How to Make the Perfect Honey Glazed Christmas Ham
American · Medium · 200 min · 12 servings
A beautifully glazed holiday ham that is the centerpiece of any Christmas feast. The combination of honey and warm spices creates a sticky, caramelized crust that is impossible to resist.
Why this recipe works
This Honey Glazed Christmas Ham recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 200 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 38g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 8 lb bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 0.5 cup brown sugar
- 2 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about one inch deep. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and Dijon mustard. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Glaze and Roast
Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham. Roast uncovered for 2.5 hours, basting with remaining glaze every 30 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
Step 4: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for maximum flavor.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- honey → maple syrup
- Dijon mustard → whole grain mustard
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Skipping the resting time which causes juices to run out immediately when carved
- Not basting frequently enough which results in an uneven and less flavorful glaze
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 38g protein, 22g carbs, 18g fat, 0g fiber.
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