đ§âđł Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
a. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This moderate temperature allows the ham to cook slowly and evenly, ensuring it remains juicy.
b. Trim the Ham:
If youâre using a whole ham (not spiral-cut), use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham. Make shallow cuts in a crisscross pattern across the top of the ham. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and creates an attractive presentation once itâs done.
Trim any excess fat to avoid an overly greasy result. Leave about Âź inch of fat to help with flavor and moisture retention.
c. Season the Ham:
Rub the ham with kosher salt and black pepper to season it evenly. The salt enhances the flavor of the meat, and the pepper adds a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
d. Sear the Ham (Optional):
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ham and sear the surface for 3-4 minutes on each side. This caramelizes the outside slightly and adds a nice texture.
Once seared, transfer the ham to a roasting pan or baking dish with the fat side up.
2. Prepare the Glaze
a. Combine the Glaze Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, cinnamon, ground cloves, orange zest, and orange juice. Stir everything together over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
b. Simmer and Thicken:
Bring the glaze to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, dissolve 1 tablespoon of cornstarch in a small amount of water and add it to the glaze. Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
c. Taste and Adjust:
Taste the glaze and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed. If you want it sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer a bit more tang, a splash of vinegar or more orange juice will do the trick.
3. Glaze the Ham
a. Coat the Ham with the Glaze:
Once the ham is seared and the glaze is ready, generously brush the glaze over the surface of the ham. Make sure to coat it evenly, getting into the scored areas. If you have extra glaze, reserve it for later basting.
b. Bake the Ham:
Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the reserved glaze. This helps build up layers of flavor and allows the glaze to caramelize onto the surface of the ham.
If the ham is getting too brown, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil and continue baking until done.
c. Check for Doneness:
The ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer. A fully cooked ham is already safe to eat, so the goal is to heat it through and allow the glaze to form a beautiful, sticky coating.
4. Rest and Serve the Ham
a. Let the Ham Rest:
Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the ham stays moist and tender when sliced.
b. Slice the Ham:
Using a sharp carving knife, slice the ham into ½-inch slices or thicker, depending on your preference. The slices should be tender and juicy, with a nice caramelized glaze on top.
c. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish the ham with fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for a burst of color. You can also decorate the serving platter with sliced oranges or pineapple rings for a festive touch.
Serve the ham with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Tips for Perfect Glazed Ham
1. Choose the Right Ham:
Bone-in ham tends to have more flavor and juiciness than boneless options, but boneless hams are easier to carve. Spiral-cut ham is convenient for easy slicing, and itâs already partially cooked, making it a quick and easy option for busy cooks.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients:
Fresh orange juice and zest elevate the flavor of the glaze and add a wonderful citrusy note. If possible, use fresh ingredients to get the most vibrant flavors.
3. Baste Frequently:
To get a thick, caramelized glaze on the ham, make sure to baste it frequently. Every 20 minutes should be enough to create a nice sticky glaze, but donât be afraid to brush more on if needed.
4. Resting the Ham Is Key:
Allow the ham to rest after itâs out of the oven. Resting ensures that the juices stay inside the meat, preventing it from drying out when you slice it.
5. Check the Temperature:
The glaze is important, but itâs the internal temperature of the ham that ensures it’s fully cooked. Make sure it reaches 140°F (60°C) before removing it from the oven. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate reading.
Serving Suggestions
This glazed ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are a few ideas:
1. Mashed Potatoes:
Creamy mashed potatoes, either plain or with roasted garlic, complement the savory sweetness of the ham and soak up the delicious glaze.
2. Roasted Vegetables:
Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes add color and flavor to your meal. The caramelized edges of the veggies go wonderfully with the ham.
3. Fresh Salad:
A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, sweet ham.
4. Cornbread or Dinner Rolls:
Soft, fluffy cornbread or freshly baked dinner rolls are perfect for mopping up the extra glaze on your plate.
Why Youâll Love This Glazed Ham
1. Easy to Make:
Despite its appearance, this glazed ham is surprisingly easy to prepare. The slow roasting method in the oven does most of the work for you.
2. Flavorful:
The sweet and savory glaze gives the ham a rich, deep flavor thatâs both comforting and mouthwatering. The layers of glaze that form as you baste the ham will have everyone asking for seconds.
3. Impressive Presentation:
A glazed ham makes for an impressive centerpiece at any gathering. Its caramelized, shiny exterior and tender slices will leave a lasting impression on your guests.
4. Versatile:
You can customize the glaze with different flavors like pineapple, brown sugar, or even a splash of bourbon for an extra kick. The basic concept can be adapted to suit your preferences.
Conclusion
This glazed ham is an absolute showstopper. With a beautifully caramelized crust, tender meat, and a rich, flavorful glaze, itâs the perfect dish to serve for any special occasion. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering or simply for a Sunday dinner, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Thanks to the easy oven method, youâll have a delicious meal with minimal hands-on time, leaving you free to enjoy the company of your family and friends. So next time you’re looking for an impressive and flavorful main dish, reach for this glazed ham recipeâyou wonât regret it!
