Baking a half ham is one of those classic recipes that can elevate any gathering. This honey glazed ham brings a delightful sweetness and a beautiful golden crust that is sure to impress your guests. It’s perfect for holiday celebrations or a special Sunday dinner.
The combination of savory ham and a sticky honey glaze creates a harmonious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal prep time, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Creating the Perfect Honey Glazed Half Ham
Preparing a honey glazed half ham can turn any meal into a memorable occasion. The glossy honey glaze adds a touch of elegance, while the caramelized edges provide a visually appealing contrast. This dish not only tastes delightful, but it also brings warmth and comfort to your dining table.
The initial step in crafting this dish involves choosing a high-quality half ham. A bone-in half ham weighing between 5 to 7 pounds is ideal, ensuring a balance of flavor and tenderness. After selecting your ham, the preparation process begins, paving the way for a truly satisfying main course.
Getting the Glaze Just Right
The glaze is where the magic happens. A blend of honey, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy profile that complements the savory ham. Ground cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon contribute subtle warmth, enhancing the overall flavor.
Mixing these ingredients to achieve a smooth consistency is essential. The glaze should be brushed generously over the ham before it goes into the oven, ensuring every inch is coated to achieve that desirable caramelized finish.
The Baking Process
Oven-baking the ham is a straightforward process that offers rich rewards. Set your oven to 325°F (160°C) and allow the ham to bake slowly. Covering it loosely with aluminum foil for the majority of the cooking time helps retain moisture, while the last half-hour should be uncovered for that beautiful caramelization. Regular basting with the remaining glaze during cooking is key to enhancing flavor and keeping the ham juicy.
As the ham bakes, the aroma fills your kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that draws everyone in. It’s a great time to prepare some side dishes, like roasted vegetables, which complement the ham perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), it’s time to let it rest before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is tender and flavorful. When ready to serve, slice the ham and drizzle any remaining glaze over the pieces for an added touch of sweetness.
This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, offering a colorful and nutritious side that enhances the meal. Fresh herbs can also be used as a garnish, adding a final touch of sophistication to your presentation.
The Joy of Sharing
A beautifully glazed half ham is not just a meal; it’s an experience meant to be shared. Whether celebrating a holiday or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish encourages gathering around the table, making memories over delicious food.
As you slice and serve, the smiles and compliments from guests will undoubtedly reaffirm your choice to prepare this stunning centerpiece. The combination of flavors and the inviting atmosphere of your kitchen will leave a lasting impression on everyone at the table.
Capturing the Moment
Don’t forget to capture the beauty of your honey glazed half ham before it disappears! A photo of the ham, garnished with fresh herbs and surrounded by roasted vegetables, can serve as a wonderful keepsake of the occasion. The warm, inviting kitchen setting in the background adds to the charm, reminding you of the joy of cooking and sharing with loved ones.
Next time you’re planning a special meal, consider this stunning honey glazed half ham. Its delicious taste and visual appeal will surely elevate any gathering, bringing friends and family together in celebration of good food and great company.
Delicious Honey Glazed Half Ham
This oven-baked half ham is juicy, tender, and enveloped in a luscious honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. The taste is a delightful balance of sweet and savory, making every bite a memorable experience.
Ingredients
- 1/2 bone-in ham (about 5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup apple cider or orange juice (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Place the half ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves, black pepper, and cinnamon. Mix until smooth.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush half of the honey glaze over the ham.
- Bake: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
- Check for Doneness: The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice and serve warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze and paired with your favorite sides.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 8-10
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 20g