If you're looking to impress at your next holiday gathering or Sunday dinner, this Citrus Glazed Honey Ham is a showstopper. With a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors, this dish is both simple to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Let's break down the ingredients to understand why each one is crucial for creating that irresistible flavor.
Ham: The star of the show. A fully cooked, bone-in ham gives you succulent meat and beautiful presentation.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a glossy glaze.
Orange juice and pineapple juice: These juices bring a refreshing tanginess that complements the sweetness of the honey.
Dijon mustard: Offers a subtle heat and complexity, balancing the sweet and tangy elements.
Brown sugar: Deepens the sweetness and caramelizes as it bakes.
Soy sauce: Adds a savory umami depth to the glaze.
Ground ginger, cinnamon, and cloves: These spices add warmth and aromatic complexity, making each bite a flavorful experience.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, ensuring your ham is perfectly seasoned.
Orange slices: Not just for decoration, they infuse a fresh citrus aroma during the final bake.
Pair this ham with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette complements the ham beautifully. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a splash of citrus juice makes for a refreshing drink choice.
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). While that's warming up, let's get the glaze going. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine your honey, orange juice, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, soy sauce, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt. Set it over medium heat and stir occasionally until everything melds into a smooth, glossy glaze. This should take just a few minutes.
With your glaze ready, it’s time to prep the ham. Place your ham on a cutting board and score it in a diamond pattern. This not only makes it look fancy but also helps the glaze seep into the meat. Transfer the ham to a large roasting pan.
Brush the ham generously with your prepared glaze, but make sure to reserve some for basting later on. Now pop the ham into the oven and set a timer for 2.5 hours. Remember to baste it with the glaze every 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
During the last 30 minutes of baking, carefully arrange orange slices over the ham. This step adds a beautiful visual touch and extra citrusy fragrance. Once your timer goes off, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making it easier to carve.