Description
This glazed spiral-cut ham features a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, honey, and spices, creating a caramelized crust while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions, its sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 fully cooked spiral-cut ham (about 8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup water
- Fresh herbs (like rosemary or thyme) for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground ginger, black pepper, and salt.
- Pour in the orange juice and water, then stir the mixture well to combine all the ingredients.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Allow the glaze to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- While the oven is heating, take the spiral-cut ham out of its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan, cut side down.
- If the ham comes with a plastic disk on the bottom, make sure to remove it.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart.
- Once the glaze has cooled slightly, use a basting brush to generously coat the surface of the ham with the glaze.
- Make sure to get the glaze into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
- Reserve about 1/2 cup of the glaze for basting during the cooking process.
- Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while the ham cooks.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this will take approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
- After the first hour of cooking, carefully remove the foil and baste the ham with the reserved glaze.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered and continue baking. Baste the ham every 30 minutes with the glaze for the best flavor and caramelization.
- To ensure the ham is heated through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 140°F (60°C) when fully heated.
- If you prefer a more caramelized exterior, you can increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
- Once the ham reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes.
- After resting, transfer the ham to a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to slice the ham along the spiral cuts, creating beautiful, even slices.
- Arrange the slices on a serving platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for added flavor.
- If desired, garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of color and added aroma.
- If you have any leftovers, allow the ham to cool completely before storing.
- Wrap the remaining ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight container.
- Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or any special occasion.
- The sweet and tangy glaze pairs beautifully with the savory ham, making it a crowd-pleaser every time.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes