Introduction

This Glazed Ham recipe delivers a perfectly caramelized, juicy centerpiece for your holiday table. The sweet and savory glaze creates a beautiful crust while keeping the meat incredibly tender. For another festive treat that’s easy to prepare, try the Christmas Crack Saltine Toffee Recipe. Both dishes are sure to become seasonal favorites.

Ingredients

This glazed ham recipe creates a stunning centerpiece with a sweet, glossy crust and juicy, tender meat that will fill your kitchen with incredible aromas.

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (or orange juice)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Timing

Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time	2 hours 50 minutes

Context: This Glazed Ham recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes due to its simplified glaze and cooking method.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Ham

Remove your ham from its packaging and place it cut-side down in a roasting pan. If using a spiral-cut ham, separate the slices slightly to allow the glaze to penetrate. Score the surface in a diamond pattern for better glaze absorption.

Step 2 — Preheat and Position

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to ensure even cooking. Place the ham in the pan with the flat side down for stability during roasting.

Step 3 — Create the Glaze

Combine 1 cup brown sugar, ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and ¼ cup pineapple juice in a saucepan. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. This sweet and tangy glaze will caramelize beautifully on your ham.

Step 4 — Initial Baking

Bake the ham uncovered for 1½ to 2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound). For a fully cooked ham, you’re heating it to 140°F internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching bone.

Step 5 — Apply First Glaze Layer

Remove the ham from oven when it reaches 130°F. Brush half of the glaze evenly over the entire surface. Return to oven for 15 minutes to set the glaze. The sugar will begin to caramelize and create a sticky coating.

Step 6 — Final Glazing

Apply the remaining glaze and continue baking for another 15-20 minutes. Watch for the glaze to bubble and darken to a rich golden brown. The internal temperature should now reach 140°F for perfect serving temperature.

Step 7 — Rest Before Carving

Transfer the glazed ham to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender meat and easier carving.

Step 8 — Carve and Serve

Carve your glazed ham by cutting perpendicular to the bone for traditional slices, or follow the natural spiral cuts if using a spiral ham. Serve warm with the pan drippings spooned over individual portions.

Nutritional Information

Calories	210
Protein	18g
Carbohydrates	12g
Fat	9g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	890mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey breast — A leaner protein option that absorbs the glaze beautifully while reducing fat content.
• Pork tenderloin — Offers a similar flavor profile with less fat than traditional ham cuts.
• Maple syrup or sugar-free syrup — Provides natural sweetness with lower glycemic impact than brown sugar glaze.
• Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos — Delivers savory depth while significantly cutting sodium content.
• Dijon mustard instead of honey mustard — Adds tangy complexity without added sugars often found in honey mustard.
• Olive oil or avocado oil — A heart-healthy fat alternative to butter for dairy-free preparations.
• Apple cider vinegar or citrus juice — Brightens the glaze with acidity instead of relying solely on sugar for flavor balance.
• Fresh herbs and spices — Boost flavor intensity without adding sodium, perfect for low-sodium Glazed Ham variations.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair your Glazed Ham with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted green beans with almonds, or creamy macaroni and cheese.
• Serve this Glazed Ham for holiday gatherings such as Easter, Christmas dinner, or a festive family brunch.
• Transform leftovers into delicious sandwiches, ham and cheese sliders, or dice for a hearty breakfast hash.
• Accompany with sweet and tangy condiments like honey mustard, cranberry sauce, or a spiced apple chutney.
• Create a beautiful holiday centerpiece by garnishing the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and whole cloves.
• For a lighter meal, serve thin slices of Glazed Ham alongside a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.

A perfectly cooked Glazed Ham is a versatile centerpiece that shines at any celebratory meal, offering rich flavor that pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory accompaniments.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a pre-sliced ham, which dries out during baking. Fix: Keep the ham whole and slice after glazing and resting for maximum juiciness.
• Mistake: Applying glaze at the beginning, causing it to burn. Fix: Brush on the sugary glaze during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
• Mistake: Skipping the scoring step, preventing glaze penetration. Fix: Score the fat in a diamond pattern to create pockets for the glaze to soak in.
• Mistake: Overcooking the ham, leading to a tough, dry texture. Fix: Use a meat thermometer and remove from oven at 140°F (60°C); carryover cooking will raise it to 145°F.
• Mistake: Not tenting with foil, resulting in uneven cooking. Fix: Loosely tent the ham with foil for most of the baking time to retain moisture.
• Mistake: Pouring glaze over rather than brushing, creating pools. Fix: Use a pastry brush to apply an even, thin layer for perfect caramelization.
• Mistake: Skipping the resting period, causing juices to run out. Fix: Let the glazed ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to redistribute juices.
• Mistake: Using a glaze that’s too thin, so it slides off. Fix: Simmer your glaze until it thickens slightly to a syrup-like consistency that clings.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Refrigerate leftover Glazed Ham within 2 hours of cooking. Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Freeze Glazed Ham in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat sliced Glazed Ham in a covered baking dish with a bit of broth or water at 325°F until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.

Always use a food thermometer to ensure your Glazed Ham is reheated to a safe temperature before serving.

Conclusion

This Glazed Ham recipe delivers a perfectly sweet and savory centerpiece for any special occasion. For delicious ways to use leftover ham, try this Ham and Bean Soup or this comforting Split Pea Soup. Give this Glazed Ham a try and share your results in the comments below!

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Orange Marmalade Glazed Ham

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A sweet and savory glazed ham recipe featuring orange marmalade, perfect for special occasions.

• Author: Molly Yeh
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes
• Yield: 8-10 1x
• Method: Main Course
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (4-6 pound) bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Rosemary sprigs and orange slices for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
2. In a liquid measuring cup, whisk together marmalade, mustard, brown sugar, vinegar, coriander, ginger, allspice, and black pepper.
3. Spoon off about 1/4 cup of the pan juices from the ham and whisk into the glaze mixture.
4. Brush about half of the glaze all over the ham.
5. Continue to bake, brushing the ham with the glaze twice more until the surface is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
6. Transfer the ham to a cutting board or platter and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

This recipe is ideal for holidays or special occasions. Ensure the pan doesn’t dry out by adding water if necessary. Serve with rosemary and orange slices for a beautiful presentation.

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 15
• Sodium: 1000
• Fat: 20
• Saturated Fat: 7
• Unsaturated Fat: 10
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 25
• Fiber: 0
• Protein: 30
• Cholesterol: 60

FAQs

What is the best type of ham to use for a glazed ham?

Use a fully cooked, bone-in ham for the best flavor and texture. This type of ham is forgiving and absorbs the glaze beautifully, ensuring a moist and delicious Glazed Ham.