Sweet Glazed Holiday Ham: A Step-By-Step Recipe Guide

Ingredients

  • 1 whole bone-in ham, about 14 pounds
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole cloves
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • 2 cups honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the ham in a roasting pan with a rack.
  3. Stud the ham with whole cloves.
  4. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  5. Baste the ham with the sugar mixture.
  6. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 2 hours.
  7. Remove the foil and baste again. Increase the oven temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake for another 30 minutes, or until the ham is nicely browned and caramelized.
  8. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving and serving.

Tools for making

  • Roasting pan with a rack - This will be used to hold the ham while it cooks in the oven and allow for proper airflow.
  • Small saucepan - You will need this to heat and mix the ingredients for the glaze.
  • Basting brush - Use this to apply the glaze onto the ham while it bakes.
  • Foil - Covering the ham with foil during part of the cooking process helps to keep it moist and tender.
  • Cloves - These will be inserted into the ham for added flavor and aroma.

Recipe variations

  • Maple Glaze: Replace the honey in the glaze with maple syrup for a delicious maple flavor.
  • Spicy Mustard: Use spicy mustard instead of Dijon mustard to add a kick to the glaze.
  • Orange Glaze: Substitute the pineapple juice with freshly squeezed orange juice for a citrusy twist.
  • Mustard and Brown Sugar Crust: Mix together Dijon mustard and brown sugar to create a sweet and tangy crust for the ham.
  • Herb-Roasted Ham: Rub the ham with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, and parsley, before roasting for a flavorful herb-infused ham.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ham with a vegetarian alternative, such as a plant-based protein or a meat-free roast, and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Recipe overview

This is a classic recipe for a succulent and mouth-watering whole ham, perfect for festive occasions or family gatherings. The ham is studded with cloves and basted with a deliciously sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, pineapple juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. The result is a beautifully caramelized, tender, and juicy ham with a wonderfully deep and complex flavor. Expect to spend about 2 and a half hours on this recipe, but the result is well worth it. Your guests will be asking you for the recipe by the end of the meal!

Common questions

  1. How long should I cook the ham?
    The ham should be cooked for a total of 2 hours at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, and an additional 30 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit to brown and caramelize.
  2. Can I use a boneless ham instead?
    Yes, you can use a boneless ham for this recipe. However, the cooking time may vary, so it's important to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the proper internal temperature.
  3. How do I know when the ham is done?
    The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone.
  4. Can I substitute the pineapple juice?
    If you don't have pineapple juice, you can substitute it with apple juice or orange juice for a slightly different flavor profile.
  5. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to reheat it before basting the ham.
  6. What can I serve with the ham?
    Ham pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, or a fresh salad.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Roasting Pan - A large, sturdy pan with a rack to hold and roast the ham.
  • Basting Brush - A brush used to apply the sugar mixture onto the ham while it's baking.
  • Foil - To cover the ham while it's baking and keep it moist.
  • Clove Remover - A small tool to easily remove the cloves from the ham after cooking, if desired.
  • Carving Knife - A sharp knife used to carve and slice the cooked ham.
  • Serving Platter - A large plate or platter to serve the sliced ham.
  • Serving Fork - A fork used for serving the sliced ham onto individual plates.

Origin stories

The tradition of ham for holiday feasts harks back to the pre-Christian era in Scandinavia. The Norse would honor Freyr, the god of fertility, prosperity, and fair weather, during the Yule celebration with a sacrifice of a wild boar. The boar’s meat was cooked and served in hopes of a productive and successful new year. Over time, this tradition was absorbed into Christian practices and the wild boar eventually became the domesticated pig, but the prestige of having a ham for special occasions has never faded from our collective culinary conscience. Today, the festive ham, often baked with a sweet glaze, remains a centerpiece for many family celebrations.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.