Oh my goodness, do I have a treat for you today! I just can’t contain my excitement as I share one of my all-time favorite recipes: Honey Baked Ham! This dish is an absolute showstopper, and I promise it will make your holiday gatherings or family dinners sparkle with joy.
I have fond memories of coming together with family around the dinner table, and the star of the show was always the perfectly glazed ham. The sweet and savory glaze is nothing short of magical, and the scent that fills the kitchen is truly intoxicating! So, whether you’re preparing for a big celebration or just want to treat your loved ones, this honey baked ham is sure to impress.
What’s in Honey Baked Ham?
Let’s break down what you’ll need to create this delicious masterpiece. Each ingredient plays a unique role in making this ham taste oh-so-amazing!
Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham: The star of the show! A fully cooked ham ensures maximum flavor and tenderness. I usually go for an 8- to 10-pound ham, which is perfect for a hearty feast.
Honey: Sweet and sticky, honey adds the perfect touch of natural sweetness to the glaze that makes this ham irresistible.
Brown Sugar: This brings a deep caramel flavor to the glaze. I always use dark brown sugar for its rich flavor, but light brown will work too.
Dijon Mustard: The tangy bite of Dijon complements the sweetness beautifully, adding a balance that elevates all the flavors.
Ground Cloves: This warm spice contributes a fantastic depth of flavor, taking the glaze to the next level. Just a pinch does wonders!
Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Black Pepper: These spices harmonize in the glaze, giving it a cozy warmth that makes you feel like you’re wrapped in a blanket on a chilly night.
Whole Cloves (Optional): If you want to really up your ham game, studding the ham with these fragrant cloves adds an elegant touch and extra flavor.
Orange Slices, Fresh Rosemary, and Cranberries: Not only do these garnishes look stunning on the platter, but they also add a beautiful fresh flavor when served alongside your ham.
Is Honey Baked Ham Good for You?
Now, let’s chat about the health benefits of this dish, shall we? While honey baked ham is indulgent, there are some nutritious aspects to consider:
Ham: This protein-rich meat is great for muscle repair and energy. Just go easy on the portion sizes if you’re watching your sodium intake, as processed meats can be on the salty side!
Honey: Aside from being a natural sweetener, honey has antioxidant properties that can give your immune system a little boost.
Mustard: Dijon mustard is low in calories and can aid digestion. Plus, it adds a zesty punch that’s hard to resist!
In moderation, Honey Baked Ham can definitely be part of a balanced diet, especially when paired with plenty of greens or veggies. Just keep in mind the portion sizes and the sweetness of the glaze, and you’ll be golden!
Ingredients
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey
– 1 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Whole cloves (optional for studding the ham)
– Orange slices for garnish
– Fresh rosemary and cranberries for garnish
This recipe serves about 12-15 people, making it perfect for family gatherings!
How to Make Honey Baked Ham?
Ready to make some magic? Here’s a step-by-step guide to whipping up this delectable ham:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Get that warmth going!
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, making cuts about 1 inch apart. If desired, stud the intersections with whole cloves for a flavor boost.
3. In a medium bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper. Mix until it’s a lovely cohesive glaze.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Brush about half of the honey glaze all over the ham.
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the oven. Let it bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours until it’s heated through.
6. Remove the foil and slather the remaining glaze over the ham. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered for another 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly.
7. Carefully take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices in.
8. Serve up slices of that gorgeous ham with garnishes of orange slices, fresh rosemary, and cranberries. Enjoy the deliciousness!
A Few Fun Tips for Your Honey Baked Ham
Now that you’ve got the basics down, here are some ideas to make your ham even more fabulous:
– **Glaze Variation:** Want to mix it up? Try adding a splash of bourbon or orange juice to your glaze for an extra zing!
– **Leftover Magic:** Use leftover ham to make sandwiches, soups, or even a savory breakfast scramble. Nothing goes to waste in my kitchen!
– **Make it a Feast:** Pair your ham with classic side dishes like scalloped potatoes, green beans, and a refreshing salad for a full meal extravaganza.
I can’t wait for you to try this Honey Baked Ham! Trust me, your friends and family will be so impressed, and you’ll find yourself basking in their compliments. Don’t forget to share your experiences and let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
