This juicy, tender ham is coated in a rich brown sugar glaze with a hint of mustard and cloves, then baked to caramelized perfection. Simple, elegant, and irresistibly delicious.
🍴 Ingredients (Serves 6-8)
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–9 lbs)
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or pineapple juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
🔥 Instructions
Preheat and Prep:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about ½ inch deep. If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections.
Mix the Glaze:
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, Dijon mustard, vinegar or juice, honey, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and heated through. Remove from heat.
Bake the Ham:
Brush a generous layer of glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound), basting every 30 minutes with more glaze.
Caramelize the Top:
Remove foil during the last 20–30 minutes of baking to let the glaze caramelize and the surface get beautifully golden.
Rest and Serve:
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with remaining glaze on the side, or drizzle over the slices.
📦 Amazon Must-Haves to Help You Create the Best Baked Ham
- 🔪 Meat Carving Set — A sharp carving knife ensures perfect slices for serving.
- 🧂 Basting Brush — Great for evenly spreading the glaze without scratching your ham’s surface.
- 🛑 Roasting Pan with Rack — Provides even heat distribution and allows juices to drain below the ham.
💡 Helpful Tip: Save the ham bone! It adds incredible flavor to soups, beans, or lentil dishes. You can freeze it for later use if you’re not ready to use it right away.
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