ADVERTISEMENT
This liquid helps to keep the ham juicy and provides extra flavor as it bakes.
### Instructions for Making Honey Baked Ham
#### Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Start by preheating your oven to **325°F (163°C)**. If you’re using a **spiral-cut ham**, it’s important to keep the ham wrapped in foil for the first hour of baking. This will help the ham cook evenly while preventing it from drying out.
For a **bone-in ham**, place the ham fat-side up in a roasting pan. This allows the fat to render down into the meat, helping to keep it moist during the roasting process. If you’re using a **boneless ham**, place it in a roasting pan, cut-side down.
#### Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the **honey**, **brown sugar**, **Dijon mustard**, **apple cider vinegar**, **cinnamon**, **cloves**, and **nutmeg**. Whisk the ingredients together and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally and let it simmer for **5-10 minutes**, or until it thickens slightly and becomes a smooth glaze. Taste the glaze and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, you can add a bit more mustard or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
#### Step 3: Glaze the Ham
Once the ham is ready to go into the oven, pour half of the glaze over the top of the ham, using a basting brush to ensure it’s evenly coated. If you’re using a **spiral-cut ham**, try to get some of the glaze between the slices as well.
Place the ham in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about **1 hour**.
#### Step 4: Baste the Ham
Every 20-30 minutes, **baste the ham** with the remaining glaze, ensuring the ham is fully coated with the glaze for that sweet, sticky finish. If the glaze begins to burn or get too dark, cover the ham loosely with foil and continue to bake until it’s done.
#### Step 5: Roast the Ham
The total roasting time for a **7-10 pound ham** will be around **2 to 2.5 hours**, or about 15 minutes per pound. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the ham’s internal temperature. It should reach **140°F (60°C)** when fully cooked.
During the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to **400°F (204°C)** to help the glaze caramelize and form that signature crispy exterior.
#### Step 6: Rest the Ham
Once the ham reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to rest for **15-20 minutes** before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and ensures the ham stays moist when you cut into it.
#### Step 7: Slice and Serve
Once rested, slice the ham against the grain into thin or thick slices, depending on your preference. Serve it hot alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy the sweet, savory flavor that makes **Honey Baked Ham** such a crowd-pleaser.
### Tips for Making the Perfect Honey Baked Ham
– **Choose the right ham**: As mentioned earlier, a **bone-in ham** tends to produce the best flavor, but both bone-in and boneless options work well.
– **Basting is key**: Don’t skip the **basting** process! Regularly basting your ham with the glaze ensures that every part of the meat is coated with the delicious sauce and helps it stay moist.
– **Resting time**: Allowing the ham to rest before slicing is crucial for keeping the meat juicy. Don’t skip this step.
– **Leftovers**: Honey-baked ham makes amazing leftovers. Slice it thinly for sandwiches or dice it up for casseroles, salads, or soups. You can also freeze leftover ham for later use.
– **Enhance with fruit**: For added flavor, serve your honey-baked ham with roasted **pineapple**, **apples**, or a **fruit chutney**. The combination of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible.
### Conclusion
**Honey Baked Ham** is the epitome of comfort food, bringing the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tender flavors to your table. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday feast, a family gathering, or any special occasion, this dish is sure to impress your guests and become a favorite in your household. With its succulent meat, crispy caramelized glaze, and easy preparation, it’s a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Follow this simple recipe, and you’ll be able to make your very own honey-baked ham at home, with all the rich flavors of a professional-quality roast, without the need for a special trip to the store. So go ahead—bring the sweet and savory magic of honey-baked ham into your kitchen today!
