Oh, the magic of a perfectly glazed ham! Seriously, get that glistening, sweet, and savory masterpiece on your table, and everyone just lights up. It’s the centerpiece that just screams ‘special occasion!’ This recipe? Trust me, it’s my secret weapon for making holidays and family get-togethers absolutely shine without tearing my hair out. I remember making this glazed ham for my dad’s big 60th birthday bash, and the rave reviews? Chef’s kiss! It’s incredibly simple but tastes like you spent hours slaving away. That’s the beauty of a good glazed ham recipe – pure deliciousness without the fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Glazed Ham
This isn’t your fancy-pants, multi-day affair, nope! This glazed ham is all about making your life easier while still wowing everyone. Here’s why you’ll totally dig it:
- Super Easy to Make: Seriously, a few whisked ingredients and you’re basically done.
- Amazing Flavor: That sweet, tangy, savory glaze? It’s pure comfort food magic.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Holidays, Sunday dinner, *any* time you want something special without the stress.
- Minimal Ingredients: You probably have most of what you need in your pantry right now!
- Looks Gorgeous: That glossy finish makes it the star of any table.
- Crowd-Pleaser Guaranteed: Even picky eaters go nuts for this one.
Ingredients for Your Glazed Ham
Okay, so the best part about this super simple glazed ham is that it doesn’t need a million fussy ingredients. Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff lurking in your kitchen already! Here’s what you’ll need to grab to make that magic happen:
- One (around 8-10 pound) fully cooked ham – I usually go for a bone-in one, but boneless works great too!
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – make sure it’s packed down in there for the best flavor!
- 1/4 cup honey – this makes the glaze so wonderfully sticky and sweet.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard – gives it just a tiny little kick to balance the sweet.
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice – don’t skip this! It adds a lovely subtle fruity note that goes perfectly with ham.
That’s it! See? So easy. It’s amazing what a few simple ingredients can do.
Essential Equipment for Making Glazed Ham
Alright, you don’t need a whole fancy kitchen setup for this glazed ham, thank goodness! Just a few trusty tools will get you there and make everything so much easier. You’ll definitely want a good roasting pan – big enough to give that ham some breathing room. A small mixing bowl is perfect for whipping up that glorious glaze, and you’ll need a whisk to make sure it’s nice and smooth. And of course, a basting brush is your best friend for getting that sticky glaze all over everything!
How to Prepare the Perfect Glazed Ham
Alright, let’s get this ham ready to rock and roll! Making a fabulous glazed ham is honestly one of those things that feels super impressive but is actually a breeze. I love this part – it’s when the magic really starts to happen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a showstopper without breaking a sweat. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
Prepping Your Glazed Ham
First things first, let’s get that oven warmed up! We’re aiming for a nice, steady 325°F (160°C). While that’s heating, unwrap your beautiful ham and pop it right into your roasting pan. Make sure it’s snug in there, ready for its flavor bath. Oh, and if your ham has one of those thick, tough skins, now’s the time to score it in a diamond pattern – it helps the glaze get all the way in!
Creating the Delicious Glaze for Your Ham
Now for the best part: the glaze! Grab a small bowl and toss in your packed brown sugar, that lovely honey, the Dijon mustard for a little zing, and the pineapple juice. Take your whisk and just go to town, mixing it all up until it’s smooth and gorgeous. You want it to be a consistent, syrupy mixture that’s begging to be brushed onto that ham. It’s going to smell amazing already!
Baking and Basting Your Glazed Ham
Time to get this beauty in the oven! Brush about HALF of that incredible glaze all over the ham. Then, slide it into your preheated oven to bake for about an hour. Here’s the crucial bit: every 20 minutes, pull it out and give it a good basting with the rest of that luscious glaze. This is what makes it so shiny and flavorful, and honestly, it’s kind of therapeutic! Pouring that sticky goodness over the top is my favorite part. It really locks in all those yummy flavors and gives the ham that irresistible glossy finish. You can even peek at that turkey recipe I have for basting tips; it’s the same idea!
