Easter Ham Recipe: Easy, Delicious Holiday Glaze

In the realm of holiday feasts, Easter brings with it a tradition of celebration and delicious meals. One of the stars of the Easter table is undoubtedly the glazed ham. Whether you're hosting a large family gathering or preparing a cozy dinner for a few, a beautifully glazed ham is both a showstopper and an easy way to impress. Let's dive into an easy Easter ham recipe with a delicious glaze that will make your holiday feast memorable.

Ingredients

Before we start, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 fully-cooked bone-in ham (7-10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¹⁄₂ cup honey
• ¹⁄₄ cup Dijon mustard
• ¹⁄₄ cup pineapple juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pineapple rings and maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)

Preparation

Preparing your ham is straightforward, but here are the steps to ensure perfection:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down, with about ¹⁄₂ cup of water to keep the moisture in.
3. If your ham has a rind, remove it, but leave the fat layer intact for basting. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
4. Stud the ham with whole cloves where the lines of the diamonds intersect if you want the traditional look (this is optional).

Making the Glaze

The glaze is what will turn your ham from good to extraordinary. Here’s how to make it:

• In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth. Do not let it boil; you just want to melt everything together.

Cooking and Glazing

The glazing process gives your ham its signature glossy and flavorful finish:

1. Apply the first coat of glaze: After about 1 hour of baking, remove the ham from the oven. Brush or pour over the first coat of glaze generously.
2. Return the ham to the oven and continue baking. Apply more glaze every 20-30 minutes.
3. After approximately 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), the ham should be nicely glazed and the center should be hot.
4. If using, decorate with pineapple rings and cherries, securing them with toothpicks.

Resting and Serving

Letting the ham rest is crucial for an optimal texture:

• Remove the ham from the oven, cover it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the glaze to set.
• Slice and serve: Cut the ham across the grain into thin slices and arrange on a serving platter. The pineapple and cherries will add a pop of color and flavor.

To summarize, this easter ham recipe involves gathering simple ingredients, preparing the ham, crafting a luscious glaze, and baking to perfection. Here are some notes to enhance your experience:

💡 Note: If your glaze is too thick, add a bit more pineapple juice or water to thin it out. If too thin, simmer it longer to reduce.

In wrapping up this guide, remember that making a glazed ham for Easter is not just about feeding your guests, but also about creating a festive atmosphere with a dish that’s rich in flavor and tradition. From the honey-brown sugar glaze to the optional garnish, every element adds to the magic of your holiday meal.

How do I know when my ham is done?

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A fully-cooked ham is safe to eat as is, but for this recipe, it should be heated through to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for best texture and flavor.

Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

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Yes, a spiral-cut ham works well with this recipe. Just be cautious not to over-glaze, as the slices might get too sticky.

What are some glaze alternatives if someone can’t eat pineapple?

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Consider using orange juice, apple cider, or even a bourbon-based glaze for a different but equally delicious flavor.