Glazed Ham

That giant piece of meat is less scary than it looks. This glazed ham recipe is your ticket to a perfect holiday centerpiece.

You start with a fully cooked ham. Then you blanket it in a sweet, sticky, and savory glaze. The oven does most of the work for you.

The result is a gorgeous ham with a caramelized crust and juicy, flavorful meat inside.

It is much easier than cooking a turkey. You will look like a professional chef with minimal effort.

What Makes This Recipe So Great

This ham is juicy, sweet, and savory all at once.

The glossy, caramelized glaze is both beautiful and delicious.

The recipe is simple and almost impossible to mess up. You get an impressive main dish that feeds a crowd with ease.

Ingredient Notes

• Ham: Buy a fully cooked, bone-in ham. A spiral-cut ham works very well and makes serving easy. The size depends on your guest count.

• Brown Sugar: This is the base of the glaze and creates a beautiful crust. Light or dark brown sugar will work.

• Dijon Mustard: The mustard adds a sharp, savory note that balances the sweet glaze. Do not use yellow mustard.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You use a pre-cooked ham, so you just need to heat and glaze it.

• The glaze uses simple ingredients you probably already have.

• The leftovers are fantastic for sandwiches and other meals.

How To Make Glazed Ham

Ingredients

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

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat-side down.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife.
4. Cover the ham tightly with foil.
5. Bake the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until heated through.
6. Whisk the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, juice, and vinegar in a saucepan.
7. Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
8. Remove the ham from the oven 30 minutes before the total cooking time is up.
9. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
10. Remove the foil from the ham.
11. Brush a thick layer of the glaze all over the ham.
12. Return the ham to the hot oven, uncovered.
13. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
14. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.

Cook and Prep Times

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 2 hours 30 minutes (for a 10lb ham)
• Additional Time: 20 minutes (resting)
• Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes

Nutrition Information

Servings: 20

• Calories: 280
• Fat: 8g
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Helpful Tips

• Use the pan drippings and a little water to make a simple gravy.

• Baste the ham with the glaze every 5 minutes during the final baking for a extra-sticky crust.

• Let the ham rest before slicing for juicier meat.

Expert Tips for Perfect Results

1. Stud the ham with whole cloves at the cross-sections of the scoring for a classic look and flavor.

2. Add a quarter cup of bourbon or maple syrup to the glaze for a deeper flavor.

3. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Serving Suggestions

Carve the ham and serve it warm with scalloped potatoes and green beans. The leftovers make incredible sandwiches the next day.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Reheat slices in a skillet with a splash of water to keep them moist, or in the oven at 325°F until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “scoring the ham” mean?

Scoring means cutting shallow slashes in a diamond pattern on the ham’s surface. This allows the glaze to penetrate and creates more surface area for caramelization.

Can I use a boneless ham?

You can use a boneless ham. The cooking time may be slightly less, so use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.

My glaze is burning. What should I do?

If the glaze starts to burn, tent the ham loosely with foil. The high heat in the final stage is meant to caramelize, not burn, the sugar.

Final Thoughts

This glazed ham recipe is a reliable and impressive choice for a holiday meal.

The process is straightforward and the results are always delicious. The final product is a beautiful, flavorful centerpiece that everyone will enjoy.

You will love the combination of the sweet glaze and savory ham.

This recipe takes the stress out of cooking a big meal. It is a classic for a very good reason.