5 Mouthwatering Baked Ham Recipes for Your Next Feast

When it comes to hosting a memorable feast, nothing says "celebration" quite like a perfectly baked ham. With its tender, juicy meat and a glaze that glistens in the light, ham is a centerpiece that's both impressive and incredibly satisfying. Whether you're celebrating Easter, Christmas, or just the gathering of friends and family, here are five mouthwatering baked ham recipes that will elevate your next dinner event.

1. Maple Glazed Ham with Cloves

Maple syrup adds a sweet, robust flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savory profile of a good ham.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole ham (approximately 7-9 pounds)
• 1 cup maple syrup
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• Whole cloves
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the ham by scoring the surface in a diamond pattern, and insert whole cloves at the intersections of the diamonds.
3. In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt. Heat until the sugar dissolves, making a glaze.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up, and brush generously with the glaze.
5. Bake for about 2 to 2.5 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Let the ham rest for 20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is as succulent as possible.

👉 Note: For a crisper glaze, broil the ham for the last 5 minutes, but watch it carefully to avoid burning.

2. Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham

This tropical twist on the classic baked ham brings a delightful contrast of sweet and tangy flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-cooked ham (approximately 8-10 pounds)
• 1 can (20 oz) pineapple slices in juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup pineapple juice (from the can)
• Maraschino cherries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Score the ham with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern, and insert pineapple slices between the cuts. Use toothpicks to secure the pineapples if necessary, and place a cherry in the center of each pineapple ring.
3. In a bowl, mix brown sugar and pineapple juice to create a glaze. Pour over the ham.
4. Bake for about 2 hours, basting frequently with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.

3. Bourbon Glazed Ham with Pecan Praline Topping

For those who enjoy a bit of flair in their flavors, this recipe introduces the rich taste of bourbon with a crunchy praline topping.

Ingredients:

• 1 bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
• ½ cup bourbon
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup pecans, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a saucepan, combine bourbon, brown sugar, mustard, and vinegar. Cook until thickened into a glaze.
3. Score the ham’s surface and apply the bourbon glaze.
4. Bake for 1 to 1.5 hours, basting occasionally with the glaze.
5. Mix pecans with the remaining glaze and press onto the top of the ham 15 minutes before removing it from the oven.

🧳 Note: Keep the oven door slightly ajar for the last 15 minutes to allow the steam to escape, helping to caramelize the pecan topping.

4. Honey Mustard and Rosemary Ham

This recipe combines the aromatic essence of rosemary with the sharp tang of mustard and sweetness of honey for a uniquely flavorful experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 smoked ham (7-8 pounds)
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup grainy mustard
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
• Zest of 1 orange

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. In a bowl, mix honey, mustard, rosemary, and orange zest.
3. Score the ham and rub the mixture all over, ensuring some gets into the cuts.
4. Bake for approximately 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes to keep it moist.
5. Let it rest before slicing to serve.

5. Spicy Brown Sugar and Ginger Glazed Ham

Infuse your feast with a bit of heat and complexity with this spicy glaze, highlighted by the zing of ginger.

Ingredients:

• 1 half ham (about 5-6 pounds)
• 1 cup dark brown sugar
• ½ cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (177°C).
2. Combine brown sugar, orange juice, ginger, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Score the ham and brush with the spicy glaze.
4. Bake for about 1.5 hours, basting regularly to keep the ham moist and to develop a rich crust.

Creating the perfect baked ham is an art form that involves balancing flavors and textures. Each of these recipes brings something unique to the table, from the comforting sweetness of maple syrup to the sophisticated kick of bourbon and pecans. Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or an impromptu gathering, these mouthwatering baked ham recipes are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.