Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Whole cloves (for studding the ham, optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. If desired, you can score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud it with whole cloves for added flavor and presentation.
3. Make the Glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves (if using), black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is well combined.
4. Bake the Ham: Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the surface of the ham. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
5. Glaze During Baking: Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze to build flavor and create a nice crust.
6. Finish Uncovered: During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the ham to caramelize and brown. Brush with more glaze just before serving.
7. Rest and Serve: Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a moist ham.

Importance of Each Ingredient

• Fully Cooked Bone-in Ham: The main ingredient, providing rich flavor and tenderness. The bone adds moisture and enhances the taste.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a distinct flavor that complements the savory ham.
• Brown Sugar: Contributes to the sweetness and helps caramelize the glaze, creating a beautiful crust.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar, adding depth of flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon & Ground Cloves (optional): Add warm, aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the ham.
• Black Pepper: Offers a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Apple Cider Vinegar (optional): Adds acidity, which brightens the flavors and helps cut through the richness of the ham.
• Whole Cloves (optional): Studding the ham with cloves adds an additional layer of flavor and a decorative touch.

This Honey Baked Ham is perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Enjoy it as the centerpiece of your meal!