Glazed Ham for the Holidays
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
8
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Calories
488 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Glazed Ham for the Holidays
Description
The recipe starts by simmering butter, brown sugar, honey, apple cider, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a syrupy glaze. Half the glaze is poured over the ham before baking it covered at a low temperature to warm through and keep moist. After most cooking, the ham is uncovered and glazed again, then baked at a higher temperature to develop caramelization and a rich, brown crust.
The spiral cut ham makes slicing easier and encourages the glaze to seep between layers, enhancing the flavor throughout. The glaze balances sweetness, warmth from cinnamon and nutmeg, and the fruitiness of apple cider. Fresh herbs and cranberries add visual appeal and subtle herbal contrast when serving.
Storing the remaining glaze is simple, with room temperature or refrigerated options, and reheating in the microwave restores its pourable consistency. While spiral cut is preferred, scoring an uncut ham allows the glaze to penetrate and caramelize similarly, broadening the recipe's use.
Ingredients
- 8 lb ham bone-in, spiral cut
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- nutmeg pinch
- cooking spray
- cranberries optional, for garnish
- herbs optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coat a baking pan with cooking spray.
- Add the butter, brown sugar, honey, apple cider, cinnamon and nutmeg to a pot. Place the pot over medium heat.
- Bring the pot to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until glaze is syrupy.
- Place the ham in the pan and pour half of the glaze over it. Cover the ham with foil. Reserve the remaining glaze for later user.
- Bake the ham for 2 1/2 hours. Uncover the ham.
- Pour the remaining glaze over the ham. If the glaze has started to harden, you can microwave it for a few seconds to loosen it back up.
- Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees F.
- Place the ham, uncovered, in the oven. Bake for another 15-20 minutes or until glaze is caramelized and browned.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs and cranberries. Spoon pan drippings over the ham. Slice the ham, then serve.
Notes
- Reserve half the glaze for basting after the ham is mostly cooked to develop a caramelized coating.
- Store unused glaze at room temperature or refrigerated; reheat in short bursts in the microwave to liquefy before use.
- Use apple cider juice for the glaze; do not substitute with apple cider vinegar.
- Although spiral cut ham is recommended, uncut ham can be scored in a crosshatch pattern to allow glaze penetration.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 488 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 488kcal | 24% |
| Carbohydrates | 36g | 12% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 26g | 40% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 855mg | 36% |
| Potassium | 373mg | 8% |
| Sugar | 36g | 72% |
| Vitamin A | 355IU | 7% |
| Calcium | 34mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.2mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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