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– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1 cup honey
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
– Fresh rosemary or thyme (for garnish, optional)
### Instructions:
#### 1. **Prepare the Ham:**
Preheat your oven to **325°F (165°C)**. If you’re using a bone-in ham, place the ham in a roasting pan, and score the surface with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern. This will help the glaze penetrate the meat, allowing for a more flavorful result. If you want a more decorative look, you can stud the ham with **whole cloves** in the intersections of the scoring.
#### 2. **Prepare the Honey Glaze:**
In a small saucepan, combine the **honey**, **brown sugar**, **Dijon mustard**, **apple cider vinegar**, **cinnamon**, **cloves**, **ginger**, and **black pepper**. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir the mixture occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes. Allow the glaze to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low to keep it warm while you bake the ham.
#### 3. **Bake the Ham:**
Place the prepared ham in the preheated oven and bake for about **1.5 to 2 hours**, depending on the size of the ham. You’ll want to baste the ham with the glaze every **30 minutes** to build up layers of flavor. Use a brush or spoon to coat the ham generously with the glaze each time you baste.
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of **140°F (60°C)**. If you’re using a glaze that’s a bit thicker, it may caramelize into a nice, golden-brown crust on the outside of the ham.
#### 4. **Glaze for a Crispy Finish:**
To achieve a beautiful, crispy finish on your honey baked ham, increase the oven temperature to **400°F (200°C)** during the last **15-20 minutes** of cooking. This will help the glaze to caramelize and give the ham that signature sticky and sweet crust that makes it so special.
#### 5. **Rest and Serve:**
Once the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about **10-15 minutes** before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham even more tender and flavorful. Slice the ham thinly, serve with extra glaze on the side, and garnish with **fresh rosemary** or **thyme** for a festive touch.
### Tips for the Perfect Honey Baked Ham:
1. **Choosing the Ham:** For the best results, choose a **bone-in ham** because it tends to be more flavorful and moist than boneless varieties. Look for a pre-cooked ham, which means you’ll only need to warm it and glaze it, cutting down on cooking time.
2. **Flavor Variations:** While honey is the star of the glaze, you can also experiment with other flavors. Try adding a splash of **orange juice** or **bourbon** for an extra layer of complexity, or sprinkle in some **red pepper flakes** for a little heat to balance the sweetness.
3. **Leftovers:** Don’t let the leftover ham go to waste! Use it for sandwiches, in soups, or as a topping for salads. The leftover glaze can be used to drizzle over roasted vegetables or served as a dipping sauce for meats.
4. **Slow Cooker Option:** If you prefer a hands-off approach, you can cook your honey baked ham in a **slow cooker**. Place the ham in the slow cooker with the glaze ingredients, cover, and cook on **low for 4-6 hours** or until heated through and tender. This method works particularly well for smaller hams.
5. **Make It Ahead:** You can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to cook, simply warm it on the stovetop before using it on the ham.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
– **Flavorful and Festive:** The combination of **honey**, **brown sugar**, and **Dijon mustard** creates the perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and spice, elevating the flavor of the ham to another level.
– **Impressive Yet Easy:** This recipe is easy to follow but looks and tastes impressive, making it the perfect holiday centerpiece. It’s simple enough for beginners but delicious enough for seasoned cooks.
– **A Showstopper:** The rich glaze, tender meat, and beautiful caramelization create a dish that’s visually stunning and truly mouthwatering. Your guests will be raving about it long after the meal is over.
– **Perfect for Leftovers:** The best part of cooking a Honey Baked Ham is the leftovers. You can use them in a variety of recipes, from sandwiches and casseroles to breakfast frittatas.
### Conclusion:
This **Honey Baked Ham Christmas Recipe** will undoubtedly become a holiday favorite in your home. With its combination of savory and sweet flavors, tender texture, and gorgeous glaze, it’s the ultimate holiday centerpiece that will impress your family and friends. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, this ham is the perfect dish for a Christmas celebration filled with warmth, joy, and delicious food. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and make this Christmas even more special with a beautifully glazed Honey Baked Ham!
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