The aroma of a perfectly glazed ham can turn any ordinary meal into a festive celebration, particularly during the holiday season. Cloves, with their warm and aromatic essence, add a distinctive and rich flavor to the traditional ham. Here, we present five unique clove ham recipes that will enhance your holiday feast, providing an array of flavors from the subtle to the bold. Whether you're hosting a grand family gathering or seeking a new twist for a cozy meal, these recipes will elevate your culinary game and bring a delightful sensory experience to your table.
Clove and Maple Glazed Ham
The blend of maple syrup’s sweet richness with cloves’ potent aroma creates a perfect glaze for your holiday ham.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked ham
- 1 cup maple syrup
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper
To prepare, preheat your oven to 325°F. Combine the glaze ingredients in a saucepan, simmer until thickened, then score the ham in a diamond pattern and apply the glaze. Bake until the ham is warmed through and the glaze is bubbly and caramelized.
Clove-Infused Citrus Ham
This recipe gives ham a fresh and tangy twist with citrus fruits.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Ingredients:
- 1 spiral-sliced ham
- 1⁄2 cup orange juice
- 1⁄4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
Start by mixing the orange juice, lemon juice, ground cloves, and sugar in a bowl. Score the ham, then brush the citrus-clove mixture over it. Bake in a preheated oven at 325°F until it achieves a caramelized crust.
Savory Spice Rubbed Ham with Cloves
For those who prefer savory flavors, this recipe adds a complex layer of spices.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ham
- 2 tablespoons whole cloves
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1⁄4 cup olive oil
Mix the spices, then rub the ham all over with the mixture after inserting whole cloves into the ham. Let it sit before baking for a richly flavored crust.
Clove and Pineapple Ham Bake
A combination of sweet pineapple and the warm aroma of cloves make for a delightful baked ham.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ingredients:
- 1 canned pineapple slices (drained)
- 1⁄2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1⁄2 cup pineapple juice
- Maraschino cherries
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Secure pineapple slices and cherries on the ham with toothpicks. Combine sugar, cloves, and juice for a glaze, pour over the ham, and bake.
Clove-Enhanced Molasses Glazed Ham
The deep, earthy flavor of molasses pairs wonderfully with the zesty punch of cloves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Ingredients:
- 1 pre-cooked ham
- 1⁄2 cup molasses
- 1 tablespoon ground cloves
- 1⁄4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
Mix all glaze ingredients in a saucepan, heat to dissolve sugar, then glaze the ham and bake until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
⭐ Note: When inserting cloves into ham, make sure to remove them before slicing to avoid an overly intense flavor in single bites.
🍽️ Note: Leftover ham can be repurposed into soups, salads, or sandwiches, ensuring no waste from your festive meal.
In summary, these five clove ham recipes offer something for every palate, turning your holiday feast into a memorable experience with unique flavor profiles. From the sweet notes of maple and pineapple to the savory depth of spice rubs, and the tangy twist of citrus, these recipes showcase cloves in various delightful forms. Choose one or surprise your guests by offering a sampler of all these variations, ensuring a feast that will be talked about well after the holidays. Remember to infuse the right amount of cloves to balance the flavor, keeping your ham moist and flavorful, a true centerpiece for your holiday table.
Can I use whole cloves instead of ground cloves for these recipes?
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Yes, you can use whole cloves. Insert them into the ham for flavor during baking or grind them for use in glazes and rubs.
How long should I bake my ham?
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The baking time depends on the size of the ham and whether it’s pre-cooked. A general guideline for a pre-cooked ham is 10 to 15 minutes per pound at 325°F.
What can I do with leftover ham?
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Utilize leftover ham in omelets, pasta dishes, ham and bean soup, or make ham salads for sandwiches.
