If you're looking for a centerpiece dish that combines the richness of tradition with a sweet, modern twist, this Golden Honey Baked Ham is your ticket. Perfect for festive gatherings or a special Sunday dinner, this ham is glazed with a luscious blend of honey and spices that create a caramelized crust your guests will rave about.
The star of this dish is a fully cooked, bone-in ham, which provides a rich, savory base. The honey adds a sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Brown sugar deepens the sweetness and helps create that irresistible crust. A touch of Dijon mustard introduces a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness. Apple cider vinegar adds a hint of acidity to cut through the richness. The aromatic spices – ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg – contribute warmth and complexity, transforming this from a simple ham to a memorable dish.
This ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, buttery mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, serve it with cranberry sauce or a tangy apple chutney. A side of warm, crusty bread will help sop up any extra glaze, making every bite count.
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This gives you just the right temperature to cook the ham slowly, allowing all those delicious flavors to seep in. Place your ham on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. Scoring the surface in a diamond pattern not only looks impressive but also helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
In a small bowl, mix together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and those fragrant spices: cloves, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. This is your flavorful glaze. Spread half of this mixture evenly over the ham, ensuring it gets into all those little cuts.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. This traps moisture and prevents the ham from drying out while it bakes for the first hour. After an hour, remove the foil, slather on the remaining glaze, and crank up the oven to 375°F (190°C). This higher heat will create that beautiful golden finish. Bake for another 30 minutes, basting occasionally. You'll know it's ready when the ham is a glossy, deep golden brown. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite juicy and flavorful.
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