If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a simple ham into the star of your holiday table, you are in for a treat. Learning How to Make Glazed Ham Recipe is the secret to achieving that irresistible combination of sweet, smoky, and succulent that everyone loves. This recipe will guide you through selecting the perfect ham, creating a luscious glaze, and baking it to perfection so every slice bursts with flavor and warmth. Whether it’s for a festive feast or a special family dinner, this glazed ham will make any occasion shine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first exciting step, and the best part is they’re all straightforward yet crucial for crafting that distinctive glaze and tender ham. Each element plays a unique role in balancing taste, texture, and color.
- 5 kg / 10 lb leg ham (bone in, skin on): Choosing a quality ham with the bone in and skin on keeps the meat juicy and adds flavor during cooking.
- 1 cup (250ml) water: Helps maintain moisture in the oven so the ham doesn’t dry out.
- Maple Ham Glaze (extra special): A sweet and rich glaze that caramelizes beautifully, infusing the ham with a deep, smoky maple flavor.
- Brown Sugar Ham Glaze (classic!): A timeless, crowd-pleasing glaze with sweet notes that complement the saltiness of the ham perfectly.
- Other ham glaze of choice: Feel free to customize with your favorite flavors like honey mustard, pineapple, or bourbon to make it your own signature dish.
How to Make How to Make Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Start by removing the ham from the refrigerator about one hour before cooking. This little rest allows it to come closer to room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout the leg and preventing the outside from drying out before the center is warm and tender.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan). Position the oven shelf in the lower third so the ham will sit in the center of the oven, promoting consistent heat circulation. This setup helps the ham cook evenly, with that beautiful glaze crisping just right.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
Choose between the maple or brown sugar glaze (or your favorite alternative!) and prepare it according to the recipe. This step is where your ham gains its signature shine and flavor, so make sure the glaze is well blended and ready to brush on during cooking.
Step 4: Score the Ham
Lightly score the skin and fat of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 cm apart. This technique allows the glaze to seep into the meat, creating those gorgeous caramelized pockets of flavor that make glazed ham so special.
Step 5: Place Ham in Roasting Pan
Set the ham on a rack inside a roasting pan with about 1 cup of water poured into the bottom. The water creates steam throughout the cooking, keeping the ham moist while allowing the skin and glaze to crisp up beautifully.
Step 6: Bake and Glaze
Roast the ham in the preheated oven for approximately 2 hours. Every 20–30 minutes, carefully brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham. This repeated glazing develops a sticky, caramelized coating that is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Let it Rest
Once cooked through, remove the ham from the oven and cover it loosely with foil. Letting it rest for 15–20 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and tender.
Step 8: Carve and Serve
After resting, carve the ham into thick, juicy slices. The crispy, sweet glaze will glisten with each cut, making for an unforgettable presentation and taste experience.
How to Serve How to Make Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes can elevate your glazed ham presentation to next-level deliciousness. Consider fresh rosemary sprigs, whole cloves stuck in for aroma, or vibrant orange slices arranged around the ham for a pop of color and fragrance that excites the senses before the first bite.
Side Dishes
Classic sides are a match made in heaven with glazed ham. Think creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, and tangy cranberry sauce. These dishes complement the ham’s sweetness and saltiness perfectly, rounding out a feast everyone will remember.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving your glazed ham on a large wooden board surrounded by fresh herbs and edible flowers creates a rustic yet elegant vibe. Alternatively, slice the ham thinly and arrange it on a festive platter with assorted cheeses and fruits for a refined appetizer that’s both beautiful and delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After your glorious feast, store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy second helpings or use it in other dishes throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep ham longer, you can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil or in freezer-safe bags. Frozen ham maintains quality for 2–3 months. Just be sure to label your package with the date to track freshness easily.
Reheating
To reheat, wrap the ham slices in foil and warm them gently in the oven at 150°C / 300°F until heated through. This prevents drying out and helps the glaze retain its sticky magic. Adding a splash of water or glaze before reheating can also boost moisture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a pre-cooked ham for this glazed ham recipe?
Absolutely! Most store-bought hams are pre-cooked, so your goal is to warm it through while caramelizing the glaze to enhance flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Keep an eye on the ham while it’s roasting and apply the glaze in intervals to build up layers gradually. If your oven has a broiler, use it sparingly to caramelize but watch closely to prevent burning.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! Making the glaze ahead is a wonderful way to save time and let the flavors mellow. Store it in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Warm slightly before glazing the ham.
What’s the best way to carve this type of ham?
Use a sharp carving knife and cut thin slices against the grain for maximum tenderness. Starting at the narrow end helps maintain neat slices, perfect for serving or sandwiches afterward.
Can I use a glaze other than maple or brown sugar?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with flavors like honey mustard, pineapple, or bourbon glazes to personalize your ham. The key is balancing sweetness with a bit of acid or spice to complement the meat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a beautifully glazed ham with your loved ones, and now that you know exactly How to Make Glazed Ham Recipe, you’re all set to create those magic moments. This recipe is approachable, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress every time. So go on, give it a try and watch the smiles light up around your table!
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How to Make Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 30 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Ham recipe delivers a succulent, tender ham with a beautifully caramelized crust, perfect for holiday feasts or special occasions. The recipe includes options for a rich maple glaze or a classic brown sugar glaze, infusing the ham with a sweet, savory flavor that enhances the natural smoky taste of the meat.
Ingredients
Ham
- 5 kg / 10 lb leg ham, bone in, skin on
- 1 cup (250ml) water
Glazes
- 1 batch Maple Ham Glaze (extra special)
- 1 batch Brown Sugar Ham Glaze (classic)
- Or other ham glaze of choice
Instructions
- Remove Ham from Fridge: Take the ham out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour prior to cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Shelving: Preheat your oven to 160°C / 320°F (140°C fan). Adjust the oven rack to the lower third position so the ham will be centered vertically, promoting even heat distribution without over-browning the top.
- Prepare Glaze: Make your choice of glaze such as the Maple Ham Glaze or Brown Sugar Ham Glaze according to their recipes. These glazes will be applied during the baking process to add flavor and create a caramelized crust.
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the skin of the ham in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and adds a decorative effect.
- Place Ham in Roasting Pan: Put the ham, skin side up, into a large roasting pan. Pour 1 cup of water into the pan to keep the ham moist while cooking and to catch drippings that can be used for basting.
- Initial Bake: Bake the ham uncovered at 160°C / 320°F for approximately 1 hour, allowing the meat to heat evenly and begin rendering the fat.
- Apply Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the ham and brush generously with your prepared glaze. Return it to the oven and bake for an additional hour, basting with glaze every 15-20 minutes to build layers of flavor and a sticky, glossy crust.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist slices.
Notes
- Note 1: Leave the skin on for extra flavor and help retain moisture during cooking; the skin can be removed before serving if preferred.
- Use a roasting pan with a rack if possible to allow heat circulation and avoid the ham sitting in juices.
- Adjust cooking time if your ham size varies; a general rule is 18-20 minutes per pound (40-44 minutes per kg) at 160°C.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze crust, apply additional layers of glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking.
- Resting the ham after baking is crucial for a juicier result.
