering balance of sweet and tangy notes that elevate a traditional ham into a gourmet experience.

What You’ll Need For Glazed Easter Ham

• Ham: Classic centerpiece for Easter, a rich and flavorful main dish perfect for holiday gatherings. Bone-in hams provide more depth of flavor.

• Brown Sugar, Honey: Natural sweeteners that create a beautiful caramelized coating. Opt for pure, high-quality versions for best results.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and helps bind the glaze. Choose a smooth, refined mustard.

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Provides bright acidity to balance the sweetness. Helps tenderize and add complexity.
• Cinnamon, Cloves, Ginger: Warm spices that complement the ham's richness. Use fresh ground spices for maximum flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and rounds out the glaze's flavor profile.

How To Bake Glazed Easter Ham Step By Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 325F. Position the ham fat-side up in a spacious roasting pan. Wrap the entire pan with aluminum foil to lock in all those delicious juices.

Step 2: Slow Roast The Centerpiece

Slide the wrapped ham into the oven. Let it transform slowly, allowing about 10-12 minutes of cooking per pound. An average ham will need roughly 1.5 hours to reach perfect tenderness.

Step 3: Craft The Magical Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Golden honey
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Tangy apple cider vinegar
• Warm cinnamon
• Fragrant cloves
• Spicy ginger
• Cracked black pepper

Heat the mixture, stirring occasionally until it bubbles cheerfully. Reduce heat and let it simmer, watching it thicken into a glossy coating.

Step 4: Transform With Glaze

Pull the ham from the oven and jack up the temperature to 400F. Generously paint half the glaze across the ham’s surface, making sure it seeps between slices. Return to the oven uncovered for 15 minutes. Repeat with remaining glaze, baking until the exterior turns a gorgeous caramelized bronze.

Step 5: Rest And Celebrate

Allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes, letting the juices redistribute. Slice and serve, drizzling any remaining pan glaze for extra excitement.

Pro Tip: For a show-stopping presentation, garnish with fresh herbs or citrus slices before bringing to the table.

Tips For The Best Glaze On Glazed Easter Ham

• Achieve Perfect Glaze Consistency: Simmer the glaze slowly to develop rich flavors and prevent burning, stirring occasionally to create a smooth, glossy texture that will beautifully coat the ham.
• Prevent Drying Out: Cover the ham with aluminum foil during initial baking to lock in moisture, ensuring a juicy and tender result that will impress your Easter guests.
• Maximize Flavor Penetration: Use a sharp knife to score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern, allowing the glaze to seep deeper and create a more intense, caramelized coating.
• Temperature Control Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 140F (60C) to guarantee perfectly cooked ham without overcooking or drying out.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify all glaze ingredients are gluten-free, especially the Dijon mustard, to make this recipe suitable for guests with gluten sensitivities.

How To Store Glazed Easter Ham Without Drying It Out

• Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
• Store the ham in an airtight container or sealed storage bag to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
• Freeze sliced or whole ham for up to two months – just wrap it securely in freezer-safe packaging to preserve its quality.
• When reheating, warm the ham gently in the oven at 325F, covering it with foil to keep the meat moist and prevent overcooking.
• For best results, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan to help retain moisture during reheating.
• Always slice ham just before serving to prevent it from drying out and to maintain its juicy, tender consistency.

Perfect Sides For Glazed Easter Ham

• Pair with Fruity White Wine: Grab a chilled Riesling or Gewürztraminer to complement the sweet and tangy glaze. These wines balance the ham's richness with their crisp, slightly sweet profile, creating a delightful flavor harmony.
• Match with Roasted Seasonal Vegetables: Serve roasted asparagus, carrots, or spring Brussels sprouts alongside the ham. The caramelized vegetables echo the glaze's depth and provide a perfect textural contrast to the tender meat.
• Create a Zesty Side Salad: Whip up a light citrus salad with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light vinaigrette. The bright, fresh flavors will cut through the ham's richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Complement with Sparkling Cider: Pour a crisp, cold sparkling apple cider that mirrors the apple cider vinegar in the glaze. Its effervescence and subtle sweetness will enhance the ham's complex flavor profile and provide a festive touch.

Delicious Variations Of Glazed Easter Ham You Can Try

• Citrus Zest Infusion: Add orange or lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the ham. The citrus notes will bring a fresh, spring-like essence to your Easter meal.
• Herb-Crusted Version: Mix chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage into the glaze for an aromatic herb dimension. Sprinkle some dried herb mix on top of the ham before final glazing to create a fragrant herbal crust.
• Smoky Maple Transformation: Replace honey with pure maple syrup and add a touch of smoked paprika to the glaze. This variation introduces a deep, smoky-sweet profile that elevates the traditional ham recipe with a complex flavor palette.
• Spicy Bourbon Kick: Incorporate a splash of bourbon and a pinch of cayenne pepper into the glaze for a bold, warming undertone. The alcohol will enhance the caramelization process while adding a subtle heat that complements the ham's natural sweetness.

Glazed Easter Ham Questions Answered

• Why should I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced, which helps the glaze penetrate between the layers, ensuring each slice is flavorful and evenly coated with the delicious sweet and spicy mixture.

• Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just reheat gently before brushing on the ham.

• Is it necessary to cover the ham with foil during initial baking?

Yes, covering the ham prevents it from drying out and helps it cook evenly, ensuring a moist and tender result. The foil also helps retain the ham’s natural juices.

• How do I know when the glaze is perfectly caramelized?

Look for a deep golden-brown color with slightly bubbling edges. The glaze should look glossy and stick nicely to the ham’s surface, creating a beautiful, appetizing finish.

Glazed Easter Ham Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Succulent honey-glazed Easter ham brings festive cheer to family gatherings with its golden-brown exterior and juicy interior. Generations of home cooks cherish this classic centerpiece that promises delightful flavors and memorable moments you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in spiral-cut ham

Sweeteners and Liquid Base:

• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice

Spices and Condiments:

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 325F (165C). Position the ham in a spacious roasting pan with the cut side facing downward, then shield the pan completely with aluminum foil.
2. Roast the ham for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, calculating total cooking time based on the ham’s weight. An 8-pound ham typically requires around 1 hour 20 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes of initial baking.
3. Craft the glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black pepper in a saucepan. Gently heat the mixture, stirring periodically until it reaches a rolling boil. Reduce the temperature and allow the glaze to simmer, thickening slightly for 5-7 minutes.
4. Carefully extract the ham from the oven and elevate the temperature to 400F (200C). Generously apply half of the prepared glaze, ensuring thorough coverage including the spaces between ham slices. Return the ham to the oven without foil and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Apply the remaining glaze, creating a rich, glossy coating. Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface caramelizes and develops a bubbling, golden-brown appearance.
6. Remove the ham from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute. Slice and serve while warm, drizzling any remaining pan glaze over the meat for extra flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the ham is at room temperature before baking to promote even cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Select a bone-in ham for richer flavor and more succulent meat that retains moisture during roasting.
• Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, aiming for 140F (60C) for perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Create a versatile glaze by substituting honey with maple syrup or agave for different dietary preferences or flavor variations.
• For a lower-sugar version, replace brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content by half without compromising taste.
• Prevent ham from drying by covering with foil during initial baking and basting with glaze periodically to lock in natural juices.
• Accommodate gluten-free diets by confirming Dijon mustard is gluten-free or using alternative mustard varieties.
• Add depth to the glaze by incorporating orange zest or a splash of bourbon for a gourmet twist that elevates traditional ham preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg