This Honey Mustard Baked Ham is a delightful centerpiece for any gathering, offering a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors. It's the kind of dish that turns a regular meal into something special, making it ideal for holidays or weekend dinners with family and friends.
The star of the show is the ham, which is already fully cooked, ensuring a tender and juicy result. The honey brings a natural sweetness that balances the tanginess of the Dijon mustard. Adding apple cider vinegar introduces a subtle acidity that cuts through the richness. The brown sugar aids in caramelization, while cinnamon, cloves, and ginger provide warm, aromatic notes. A touch of black pepper and salt rounds out the flavors, enhancing every bite.
This ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad. For a comforting side, consider creamy mashed potatoes or a cheesy gratin. A light, fruity white wine or a crisp apple cider complements the dish beautifully.
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it's hot and ready when you are. Place your ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Scoring the surface in a diamond pattern not only makes it look impressive but also allows the glaze to penetrate the meat for maximum flavor.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, black pepper, and salt until smooth. This mixture is your glaze, so make sure it's well combined.
Generously brush the honey mustard mixture over the ham, paying special attention to getting it into those diamond cuts. This will ensure every slice has that delicious flavor.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during the initial cooking phase. Place it in the preheated oven and let it bake for 90 minutes, basting with the pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it juicy and flavorful.
For the final touch, remove the foil and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake for an additional 20 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful crust. Once done, let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute, making each bite tender and succulent.
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