Glazed Herb Ham Delight

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook: 2 hours 30 min
🍽 Serves: 12
★★★★★
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If you're looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table or just a special weekend meal, this Glazed Herb Ham Delight is a must-try. With its aromatic herbs and a sweet, tangy glaze, this dish transforms a simple ham into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Glazed Herb Ham Delight

The star of the dish is the ham, a 10-pound beauty that serves as a hearty and flavorful base for our glaze. Brown sugar provides sweetness and a subtle molasses flavor, while honey adds a rich, natural sweetness that complements the meat. Dijon mustard introduces a tangy depth, and apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness with a bit of acidity. Fresh thyme and rosemary bring in aromatic earthiness, and ground cloves add a warm note. Black pepper gives a slight kick, balancing the flavors, and water helps maintain moisture in the roasting pan.

Tips & Tricks

  • For easier slicing, let the ham cool slightly; it helps the fibers relax.
  • Basting is key — it keeps the top of the ham moist and full of flavor.
  • To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne to the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

This ham pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes and roasted vegetables for a complete meal. For a lighter option, serve it with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette. Leftovers make fantastic sandwiches or can be diced into pasta dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and rosemary for fresh. Remember, dried herbs are more concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap the leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
What if I have a smaller ham?
Adjust the cooking time based on the weight, generally about 18-20 minutes per pound at 325°F (165°C).

Glazed Herb Ham Delight Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom to keep it moist. Cover the ham with foil to trap the heat and prevent the glaze from burning too early.

Next, mix up your glaze. In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, thyme, rosemary, ground cloves, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well blended. This mixture will be the flavorful coating for your ham.

Take a sharp knife and score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only helps the glaze penetrate the meat but also makes for a beautiful presentation. Brush half of your glaze generously over the ham, making sure it gets into the cuts.

Place the ham in the oven and let it bake for about 2 hours. The foil will ensure it stays juicy and cooks evenly. After 2 hours, remove the foil and brush on the remaining glaze. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the pan juices. You're looking for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for perfect doneness.

Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice tender and delicious when it's time to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and herbaceous flavors.
  • Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for special occasions.
  • Minimal hands-on time, allowing you to focus on other dishes or guests.
  • Delicious leftovers that are versatile in other meals.

Ingredients

10 lb ham
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup water

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a roasting pan, adding 1/4 cup water to the bottom. Cover with foil.
2. In a bowl, mix the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, thyme, rosemary, ground cloves, and black pepper to create the glaze.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and brush half of the glaze over it.
4. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 2 hours.
5. Remove the foil and brush on the remaining glaze.
6. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
7. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

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