Honey Baked Ham: Perfect for Gatherings and Celebrations
Honey baked ham is a deliciously sweet and savory dish that often graces the tables of festive occasions and family gatherings. This delightful recipe transforms a fully cooked ham into a glazed masterpiece, creating a perfect balance of flavors that everyone will love. The honey glaze adds a touch of sweetness while enhancing the natural flavors of the ham.
Why you’ll love it
This honey baked ham recipe is not only easy to prepare, but it also yields impressive results. The sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a mouthwatering crust. Not to mention, it serves as an impressive centerpiece for holiday feasts, parties, or special celebrations. Plus, it’s a fully cooked ham, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Substitutions & key variations
If you’re looking for alternatives or variations, consider using maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile. You can also swap the Dijon mustard for yellow mustard if you prefer a milder taste. For those who want to reduce sugar, try using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of brown sugar in the glaze. Additionally, you can experiment with different spices, such as nutmeg, for added warmth.
Step-by-step
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This will ensure your ham cooks evenly and allows the glaze to caramelize properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place your fully cooked ham in a roasting pan. Make sure it’s positioned with the cut side facing down to keep it moist while baking.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger. Stir until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Brush the honey glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into any nooks and crannies. This glaze will form a lovely crust as the ham bakes.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes. This will keep the ham juicy and enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Caramelize the Glaze
In the last 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil. This allows the glaze to caramelize and gives the ham a beautiful golden-brown finish.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham easier to slice.
Success tips
- Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) when fully heated.
- Texture: The ham should be moist and tender. If it’s overcooked, it can become dry, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid skipping the basting step, as this helps keep the ham juicy and flavorful. Also, remember to let the ham rest before slicing to retain its natural juices.
How to serve
Honey baked ham is best served warm, thinly sliced. It makes a delightful main course at dinner and pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also use leftovers in sandwiches or as an addition to breakfast dishes like omelets.
Storage & reheating
Store any leftover honey baked ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ham?
Yes, you can use a spiral-cut ham, bone-in, or boneless ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size of the ham.
How do I know when the ham is done baking?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance, just make sure to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
Nutrition notes / equivalents
This honey baked ham provides a good source of protein and essential vitamins. The glaze adds sugar and calories, so if you are watching your sugar intake, consider adjusting the recipe accordingly.
Conclusion
Honey baked ham is a classic recipe that’s perfect for any celebration. Its deliciously sweet glaze and tender meat make it a favorite among both hosts and guests. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. Try it for your next holiday meal, and watch it become a staple in your cooking repertoire!
Links to related recipes
- Maple Glazed Carrots
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Creamy Scalloped Potatoes
- Fruit Salad with Honey Dressing
- Classic Green Bean Casserole
Honey Baked Ham
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole fully cooked ham Any type of fully cooked ham can be used.
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup honey For sweetness and glaze.
- ½ cup brown sugar For added sweetness and caramelization.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard Adds tanginess to the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon For warmth and flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves For depth of flavor.
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger Adds warmth to the glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place your fully cooked ham in a roasting pan with the cut side facing down.
- In a small bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground ginger until smooth.
Baking
- Brush the honey glaze over the entire surface of the ham.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the pan juices every 30 minutes.
- During the last 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Serving
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.