Sweet Glazed Honey-Baked Ham for the Holidays

Sweet Glazed Honey-Baked Ham for the Holidays

Today, I’m excited to share a delicious and simple recipe for honey-baked ham that’s sure to impress at your family gatherings. This dish is perfect not only for Christmas or Easter celebrations but also makes a wonderful choice for any festive meal throughout the year.

How to Make Honey-Baked Ham

I like to use pre-sliced smoked ham, which makes the cooking process a breeze. All you need to do is heat it up and apply a flavorful glaze. The combination of honey and brown sugar creates a delightful sweetness, paired with warm spices that will make your kitchen feel like it’s preparing for a festive feast.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Approximately 1.8 kg of ham
• 1/2 inch of water

Instructions

First, gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 163°C (325°F). In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly.

Next, place the ham in a roasting pan with the cut side facing down. Brush half of the glaze over the top of the ham. Pour a bit of water (about 1/2 inch) into the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist while it cooks.

Baking the Ham

Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and bake for about 18-20 minutes per pound. For a ham weighing around 1.8 kg, you’ll need to bake it for approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F).

During the last 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham every 10 minutes to create a beautifully caramelized, sticky crust.

Serving and Storing

Allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. When serving, drizzle a bit of the leftover glaze over the slices to enhance the flavor. This honey-baked ham pairs wonderfully with traditional holiday sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes.

If you have leftovers, save them for sandwiches or another dish. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it perfect for those who are new to cooking.

Tips for Making This Dish

Opt for pre-sliced ham to simplify the cooking process. If you prefer using a whole piece, score the surface with diagonal cuts to allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.

If time is tight, you can prepare the glaze mixture in advance and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. Adding water to the roasting pan helps keep the ham moist and juicy.

This honey-baked ham is not just a standout main dish for your celebration; it’s a perfect blend of sweet and warm spices that will surely delight everyone in your family.