Delicious Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Making a honey baked ham is a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by all. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering or a weekend meal, a honey baked ham can provide a touch of elegance and richness to any occasion. But, if you’re a bit intimidated about the idea of cooking a ham, don’t worry. It’s actually a simple process that anyone can do with the right guidance. Here are a few easy steps to guide you through the process of making a perfect honey baked ham for you and your family.

First off, start by selecting a good quality ham. Look for one that is not too salty or too lean. A ham that has been dry cured or smoked will give it more flavor and enhance the overall experience. Once you have your ham, prepare your glaze by mixing honey, mustard, and brown sugar together. Preheat your oven and give the ham a good score on the surface to allow the glaze to sink in. Brush the glaze generously all over the ham and bake it in the oven for the recommended amount of time. And there you have it, a deliciously sweet and savory honey baked ham that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

Ham is a delicious protein that can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, a honey baked ham elevates this dish to a whole new level! Making a honey baked ham might seem like a daunting task, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it’s actually quite simple. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps necessary to make a succulent honey baked ham that’s sure to impress.

Gather Your Ingredients

The first step in preparing a honey baked ham is to gather all your ingredients! You’ll need a fully cooked bone-in ham, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and pineapple juice. Depending on your preferences, you can also add other ingredients such as cinnamon, allspice, or orange juice.

Prepare the Glaze

Next, it’s time to prepare the glaze for your honey baked ham. In a bowl, mix together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, and pineapple juice. If you want to add other ingredients, such as cinnamon or allspice, this is the time to do so. Stir until everything is well combined.

Score the Ham

Before you add the glaze, you need to score the surface of the ham to allow the flavors to seep in. Use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts across the surface of the ham, about 1/4 inch deep. Then, make a series of parallel cuts in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern.

Baste the Ham

Once the ham is scored, it’s time to add the glaze! Use a pastry brush to generously apply the glaze to the entire surface of the ham. Make sure to get the glaze into all the crevices and cuts you made earlier.

Cover and Bake

After you’ve added the glaze, cover the ham with foil or parchment paper. Place the ham in a baking dish, and bake at 325°F for about 15-18 minutes per pound. Basting the ham with the glaze every 15-20 minutes will ensure that it stays moist and flavorful.

Uncover and Add More Glaze

About 30 minutes before the ham is finished cooking, remove the foil or parchment paper. At this point, you can add more glaze to the ham if you desire. Baste the ham generously, making sure to get the glaze into every nook and cranny.

Check the Internal Temperature

When the ham is finished cooking, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should register at least 140°F. If it’s not quite there yet, return it to the oven and continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes before checking again.

Rest and Slice

Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. When you’re ready to serve, carve the ham into slices and drizzle with any remaining glaze.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

There are many variations you can make to a honey baked ham! You can add different spices, such as cinnamon or allspice, to the glaze. You can also add pineapple rings or cherries to the top of the ham for added sweetness and flair.

When it comes to serving, a honey baked ham pairs well with a variety of sides. Mashed potatoes, green beans, sweet potatoes, and salads are all great options. You can also use any leftover ham to make sandwiches or omelets for a quick and easy meal.

Clean Up

After you’re finished enjoying your delicious honey baked ham, it’s time to clean up. Make sure to clean any pots, pans, or utensils you used during the cooking process. If you have any leftover glaze, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for later use. Additionally, make sure to properly store any leftover ham in the fridge or freezer to prevent spoilage.

Gather the Ingredients

The key to making a delicious honey baked ham is to use high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. A fully cooked ham – Choose a ham that is bone-in and spiral sliced for the best flavor and presentation. Look for a ham that weighs around 7-8 pounds to serve 12-14 people.

2. Honey – Opt for a high-quality honey for the best results. Local honey is an excellent choice as it imparts a unique flavor to the ham. You will need around 1 cup of honey for this recipe.

3. Brown sugar – Brown sugar is essential for balancing the sweet and savory flavors in the ham glaze. Plan for 1 cup of brown sugar to make a generous glaze.

4. Dijon mustard – Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy note to the glaze. You will need about 1 tablespoon of mustard.

5. Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds acidity to the glaze, which balances the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar. Plan for 1/4 cup of vinegar in the glaze.

6. Cloves – Whole cloves are a classic seasoning for ham, adding a warm and aromatic flavor. You will need around 20 whole cloves.

7. Pineapple juice – Pineapple juice adds a tropical and fruity note to the glaze. Plan for 1 cup of pineapple juice for this recipe.

8. Butter – Butter adds richness and depth of flavor to the glaze. Plan for 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.

9. Orange juice – Orange juice adds a bright and tangy flavor to the glaze. You will need about 1/2 cup of orange juice.

10. Ginger – Fresh ginger adds a zesty and slightly spicy note to the glaze. You will need around 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.

Preparing the Ham

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.

2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan with the cut side facing down.

3. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern. Be sure to cut through the skin and fat, but not into the meat.

4. Insert the whole cloves into the scored diamonds, spacing them evenly apart.

5. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, pineapple juice, butter, orange juice, and grated fresh ginger.

6. Bring the glaze to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to ensure that the sugar and honey dissolve.

7. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring that it coats the entire surface of the ham.

8. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour.

9. After 1 hour, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. Be sure to spoon some of the glaze into the sliced areas of the ham.

10. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly, and the ham is heated through. Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!

Choosing the right ham

Choosing the right ham is crucial. You can get hams that are already cooked or hams that are raw and will need to be cooked. There are different types of hams available in the market, but the most common ones are:

When choosing a ham, make sure to read the label carefully to determine the type of ham it is. If you are unsure, ask the butcher for assistance.

Preparing the ham

Before baking the honey baked ham, you need to prepare it properly. If you have a fully cooked ham, simply remove it from the packaging and place it in a shallow baking dish. If you have a partially cooked or raw ham, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F.
2. Remove the ham from the packaging.
3. Place the ham in a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover the ham.
4. Bring the water to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
5. Simmer the ham for about 20 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches at least 145°F (63°C).
6. Remove the ham from the pot and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Remove any skin or excess fat from the ham.
8. Score the ham by making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.

Making the honey glaze

The honey glaze is what gives the honey baked ham its signature sweet and sticky flavor. Here’s how to make the perfect honey glaze:

1. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, 1/4 cup of mustard, 1/4 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground clove.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Let the glaze simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thick and bubbly.
4. Remove the glaze from the heat and let it cool slightly.

Applying the honey glaze

Now that your ham is prepared and your glaze is made, it’s time to put everything together:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Transfer the ham to a baking dish lined with foil.
3. Brush the ham with the honey glaze, making sure to get the glaze into the cuts you made earlier.
4. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour.
5. Remove the ham from the oven and baste it with more glaze.
6. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting every 10 minutes with more glaze.
7. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

Time to Enjoy Your Delicious Honey Baked Ham

Now that you know how to make a mouth-watering honey baked ham, it’s time to impress your friends and family with your cooking skills. Go on, and make that ham for your next family gathering or holiday celebration. Don’t forget to serve it with your favorite sides and garnishes. Thank you for reading this article, and we hope you found it helpful. Don’t hesitate to visit us again for more delicious recipes. Happy cooking!