There’s nothing like the sweet and savory aroma of a glazed baked ham wafting through your home. This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a centerpiece for holiday celebrations, family gatherings, or any festive occasion. Imagine slicing into a beautifully caramelized ham, the sweet glaze perfectly complementing the rich, smoky flavors of the meat.
Using an 11.5 lb fully cooked bone-in ham makes this glazed baked ham both simple and utterly delicious. The soft, tender meat, enveloped in a sticky, flavorful glaze, is sure to impress your guests without demanding too much of your time. With a preparation time of just a few hours, this will be your go-to recipe for any special gathering.
Why you’ll love this
- It’s sweet and savory with a luscious glaze.
- Easy to prepare with minimal active cooking time.
- Appeals to both kids and adults alike.
- Can be made ahead and stored for leftovers.
- Provides an impressive centerpiece for holiday celebrations.
"Tastes incredible and so simple to make."
Step-by-step overview
This delightful dish involves letting the ham come to room temperature, preparing a delectable glaze, and applying it throughout the cooking process. The result is a beautifully heated ham with a luxurious glaze that’s perfect for slicing and serving.
What you’ll need
- 11.5 lb fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral cut (10-15 lb ham))
- 1/2 cup apricot preserves
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup dijon mustard
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
Ingredient notes & swaps
- Apricot Preserves: Can be substituted with other fruit preserves like peach or orange for different flavor profiles.
- Honey: Maple syrup is a great alternative for a distinct sweetness.
- Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard can be used in a pinch.
- Butter: For a dairy-free version, use margarine or a plant-based butter.
Directions to follow
This method ensures that the ham not only warms up but also develops a gorgeous, sticky exterior that’s impossible to resist.
Prep the Ham: Allow the ham to sit covered at room temperature for about 2 hours before roasting. Preheat the oven to 325˚F, with the oven rack positioned in the lower third.
Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apricot preserves, honey, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and butter. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 1 minute while whisking constantly. Remove from heat; the glaze should be the consistency of loose honey.
First Glaze Application: Line your roasting pan with foil for easier cleanup. Place the ham cut-side down in the pan. Brush on one-third of the glaze and cover tightly with foil. Bake at 325 degrees for about 10-11 minutes per pound (approximately 2 hours for an 11.5 lb ham) until the internal temperature reaches around 110˚F.
Second Glaze Application: Increase the oven temperature to 425˚F. Remove the ham from the oven and brush with another third of the glaze. Return to the oven and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes.
Final Glaze Application: Once again, remove the ham from the oven and brush it with the remaining one-third of the glaze. Roast uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until a beautiful brown crust forms and the internal temperature hits around 130-135˚F. Remember that the temperature will rise another 5-10 degrees once removed from the oven.
Rest and Serve: Transfer the ham to a serving dish and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Strain the pan juices through a sieve, skimming off any excess fat that floats to the top. Spoon these flavorful juices over the ham slices before serving.
Pro Tip: Use an oven-safe internal temperature probe to ensure perfect doneness.
Visual cues: Look for a beautifully caramelized outer layer and an internal temperature that signals it’s ready to serve!
Helpful cooking tips
- Allow the ham to rest longer for more even heat distribution.
- Brush glaze on multiple times for depth of flavor.
- Pair with a tangy side salad to balance the sweetness.
- Reserve a portion of glaze to drizzle on individual slices when serving.
Best ways to enjoy it
Serve this beautiful glazed baked ham with roasted vegetables and fluffy mashed potatoes for a classic dinner. For a lighter touch, consider a crisp salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or some tangy apple sauce on the side to enhance the sweetness of the glaze.
How to store & freeze
Leftover glazed ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. Wrap it tightly to prevent drying out. For longer storage, slice the ham into portions and freeze. It can be frozen for up to six months; just ensure it’s well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours; reheat until steaming hot.
How to fix common issues
If the ham turns out dry:
- Ensure you’ve properly followed the resting time to allow juices to redistribute.
- Next time, consider basting with more glaze or covering during the initial bake.
If the glaze is too runny:
- Cook it a bit longer to thicken it up before applying. You can also add more brown sugar to achieve the desired consistency.
Creative twists
- Try a pineapple juice glaze for a tropical flavor twist.
- Add the zest of a lemon or lime to the glaze for a bright punch.
- Incorporate chopped nuts into your glaze for extra crunch.
Common questions
Can I use a smaller or larger ham with the same recipe?
Yes, the recipe can be adjusted based on the weight of the ham; however, cooking times will need to be adjusted accordingly. For smaller hams (6-7 lbs), reduce the resting time prior to cooking, and for larger ones, increase it slightly.
Is this ham suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Make sure to slice it and wrap it tightly, as previously noted, to preserve its flavor and texture during freezing.
What can I serve with glazed ham?
It pairs beautifully with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, or roasted carrots. For a lighter option, consider an arugula salad with a citrus dressing.
With this detailed guide on glazed baked ham, you are set to impress your family and friends at your next gathering. Happy cooking!
Glazed Baked Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Allow the ham to sit covered at room temperature for about 2 hours before roasting.
- Preheat the oven to 325˚F, with the oven rack positioned in the lower third.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine apricot preserves, honey, brown sugar, dijon mustard, and butter.
- Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for 1 minute while whisking constantly.
- Remove from heat; the glaze should be the consistency of loose honey.
- Line your roasting pan with foil for easier cleanup.
- Place the ham cut-side down in the pan.
- Brush on one-third of the glaze and cover tightly with foil.
- Bake at 325 degrees for about 10-11 minutes per pound, approximately 2 hours.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches around 110˚F.
- Increase the oven temperature to 425˚F.
- Remove the ham from the oven and brush with another third of the glaze.
- Return to the oven and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes.
- Remove the ham from the oven and brush it with the remaining one-third of the glaze.
- Roast uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until a beautiful brown crust forms and the internal temperature hits around 130-135˚F.
- Transfer the ham to a serving dish and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.
- Strain the pan juices through a sieve, skimming off excess fat.
- Spoon these flavorful juices over the ham slices before serving.