Glazed Ham Recipe: Perfectly Sweet and Savory Delight

In the realm of festive meals, few dishes capture the essence of celebration quite like a perfectly glazed ham. Its inviting aroma, succulent texture, and that stunning, lacquered finish make it a centerpiece dish that's not just for Christmas or Easter, but can grace your dinner table for any special occasion. Whether you're hosting a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply wish to treat your loved ones to an extraordinary meal, this recipe for glazed ham will guide you step-by-step to create a dish that’s both sweet and savory, leaving a lasting impression on your guests.

Choosing the Right Ham

Not all hams are created equal, and choosing the right one is crucial for your dish:

• City Ham - Cured, fully cooked with a mild smoky flavor.
• Country Ham - Uncooked, salt-cured with a robust, sometimes tangy taste.
• Spiral Sliced - Pre-sliced for ease of serving, but ensure it’s unglazed.
• Bone-In vs. Boneless - Bone-in hams are generally more flavorful due to the bone imparting additional taste, but boneless are easier to carve.

When selecting your ham, consider both flavor profile and preparation ease for the best culinary outcome.

Preparing the Ham

Here’s how to ready your ham for that magnificent glaze:

1. Unwrap your ham and place it on a stable cutting board. If it’s not spiral-sliced, carefully score the skin in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate deeply.
2. Place cloves into the intersections of the diamond cuts. This isn’t just for aesthetics; cloves add a warm, spicy note to the ham’s flavor profile.
3. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the ham in a roasting pan, with the cut side down.

🍒 Note: Scoring the ham’s surface increases the surface area for glazing, leading to a better flavor infusion.

Ham Glaze Recipe

The glaze is what turns a good ham into a gloriously glazed ham. Here’s a simple yet delectable recipe:

• 1 cup of brown sugar
• ½ cup of honey
• ⅓ cup of orange juice or pineapple juice
• 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves (optional for an extra spice kick)

1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients over medium heat.
2. Stir occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is heated through, forming a smooth, syrupy consistency.
3. Remove from heat; this is your glaze ready to be applied to the ham.

Glazing and Cooking

Now, let’s glaze and cook your ham:

1. Baste the ham with about half of your glaze mixture before it enters the oven. Ensure an even coating.
2. Place the ham in the oven and allow it to bake for about 12-15 minutes per pound. Baste every 20-30 minutes with the pan juices or remaining glaze to build up that enviable, caramelized finish.
3. The ham should be cooked to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Remove from the oven, cover with foil, and let it rest for 15-20 minutes to reabsorb its juices.

Serving Suggestions

A delicious, glazed ham is versatile, complementing numerous side dishes:

• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole
• Green beans or asparagus with almonds
• Fruity sides like apple or pineapple salsa
• Salads for a lighter accompaniment

The glaze itself can be served as a sauce, or you might dilute it with pan juices to drizzle over the slices for an extra burst of flavor.

🍽️ Note: Resting the ham post-cooking helps redistribute the juices, ensuring a moist, flavorful bite.

To wrap up, creating a masterpiece with glazed ham is not just about following a recipe; it's about understanding the balance of flavors, the science of cooking, and the art of presentation. From the choice of ham to the careful preparation, glazing, and cooking, every step contributes to crafting a dish that embodies celebration. Remember, this recipe is not just about savory taste; it's about creating memories, tradition, and joy. Each slice of your glazed ham will be a testament to your culinary prowess, a visual and sensory delight that brings people together in the spirit of festivity. Whether you're a seasoned cook or stepping into the kitchen with fresh enthusiasm, this guide ensures your glazed ham will be remembered as the sweet and savory delight that made the day special.

What’s the difference between city ham and country ham?

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City ham is wet-cured, often fully cooked, and has a milder flavor, while country ham is dry-cured, uncooked, with a robust, salty taste. The choice depends on your flavor preference and preparation time.

Can I prepare the ham glaze in advance?

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Yes, you can prepare the glaze a day or two ahead. Store it in the fridge, and gently reheat when ready to use, as you’ll need it in a liquid form for easy application on the ham.

How do I know when my ham is cooked?

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Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the ham is heated through and has an internal heat of at least 165°F (75°C) if it wasn’t already cooked.

What can I do with leftover ham?

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Ham is incredibly versatile. Use it in omelets, sandwiches, soups, casseroles, or make a ham and cheese quiche. You can also freeze the leftovers for future meals.