If you're looking to impress at your next gathering, it's time to reflect on the art of baking ham. With options like maple glazed or spicy bourbon glazed, you can cater to a variety of tastes while ensuring a centerpiece that's both flavorful and visually appealing. Each recipe has its unique twist, offering not just a meal but an experience. You might be wondering how to achieve that perfect balance of sweetness and savory, or what sides pair best. Let's investigate these five standout recipes that could transform your holiday table.
Maple Glazed Baked Ham
Maple glazed baked ham is a delicious and festive dish that's perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The sweet and savory glaze improves the natural flavors of the ham, creating a tender and juicy centerpiece that will impress your guests.
This recipe is simple to follow and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a stress-free addition to your menu.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Whole cloves (for studding the ham, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves if desired.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the maple syrup, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush half of the glaze over the surface. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, until heated through and caramelized on the outside.
Extra Tips:
To guarantee the ham stays moist during cooking, consider adding a little water or apple juice to the bottom of the roasting pan. This will create steam in the oven and prevent the ham from drying out.
For a beautiful presentation, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes after baking before carving, allowing the juices to redistribute. You can also save the leftover glaze to drizzle over the slices when serving or use it as a marinade for other dishes.
Honey Mustard Baked Ham
Honey mustard baked ham is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey with the tang of mustard, creating a glaze that perfectly complements the savory flavor of the ham. This recipe is perfect for special occasions or holiday meals, and it will fill your home with an irresistible aroma as it bakes.
The caramelized exterior and juicy interior of the ham will surely impress your family and friends, making it a memorable centerpiece for your table.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Whole cloves (for studding the ham, optional)
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar to create the glaze. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves if desired.
Brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the final 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize and the ham to brown.
Extra Tips:
When selecting your ham, opt for a bone-in variety for added flavor and moisture.
If you're looking for a more intense flavor, consider letting the glazed ham rest overnight in the refrigerator before baking. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Additionally, using a meat thermometer can help verify your ham is heated through to a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Finally, save any leftover ham for sandwiches, salads, or soups, as it adds a wonderful taste to many dishes!
Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham
Pineapple Brown Sugar Ham is a delicious and festive dish that combines the savory flavor of ham with the sweet and tangy notes of pineapple and brown sugar. This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions, as it creates a mouthwatering centerpiece that's certain to impress your guests.
The combination of sweet and salty flavors makes every bite incredibly satisfying, and the glaze adds a beautiful caramelized finish to the ham.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup crushed pineapple (drained)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Whole cloves (for garnish, optional)
- Fresh pineapple slices (for garnish, optional)
Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart.
Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, cinnamon, and cloves until well combined.
Pour the glaze over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves in the intersections of the diamond pattern.
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly.
Additionally, consider using a meat thermometer to verify your ham is perfectly heated without overcooking.
If you want an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of dark rum or bourbon to the glaze.
Finally, don't forget to save the leftover ham for sandwiches or soups; it's just as delicious the next day!
Herb-Crusted Baked Ham
Herb-Crusted Baked Ham is a flavorful and festive dish that can uplift any holiday gathering or family dinner. This recipe combines the savory essence of fresh herbs with the rich, sweet flavor of the ham, resulting in a dish that isn't only visually stunning but also deliciously satisfying.
The herb crust creates a delightful texture that improves the meat's natural juiciness, making it a perfect centerpiece for your dining table.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cups fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking instructions: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep. In a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard and honey, then spread this mixture evenly over the surface of the ham.
In another bowl, combine the fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Press this herb mixture firmly onto the ham, making sure it sticks well to the mustard glaze.
Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the crust to brown.
Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving.
Extra tips: For an even more intense flavor, consider preparing the herb crust a day in advance and allowing it to marinate, which will help the flavors meld beautifully.
You can also experiment with different herbs based on your preference or seasonal availability. If you want to add a touch of sweetness, consider glazing the ham with a mixture of orange juice and brown sugar during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Always use a meat thermometer to verify the ham is cooked to the proper temperature, and remember to save the bone for making rich, flavorful stocks or soups!
Spicy Bourbon Glazed Ham
Spicy Bourbon Glazed Ham is a delightful twist on traditional ham recipes, combining sweet and spicy flavors that enhance any holiday table or family gathering. The rich, tangy glaze infused with bourbon not only adds depth but also creates a beautiful caramelized crust on the ham. This dish is easy to prepare and will impress your guests with its bold flavors and succulent texture.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
To prepare the Spicy Bourbon Glazed Ham, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, bourbon, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan. Brush half of the bourbon glaze over the ham, then cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes, removing the foil during the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
When cooking this dish, be sure to let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier ham.
Additionally, you can adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of cayenne pepper used in the glaze. For a deeper flavor, consider letting the glaze cool slightly before using it on the ham, allowing the spices to marinate and intensify.
Enjoy your Spicy Bourbon Glazed Ham with a side of roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete and satisfying meal!