Honey Baked Ham

Honey Baked Ham is a delicious and elegant dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. The combination of sweet honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that complements the savory ham perfectly. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the step-by-step process of making Honey Baked Ham, provide helpful cooking notes, and offer variations to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Cooking spray
• 8-10 lb fully cooked spiral sliced bone-in ham (ensure it does not already have a glaze)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glaze

1. Melt the Butter:
   • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
2. Add Brown Sugar and Honey:
   • Stir in the packed brown sugar and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
   • Add the Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, garlic powder, and paprika to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly grease a roasting pan with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Ham:
   • Place the fully cooked spiral sliced bone-in ham in the prepared roasting pan, flat side down. If the ham is not already sliced, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.
3. Apply the Glaze:
   • Brush about half of the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the crevices between the slices.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

1. Cover and Bake:
   • Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
2. Baste with Glaze:
   • Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with additional glaze from the saucepan.
3. Uncover and Finish Baking:
   • During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a nice crust on the ham. Continue basting as needed.

Step 4: Serve

1. Rest the Ham:
   • Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
2. Serve:
   • Slice the Honey Baked Ham and serve it warm with your favorite side dishes.

Cook Notes and Variations

Cook Notes:

• Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
• Basting: Regular basting helps to keep the ham moist and enhances the flavor with each layer of glaze.

Variations:

• Maple Glazed Ham:
  • Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different sweet flavor profile.
• Spiced Honey Glazed Ham:
  • Add a pinch of ground cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg to the glaze for a spiced version.
• Citrus Glazed Ham:
  • Replace the pineapple juice with orange juice and add some orange zest to the glaze for a citrusy twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a ham that already has a glaze?

It is best to use a plain, fully cooked ham without a glaze. If your ham already has a glaze, you can still use this recipe, but the flavors may be slightly different.

2. How do I store leftover ham?

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

3. Can I freeze leftover ham?

Yes, you can freeze leftover ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

4. What can I serve with Honey Baked Ham?

Honey Baked Ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad.

5. Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 2 days ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before using.

Honey Baked Ham is a classic and elegant dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. With its sweet and savory glaze, this ham is sure to impress your family and friends. Whether you’re making it for Christmas, Easter, or any celebration, this recipe is easy to follow and full of delicious flavors. Give this Honey Baked Ham recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and delightful meal. Happy cooking!