Family Favorite Glazed Ham: A Succulent, Sweet & Savory Masterpiece 🍖✨🍯

1. Introduction

Nothing brings a family together quite like a beautifully glazed ham, glistening with a sweet and savory coating that caramelizes to perfection. This Family Favorite Glazed Ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for holidays, Sunday dinners, or any special occasion. The combination of brown sugar, honey, and mustard creates a glaze that enhances the natural flavors of the ham while keeping it juicy and tender.

Looking for more delicious dinner ideas? Check out our collection of easy dinner recipes that will impress your family and guests!

This easy-to-follow glazed ham recipe ensures a show-stopping centerpiece for your table. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or simply craving a comforting meal, this dish delivers every time. The recipe we’re sharing today has been perfected over years of family gatherings and special occasions, and we’re excited to pass it along to you. For those who love experimenting with flavors, you might also enjoy our Korean Ground Beef Bowl which offers a completely different but equally delicious flavor profile.

Let’s dive into the step-by-step guide to making this irresistible Family Favorite Glazed Ham!

2. Ingredients

Before we begin, let’s gather all the ingredients you’ll need for this mouthwatering glazed ham. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – most of these ingredients are pantry staples you probably already have on hand. For more hearty meal options, browse our selection of beef recipes that pair wonderfully with this ham.

• 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham (the bone adds incredible flavor)
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed (for that rich caramel flavor)
• ½ cup honey (we recommend local honey for the best taste)
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard (this adds the perfect tangy balance)
• 1 tsp ground cloves (for warm, aromatic notes)
• Whole cloves (for studding – about 20-30 depending on ham size)
• ½ cup pineapple juice (or apple juice for slightly different sweetness)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (this helps balance the sweetness)

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This moderate temperature ensures even cooking without drying out your ham. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a rack in a large roasting pan, fat side up. The rack allows heat to circulate evenly around the ham. If your ham has a thick layer of fat (about 1/4 inch), you may score it lightly in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate and create beautiful presentation. For more cooking tips and techniques, visit our About Us page where we share our cooking philosophy.

Step 2: Stud with Cloves

Insert whole cloves into the scored diamonds or evenly around the ham for extra flavor. This step is optional but adds a warm, aromatic depth to your glazed ham that makes it truly special. Place one clove at each intersection of your diamond pattern if you’ve scored the ham. The cloves will infuse the meat with their distinctive flavor as it bakes. If you’re looking for another recipe with wonderful aromatic flavors, try our Hearty Lentil and Potato Soup.

Step 3: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, pineapple juice, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. This glaze is what transforms a simple ham into something extraordinary. For another recipe with a fantastic sauce, check out our Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Parmesan Rigatoni.

Step 4: Glaze & Bake

Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Use a pastry brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. Cover loosely with foil (shiny side down) and bake for 1.5 hours. The foil tent prevents over-browning while allowing the ham to heat through. Remove the foil, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. The aroma filling your kitchen will be incredible! For another great slow-cooked dish, try our Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites with Potatoes.

4. Serving Suggestions

Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing – this allows the juices to redistribute. Serve with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The sweet and savory glaze pairs wonderfully with tangy sides like coleslaw or pickles. For a complete meal, consider adding some chicken dishes as additional options for your guests. And don’t forget to check out our collection of soup recipes for a starter course!

5. Storage & Reheating

Store leftover glazed ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The glaze helps preserve the ham’s moisture. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water to keep them moist, or enjoy cold in sandwiches and salads. The leftovers are incredibly versatile – dice some for omelets, cube it for soups, or slice thin for sandwiches.

6. Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Spicy Glazed Ham: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for those who like a kick.
• Maple Glazed Ham: Replace honey with pure maple syrup for a richer, deeper flavor profile.
• Citrus Glazed Ham: Add orange or lemon zest to the glaze for a bright, fresh twist that cuts through the richness.
• Bourbon Glazed Ham: Substitute 2 tablespoons of the pineapple juice with bourbon for a sophisticated adult version.

7. Tips for the Best Glazed Ham

• Use a fully cooked ham for convenience—this recipe enhances its flavor without requiring long cooking times.
• Baste the ham occasionally with pan juices for extra moisture and flavor development.
• For a deeper caramelization, broil the ham for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
• If your ham comes with a glaze packet, save it for another use or mix it into our glaze for extra flavor.
• Let the ham come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking for more even heating.

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spiral-cut ham? Yes! Just reduce the baking time slightly since spiral-cut hams heat faster. You might want to tent it with foil for the first hour to prevent drying.

Can I make the glaze ahead? Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance and reheat gently before using. The flavors actually improve with time.

What if I don’t have whole cloves? Skip them or use a pinch of ground cloves in the glaze instead. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I use this glaze on other meats? While designed for ham, this glaze works wonderfully on chicken or pork chops too!

How do I know when the ham is done? Since you’re using a fully cooked ham, you’re really just heating it through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

9. Conclusion

This Family Favorite Glazed Ham is a foolproof recipe that delivers a stunning, flavorful main dish every time. The perfect balance of sweetness and spice makes it a hit with all ages, and the glossy finish ensures it looks as good as it tastes. Whether for Easter, Christmas, or a cozy family dinner, this glazed ham recipe will become a cherished tradition. For a sweet ending to your meal, browse our selection of dessert recipes to complete your dining experience.

We’d love to hear how your glazed ham turns out! This recipe has been a family favorite for generations, and we’re honored to share it with you. For more inspiration, check out this similar Tangy Honey Glazed Ham recipe from our friends at AllRecipes. Try it today and watch it disappear from the table! 🎉🍽️

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