Traditional Glazed Baked Ham

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 3 hours
🍽 Serves: 12
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This Traditional Glazed Baked Ham is your ticket to making any gathering feel extra special. With its sweet and spicy glaze, this ham is perfect for festive occasions or a cozy family dinner. Trust me, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients for Traditional Glazed Baked Ham

The star of this recipe is the ham, specifically a fully cooked bone-in one, which ensures juiciness and flavor. The brown sugar forms the base of the glaze, providing sweetness and caramelization. Honey adds depth and stickiness, while Dijon mustard cuts through the sweetness with its tangy bite. The apple cider vinegar balances the glaze with a bit of acidity. A pinch of ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg lend warm, aromatic notes that resonate with holiday cheer.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a meat thermometer for accurate doneness. It's your best friend here.
  • If the glaze starts to burn, tent the ham with foil again.
  • For a deeper flavor, prepare the glaze a day ahead and let it sit.

Serving Suggestions

This ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts. A side of creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad can round out the meal. Don't forget to serve the extra glaze on the side for those who want a bit more sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Yes, a spiral-cut ham works fine, just be sure to apply the glaze thoroughly between the slices.
How do I store leftovers?
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

Traditional Glazed Baked Ham Recipe Walkthrough

First thing’s first, preheat your oven to 325°F. This ensures that the ham cooks evenly from the get-go. Next, place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan. Adding about half an inch of water to the pan will help keep the ham moist during baking.

While the oven heats up, grab a small saucepan and start your glaze. Combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg over medium heat. Stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves and everything is well-blended. Once smooth, take it off the heat.

Now, brush a third of your glaze over the ham, making sure to cover it evenly. This is your first layer of flavor. Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out, and pop it into the oven for 1.5 hours.

After the initial baking, remove the foil and apply another third of your glaze. This time, bake the ham uncovered for another 30 minutes. This step allows the glaze to start caramelizing.

For the final step, add the remaining glaze over the ham and bake for another 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Let the ham rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving, so the juices redistribute nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • It's a showstopper centerpiece for any meal.
  • The glaze adds incredible flavor without overpowering the ham.
  • Simple ingredients create a complex taste profile.
  • Perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
2 cups packed brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan, adding 1/2 inch of water to the pan.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
4. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth, then remove from heat.
5. Brush a third of the glaze over the ham, covering it evenly.
6. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
7. Remove the foil, apply another third of the glaze, and continue baking uncovered for another 30 minutes.
8. Add the remaining glaze and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
9. Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

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