Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

The Complete Guide to Making Perfect Glazed Ham the Day Before Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4 from 85 reviews
  • Author: Mariam
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes active + overnight resting
  • Yield: Serves 8-12 people depending on ham size
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This glazed ham recipe is perfect for preparing the day before your event, ensuring a flavorful and tender ham with a beautiful caramelized glaze. Using a bone-in ham leg enhances the taste and texture, delivering a classic holiday or special occasion centerpiece with minimal effort on the day of serving.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham

  • 1 bone-in half or full ham leg (about 5-10 pounds depending on choice)

Glaze

  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • Optional: cloves or ground cinnamon for added spice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and score the surface in a diamond pattern if desired to allow the glaze to penetrate better. Place the ham in a large roasting pan.
  2. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Heat gently over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Apply the glaze: Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to cover all scored surfaces and edges. Reserve some glaze for later.
  4. Roast the ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in the oven and roast for approximately 40 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze every 15 minutes to build up a glossy caramelized coating.
  5. Rest and store: After roasting, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest uncovered at room temperature for about 30 minutes, then cover loosely with foil and refrigerate overnight. This resting allows flavors to meld and makes slicing easier the next day.
  6. Reheat before serving: On the day of serving, preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, brush with more glaze if desired, cover with foil, and warm for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Notes

  • Bone-in ham is recommended as it retains moisture and yields better flavor than boneless.
  • Scoring the ham helps the glaze penetrate and enhances presentation.
  • Glaze can be adjusted with spices such as cloves or cinnamon for a warm aromatic profile.
  • Allowing the ham to rest and refrigerate overnight intensifies the flavor and improves slicing.
  • Reheat gently to avoid drying out the ham.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://quickcookingmagic.com/the-complete-guide-to-making-perfect-glazed-ham-the-day-before-recipe-2/