If you’re looking for a flavorful twist on a traditional ham, this Ginger Honey Glazed Ham is the perfect choice. With a beautiful blend of sweet honey and the spicy warmth of ginger, this glaze creates a delightful, caramelized coating that turns a classic ham into something special. Ideal for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even as a centerpiece for a special celebration, this ham is bursting with flavor and makes an impressive addition to any table.
The combination of honey and ginger is truly magical, infusing the ham with layers of flavor that balance sweet, savory, and spicy notes. Honey adds a rich sweetness that pairs perfectly with the saltiness of the ham, while fresh ginger brings a unique, zesty heat. A hint of Dijon mustard and ground cloves rounds out the glaze, adding depth and enhancing the aromatic flavors. As the ham bakes, the glaze caramelizes, creating a sticky, golden-brown crust that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
This Ginger Honey Glazed Ham is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Once you’ve scored the ham and made the glaze, the oven does most of the work, allowing you to focus on preparing your favorite side dishes or spending time with family and friends. Serve this ham with classic sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that will delight everyone at the table.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2-2.5 hours
Total Time: 2.5-3 hours
Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
• ¾ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• Zest of 1 orange (optional, for added citrus flavor)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a rack in a large roasting pan, cut side down.
2. Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a criss-cross pattern, making shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and adds a decorative touch.
3. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, grated ginger, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and orange zest (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Glaze the Ham: Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.
5. Bake and Reapply Glaze: Bake the ham for 1.5 hours, then remove the foil and brush with more glaze. Continue baking, basting with additional glaze every 20-30 minutes, until the ham is caramelized and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). This should take around 2-2.5 hours in total.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, with any remaining glaze drizzled over the top if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use powdered ginger instead of fresh ginger?
Yes, you can use powdered ginger if fresh ginger is unavailable. Substitute with 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, but note that fresh ginger adds a more vibrant flavor.
Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before applying to the ham.
What can I serve with Ginger Honey Glazed Ham?
This ham pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, or even a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, consider serving with cranberry sauce or a simple fruit chutney.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Is this glaze very sweet?
The glaze is sweet, but the ginger and Dijon mustard help balance the flavors, adding a bit of spice and tang. You can adjust the sweetness by using less honey or brown sugar if desired.
This Ginger Honey Glazed Ham is a delicious, flavorful dish that combines the warmth of ginger with the sweetness of honey for a glaze that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or special occasions, this ham will impress with its golden-brown crust and tender, juicy meat. Whether served with classic sides or a fresh salad, this ham is a sure way to bring everyone together around the table. Enjoy the flavors of this crowd-pleasing dish, and savor every sweet and spicy bite!