Checking for Doneness and Resting Your Glazed Ham
After that hour of baking and basting, it’s time to check if your ham is perfectly heated through. You want it to reach an internal temperature of about 140°F (60°C). If it’s not quite there yet, just pop it back in and keep an eye on it. Once it hits the magic number, pull it out of the oven. Now, this next part is super important: let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes before you even *think* about carving. This lets all those juices redistribute, so your slices are perfectly moist and tender. Patience is key here; it’s worth it!
Tips for the Best Glazed Ham
Alright, you’ve got the basics down for this amazing glazed ham, but let me give you a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years. These little tricks really take your ham from “good” to “OMG, I need more!”
First off, that rind thing? If your ham has a thick skin, scoring it in a diamond pattern before you even start glazing is a MUST. It lets all that sweet, sticky goodness penetrate deep into the meat. Trust me on this one!
For an extra-crispy, caramelized finish that’s just irresistible, try the broiling trick. In the last 2 or 3 minutes of cooking, pop the oven onto broil. Keep a super close eye on it – hams can go from perfectly glazed to burnt in about 30 seconds! It’s a little risky, but oh-so-worth-it for that extra layer of flavor and texture. And if your glaze seems a little too thin after mixing, just whisk in a tiny bit more brown sugar; if it’s too thick, a splash more pineapple juice will do the trick. Happy ham-making!
Serving Suggestions for Glazed Ham
Now that you’ve got this absolutely gorgeous glazed ham ready to go, what are you going to serve it with? Oh, the possibilities! You want sides that complement that sweet and savory goodness without being too overpowering. My go-to is always a big scoop of my creamy garlic mashed potatoes – they’re just a classic for a reason, and that garlicky richness is divine with ham. And for something lighter and totally fresh, I love to whip up a big bowl of my Thanksgiving salad; it’s packed with flavor and adds a lovely crunch. Honestly, any roasted veggies or a good crusty bread would be amazing too!
Storage and Reheating Your Glazed Ham
Got some delicious glazed ham leftovers? Lucky you! To keep your amazing ham tasting its best, wrap it up nice and tight in plastic wrap or foil, or pop it into an airtight container. It’ll stay perfectly delightful in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, you can gently warm it in a covered baking dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes per pound. You can even add a little extra glaze or a splash of broth to keep it nice and moist. Just make sure it’s heated through before serving again!
Frequently Asked Questions about Glazed Ham
Got questions about making the most amazing glazed ham? I totally get it! Here are a few things folks often ask, and my two cents on them.
Can I use a different type of ham?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. A bone-in ham usually has a bit more flavor and moisture because of the bone, but a boneless ham works like a charm too and can be easier to carve. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if your ham is a different size than suggested. For a thick rind, remember to score it!
How long does it take to cook a Glazed Ham?
The recipe calls for about an hour of baking time, with basting every 20 minutes. That said, cooking times can vary depending on the size and type of ham. The best rule of thumb is to use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). That’s your golden ticket to a perfectly cooked, juicy glazed ham!
What if my glaze is too thin?
No worries if your glaze is a bit on the runny side! The easiest fix is to just add a little more packed brown sugar, about a tablespoon at a time, whisking it in until it thickens up. If it’s too thick, a tiny splash of pineapple juice or even a bit of water can help thin it out to that perfect, brushable consistency.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Glazed Ham
Now, before you dive in, just a heads-up that these numbers are approximate, okay? Because ham sizes, brands, and even how much glaze you *really* slather on can change things up a bit! But based on our recipe, a 4 oz serving will generally give you around 350 calories, with about 18g of fat and 28g of carbs. You’ll also get a good dose of protein, around 20g. It’s a hearty dish, for sure!
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Simple Glazed Ham
- Total Time: 1 hr 40 min
- Yield: 10-12 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A straightforward recipe for a delicious glazed ham, perfect for holidays or any special occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice to create the glaze.
- Brush about half of the glaze over the ham.
- Bake for 1 hour, basting with the remaining glaze every 20 minutes.
- If the ham is not fully heated through, continue baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Notes
- For a crispier glaze, you can broil the ham for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, watching it closely to prevent burning.
- If your ham has a thick rind, score it in a diamond pattern before applying the glaze.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 1 hr 30 min
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
