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This glazed ham recipe is a perfect choice for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or special occasions. Featuring a flavorful combination of honey, spices, and a sugar glaze, this dish creates a rich balance of sweet and savory. With easy instructions for both oven and crock pot methods, it’s versatile and convenient for any kitchen. This crowd-pleasing ham pairs beautifully with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, casseroles, and fresh salads, making it an ideal centerpiece for your table.

Ingredients

Ham:

1 bone-in spiral sliced half ham
¼ cup pineapple juice (see notes)
4 tablespoons butter, melted
2 tablespoons honey
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon mustard powder

Sugar Glaze Mixture:

½ cup brown sugar
1 cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground clove
⅛ teaspoon paprika
⅛ teaspoon nutmeg
Pinch of allspice
Pinch of ground ginger

Instructions

Note: These instructions are for a pre-cooked or smoked ham, as indicated on the label.

Prepare the Oven: Adjust your oven racks if necessary to fit a roasting pan and preheat the oven to 275°F.
Set Up Roasting Pan: Pour the pineapple juice into the bottom of a roasting pan. Place a roasting rack on top.
Prep the Ham: Rinse the ham and pat it dry with paper towels. Position it on the roasting rack.
Make the Butter Mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, cinnamon, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Brush this mixture over the ham, ensuring it gets into the crevices between slices.
Bake the Ham: Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil, sealing the edges around the pan. Bake for 15 minutes per pound of ham (e.g., an 8-pound ham requires 2 hours).
Prepare the Sugar Glaze: While the ham bakes, mix the sugar glaze ingredients in a bowl and set aside.
Apply the Glaze: After baking, remove the ham from the oven. Carefully transfer the rack with the ham onto the foil you used earlier. Sprinkle half of the sugar glaze mixture evenly over the top of the ham.
Simmer the Drippings: Place the roasting pan with the drippings on the stove over medium heat. Stir in the remaining sugar glaze mixture and whisk until combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, whisking continuously until the glaze reaches your desired thickness. Transfer the glaze to a heat-safe bowl.
Caramelize the Top: Return the rack with the ham to the roasting pan. Brush the glaze over the ham, using as much as desired. Broil at 450°F for up to 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning. Alternatively, use a kitchen torch to caramelize the top.
Serve: Slice and serve with your favorite side dishes like potato salad, mashed potatoes, twice-baked potato casserole, or corn casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly Sweet and Savory: The combination of honey, spices, and sugars creates a rich glaze that complements the smoky ham.
Customizable Cooking Options: Choose between oven or crock pot methods to suit your schedule.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Ideal for holidays, family dinners, or special occasions.
Great Leftovers: Use the extra ham for sandwiches, soups, or casseroles.

Tips

For best results, let the ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Adjust the sugar levels in the glaze based on your desired sweetness.
Avoid overbaking to keep the ham moist and tender.

Variations and Substitutions

Citrus Twist: Replace pineapple juice with orange juice for a different flavor.
Herbal Addition: Add fresh thyme or rosemary to the glaze for an herbal note.
Spice Level: Increase paprika or add cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
Low-Sugar Option: Use a sugar substitute like erythritol for a diabetic-friendly version.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ham in a crock pot?
A: Yes, follow the same steps but cook on low for 4-6 hours, then broil or torch to caramelize the glaze.

Q: How long does leftover ham last?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I use boneless ham?
A: Yes, but adjust the cooking time as boneless hams may require less time to heat through.

Serving

Serve this glazed ham as the centerpiece of your meal, paired with classic sides like green bean casserole, scalloped potatoes, or dinner rolls. It’s a versatile dish that complements a variety of flavors.

Suggestions

Use leftovers in breakfast dishes like ham and cheese omelets or quiches.
Add diced ham to soups, pasta, or fried rice for a hearty boost.
Slice thinly for sandwiches with mustard or cranberry sauce for a tasty lunch option.