Let’s cut to the chase—when it comes to cooking up a storm, a beautifully glazed ham can be the crowning jewel of your dining table. Whether it’s a festive gathering or a cozy Sunday roast, mastering the ham glaze recipe can turn a simple meal into a spectacular feast. Here’s how you can transform that chunk of ham into a masterpiece that gets the taste buds dancing!
Recipe Overview
- Course: Main Dish
- Cuisine: Western
- Total Servings: 8-10
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before diving into the glazing process, let’s talk tools. You’ll need:
- Roasting pan
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up the most irresistible ham glaze:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ham (pre-cooked) | 1 whole (5-7 lbs) |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 3 tablespoons |
| Orange juice | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cinnamon | 1 teaspoon |
| Ground cloves | 1/2 teaspoon |
Fact: Did you know that the use of cloves in cooking dates back to over 2,000 years ago, prized both for its flavor and medicinal properties?
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line the roasting pan with foil and place the ham on it.
Note: Ensuring your ham is room temperature before cooking will help it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Whisk until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
Warning: Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent it from boiling over—it’s sugar-heavy, and it can happen quickly!
Step 3: Apply the First Glaze Layer
- Brush the ham generously with about half of the glaze.
- Tent the ham with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning.
Step 4: Begin Roasting
- Place the ham in the oven and roast for about 1 hour. Remember to baste the ham with the pan juices every 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Final Glaze
- Remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and roast for an additional 30 minutes, or until the exterior is caramelized and golden.
Fact: Glazing not only adds flavor but also creates a mesmerizingly shiny and sticky crust that is visually appealing and delicious.
Additional Tips
- Scoring the ham before applying the glaze can help the flavors penetrate more deeply.
- Allowing the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing can make it juicier.
Pairing Suggestions
Ham pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider the following:
- Scalloped potatoes
- Green beans almondine
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
Approximation Note: These values are approximations and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Dietary Information
This ham glaze recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free. For a lower sugar version, substitute honey with a sweetener like stevia or a sugar-free maple syrup.
FAQs about Ham Glaze Recipe
What can I substitute for honey in a ham glaze recipe?
You can use maple syrup or a sugar-free alternative if you’re watching your sugar intake.
How can I ensure my ham doesn’t dry out?
Keeping the ham covered with foil during the initial stages of roasting helps retain moisture.
Can I make the ham glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just warm it up before applying to the ham.
What’s the best way to store leftover glazed ham?
Wrap it tightly in foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Is this ham glaze recipe suitable for a diabetic diet?
While it’s on the sweeter side, using a sugar substitute can make it more diabetic-friendly.
Can I use this glaze on other meats?
Yes, it works wonderfully on pork loin or roasted chicken as well.
How do I know when my ham is perfectly cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
Conclusion
There you have it, a ham glaze recipe that’s both simple to execute and spectacular to serve. Remember, the key to a perfect glazed ham lies in the balance of sweetness and spices, and most importantly, cooking it with a whole lot of love and a bit of flair!
I’d love to hear how your ham turned out or any personal twists you added to the recipe. Drop your comments, questions, or feedback below, and let’s get the culinary conversation started!\
Check out some more delicious main dish recipes:
- Chipotle Chicken Recipe
- Chicken Tenderloin Recipes
- Chicken Quesadilla Recipe
- Biscuits and Gravy Recipe
- Ground Chicken Recipes
- Chuck Roast Recipes
Ham Glaze Recipe
Equipment
- Roasting pan
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Basting brush
- Meat thermometer
- Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 whole 5-7 lbs Ham (pre-cooked)
- 1 cup Brown sugar
- 1/2 cup Honey
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup Orange juice
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Line the roasting pan with foil and place the ham on it.
- Note: Ensuring your ham is room temperature before cooking will help it cook more evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Whisk until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
- Warning: Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent it from boiling over—it’s sugar-heavy, and it can happen quickly!
Step 3: Apply the First Glaze Layer
- Brush the ham generously with about half of the glaze.
- Tent the ham with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning.
Step 4: Begin Roasting
- Place the ham in the oven and roast for about 1 hour. Remember to baste the ham with the pan juices every 20 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Final Glaze
- Remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and roast for an additional 30 minutes, or until the exterior is caramelized and golden.
- Fact: Glazing not only adds flavor but also creates a mesmerizingly shiny and sticky crust that is visually appealing and delicious.
Notes
- Scoring the ham before applying the glaze can help the flavors penetrate more deeply.
- Allowing the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing can make it juicier.
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