Oh, my goodness, if you haven’t tried making a savory ham yet, you’re in for a treat! This dish is not just delicious; it’s a total showstopper for any occasion. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a family gathering, or just a cozy dinner at home, a beautifully glazed ham will steal the spotlight on your table. Trust me, the combination of sweet brown sugar, honey, and tangy Dijon mustard creates a flavor explosion that pairs perfectly with the juicy tenderness of the ham. Plus, it feeds a crowd! So roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress your family and friends with this mouthwatering main dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is to devour!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple ingredients to create the most delicious ham you’ve ever tasted. Trust me, you’ll want to have everything ready before you dive in!
- 1 whole ham (10-12 lbs) – make sure it’s fully thawed if frozen
- 1 cup packed brown sugar – this is where the sweetness comes from!
- 1/2 cup honey – adds a lovely, rich flavor
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – gives a nice tang that balances the sweetness
- 2 cups apple juice – this keeps the ham juicy and adds a fruity note
With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a ham that everyone will be raving about long after the last slice is gone!
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this incredible ham! Follow these steps, and you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare!
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking your ham to perfection. While the oven warms up, grab your ham and place it on a sturdy cutting board. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only makes it look gorgeous but helps the glaze seep in beautifully. Just make shallow cuts—about a quarter-inch deep—so you don’t cut all the way through the meat!
Create the Glaze
Now, let’s whip up that delightful glaze! In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, and 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard. I like to use a whisk to ensure everything blends together smoothly. Once it’s nice and combined, take your hands (don’t be shy!) and rub the glaze generously all over the ham. Make sure to get it into those diamond cuts you just made—this is where the magic happens!
Baking the Ham
Next, it’s time to get that ham in the oven! Place it in a large roasting pan, and pour 2 cups of apple juice all around it. This will keep the ham moist and flavorful. Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to lock in all that goodness. Bake it for 1.5 hours, but don’t wander too far—set a timer, so you don’t lose track of time!
Caramelizing the Ham
After that initial bake, carefully remove the foil (watch out for the steam!). This next step is crucial: bake the ham uncovered for an additional 30 minutes. This is when the glaze gets all caramelized and sticky, making it irresistibly delicious. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning, and enjoy the heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation – you’ll have a stunning dish ready with minimal effort!
- Delicious flavor – the sweet and tangy glaze makes every bite unforgettable.
- Perfect for holidays and gatherings – this ham is a crowd-pleaser that feeds a lot of hungry mouths.
- Gluten-free – it’s a fantastic option for guests with dietary restrictions.
- Impressive presentation – that diamond pattern and caramelized glaze will wow your family and friends.
- Leftovers are a bonus – enjoy delicious sandwiches or salads the next day!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying this savory ham, you might be curious about the nutritional side of things. Here’s a rough estimate of what you can expect per serving (about 3 oz). Keep in mind that these values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods, but this should give you a good idea!
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
These numbers might help you plan your meal better, and they certainly don’t take away from the joy of indulging in this delicious ham dish! Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget—leftovers can be just as tasty!
Tips for Success
Alright, let me share some of my best tips to ensure your ham turns out perfectly every time! Trust me, these little tweaks can make a big difference!
- Choose the right ham: If possible, look for a bone-in ham, as it tends to be juicier and more flavorful. The bone adds richness to the meat!
- Score carefully: When scoring the ham, don’t go too deep. Shallow cuts help the glaze penetrate without drying out the meat.
- Let it rest: After baking, give your ham at least 20 minutes to rest before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping each slice moist and tender.
- Experiment with the glaze: Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or cloves to the glaze for an extra flavor kick. A splash of orange juice can also brighten things up!
- Watch the caramelization: Keep an eye on the ham during that last 30 minutes. If it’s browning too quickly, loosely cover it with foil again to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This ensures it’s warm and safe to eat without drying out.
By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to serving a stunning, flavorful ham that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your stunning ham ready, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it. The right sides can really elevate your meal and complement that delicious, sweet glaze perfectly!
- Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes brings a lovely earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the ham.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes are always a hit! You can even add some garlic or herbs for an extra kick.
- Green Bean Casserole: This classic dish adds a bit of crunch and creaminess, making it a fantastic side that everyone loves.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Who can resist a gooey, cheesy pasta dish? It’s a comfort food favorite that complements the savory ham beautifully.
- Cornbread: Sweet, fluffy cornbread is a delightful addition that balances the saltiness of the ham. You can serve it warm with a pat of butter!
- Coleslaw: A fresh, tangy coleslaw provides a nice crunch and a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the ham.
- Fruit Salad: A light and vibrant fruit salad with melons, berries, and citrus can cleanse the palate and add a burst of freshness.
These sides are sure to impress your guests and create a well-rounded meal that everyone will talk about long after the last bite. Enjoy your feast!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After enjoying your delicious ham, you might find yourself with some tasty leftovers. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered on how to store and reheat it so it stays just as flavorful and juicy!
First, let the ham cool down to room temperature before storing it. Once it’s cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. If you’ve got a lot of leftover ham, consider slicing it into portions before wrapping. This way, it’s easier to grab just what you need later on!
Store the wrapped ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it well in freezer wrap. Frozen ham can stay good for up to 2 months, but trust me, it’ll be hard to resist for that long!
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key to keeping that flavor and texture intact. For the best results, I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 325°F (165°C), and place the ham in a baking dish. Add a splash of apple juice or broth to keep it moist, and cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. Heat it for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. If you want to get that glaze nice and sticky again, uncover it for the last 5-10 minutes!
And there you have it—easy storage and reheating tips to help you savor every last bit of that mouthwatering ham!
Imprimer
Savory Ham: 7 Tips for a Delicious Showstopper
- Temps Total: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
A savory ham dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 1 whole ham (10–12 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 cups apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, honey, and Dijon mustard.
- Rub the mixture over the ham.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour apple juice around it.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes to caramelize.
Notes
- Let the ham rest before slicing.
- Serve with your choice of sides.
- Temps De Préparation: 20 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 2 hours
- Catégorie: Main Dish
- Méthode: Baking
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 3 oz
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 6g
- De Sodium: 850mg
- La graisse: 10g
- Graisses Saturées: 3.5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 8g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 24g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: ham, holiday, main dish, baking
