Description
This recipe shows you how to prepare a delicious glazed ham the day before serving. Using a bone-in ham leg, you apply your favorite glaze and cook it to perfection. Preparing it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld, creating a juicy and flavorful ham that’s perfect for holidays or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Ham
- 1 bone-in ham leg (half or full, approximately 5-8 pounds)
Glaze (choose your favorite)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: pineapple slices or maraschino cherries for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the ham.
- Prepare the Ham: Place your bone-in ham leg in a roasting pan, skin side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern if desired to help the glaze penetrate.
- Apply the Glaze: Mix your chosen glaze ingredients thoroughly. Brush the glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham. Optionally, secure pineapple slices or cherries with toothpicks on the surface for decoration and additional flavor.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 40 minutes, basting with additional glaze every 10-15 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful. The goal is to heat through and caramelize the glaze.
- Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the ham to cool to room temperature, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This resting period helps the flavors develop deeply.
- Reheat Before Serving: On the day of serving, reheat the ham gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Baste once more with glaze before serving.
Notes
- Bone-in ham is preferred over boneless for better flavor and moisture.
- You can customize the glaze with spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or mustard powder.
- Do not skip the resting period as it greatly improves flavor integration.
- Leftover ham can be stored refrigerated for up to 5 days.