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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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