Baked holiday ham is the star of any festive meal, and this glazed holiday ham recipe transports your taste buds to a realm of irresistible flavors. The combination of sweet orange marmalade and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that beautifully complements the rich, savory goodness of the ham. With its caramelized exterior and juicy interior, this dish not only fills your home with an enchanting aroma but also brings everyone together around the dinner table.
I fondly remember the first time I made this glazed holiday ham for a family gathering. The laughter, warmth, and delightful flavors of the glaze made it a memorable occasion. Whenever I catch a whiff of orange and spice, it takes me back to those special moments. Whether you’re planning a Christmas feast or an Easter brunch, this homemade ham glaze will elevate your dinner and leave your loved ones asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Takes just 30 minutes to prep and 3 hours to bake, making it manageable even for busy hosts.
- Irresistible Flavor: The sweet and tangy glaze gives every bite a burst of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The diamond-shaped cloves and shiny glaze create a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinners and holiday celebrations, this ham can be served warm or cold in sandwiches.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (6-8 pounds): This is the base of your dish; select a high-quality ham for the best flavor.
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that desirable caramelized crust.
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard: This tangy kick balances the sweetness of the glaze and enhances the overall flavor.
- 3/4 cup orange marmalade: Melts into a delicious glaze that’s sweet and zesty, perfect for holiday ham.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves: Provide aromatic notes and a lovely presentation when inserted into the scored ham.
- 1 can of lemon-lime soda: This adds moisture and helps create a tender, succulent ham.
How to Make Glazed Holiday Ham
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham about ½ inch deep in one direction, and then repeat in the opposite direction to form diamond shapes. This allows the glaze to penetrate and add flavor.
- Insert the Cloves: Carefully insert a whole clove in the center of each diamond shape. This not only gives a festive look but also infuses the ham with aromatic spice.
- Prepare the Roasting Pan: Pour the can of lemon-lime soda into the bottom of a roasting pan. This will create steam as the ham cooks, helping to keep it moist. Place a cooking rack in the pan and set the ham cut side down on the rack.
- Bake the Ham: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C). Bake uncovered for 2 hours, allowing the ham to heat through.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine 3/4 cup packed brown sugar, 1/2 cup Dijon mustard, and 3/4 cup orange marmalade. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Glaze the Ham: After 2 hours, pull the ham from the oven and brush the glaze generously over the surface. Return it to the oven for an additional 45 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 15 minutes. Bake until a meat thermometer reads 145°F (63°C).
- Serve: Remove the ham from the oven, allow it to rest for a few minutes, and serve with the remaining glaze on the side.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover glazed holiday ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, slice the ham and place it in a baking dish, covering it with foil. Gently heat in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 20-30 minutes, until warmed through. Keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture slightly, but reheating with some glaze can refresh its flavor.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure your ham stays juicy.
- Let it rest: After baking, allow the ham to rest before slicing to retain its juices.
- Experiment with flavors: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for an extra layer of warmth.
- Make ahead: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance, making your holiday cooking a breeze.
- Use the leftovers: This ham is delicious in sandwiches or salads, so don’t waste any of that flavor!
There’s nothing quite like a festive holiday ham to bring everyone together. With this easy and flavorful recipe, your gathering or celebration will be one to remember. The combination of the sweet, citrusy glaze with the savory ham is simply irresistible. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the glaze; the balance of sweet and tangy can truly be tailored to your preference.
Gather your loved ones and serve this dish with pride, knowing it’s sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the warmth of the occasion and the delicious flavors of this glazed holiday ham!
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of soda for the recipe?
Absolutely! While lemon-lime soda adds a nice tang and sweetness, you can substitute it with ginger ale or even apple cider for a different flavor profile.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C) for a fully cooked ham. Be sure to check the thickest part for the most accurate reading.
Can I glaze the ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the ham and brush on the glaze a day in advance. Just cover it and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven.
What’s the best way to carve the ham?
To carve the ham, first, place it on a cutting board cut side down. Use a sharp knife to slice along the bone, cutting about 1/2-3/4 inch thick. This allows for even slices without tearing the meat. Remember to serve it with some of that delicious glaze for extra flavor!
Print
Glazed Holiday Ham
Enjoy the delightful taste of Glazed Holiday Ham, featuring a sweet and tangy glaze made with brown sugar, dijon mustard, and orange marmalade. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for holiday gatherings, providing a delicious centerpiece that will impress your guests.
- Total Time: 3 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone in ham, 6-8 pounds
- 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup dijon mustard
- 3/4 cup orange marmalade
- 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
- 1 can of lemon-lime soda
Instructions
- Score the surface of the ham ½ inch deep in one direction and then in the opposite direction to create diamond shapes.
- Insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond shape.
- Pour the lemon-lime soda into the bottom of a roasting pan, then place a cooking rack inside the pan.
- Position the ham cut side down on the rack in the roasting pan.
- Bake the ham, uncovered, at 325°F for 2 hours.
- In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, dijon mustard, and orange marmalade, and set the mixture aside.
- Brush the glaze over the ham and continue to bake for an additional 45 minutes, applying more glaze every 15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Serve any remaining glaze alongside the sliced ham.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
For added flavor, let the ham sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before baking.
This recipe can be made a day in advance; just reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 195 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 1300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
