Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, offering a delicious twist on traditional ham. The honey brings a natural sweetness, while mustard adds a tangy depth of flavor, making it an irresistible dish for any special occasion, especially during the holiday season. Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or simply want to impress your guests, this glazed ham is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
What Is Honey Mustard Glazed Ham?
Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is a ham baked and basted with a rich glaze made from honey and mustard. The sweetness of the honey balances perfectly with the sharpness of mustard, creating a caramelized crust that enhances the ham’s natural flavors. This recipe is a fantastic choice for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday feast.
Ingredients for Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
To make this delicious Honey Mustard Glazed Ham, you will need:
- 1 bone-in, fully cooked ham (7-10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
These simple ingredients create a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced flavors for your ham.
Health Benefits of Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
Although ham is traditionally indulgent, it provides a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals like iron and zinc. The honey and mustard glaze adds natural sweetness and antioxidants, making this dish a delicious yet somewhat balanced choice for holiday meals.
For a delicious side dish pairing, consider making these Air-Fried Garlic Parmesan Potatoes to complement the flavors of the ham.
How to Make Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
Follow these easy steps to make a flavorful Honey Mustard Glazed Ham for your next holiday gathering:
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan and cover loosely with aluminum foil. Bake the ham for about 1.5 hours, or 10 minutes per pound, until it is heated through.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
While the ham is baking, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves (if using) in a saucepan. Simmer over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 3: Glaze the Ham
After the ham has cooked for the initial time, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with the honey mustard glaze. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking for another 30-40 minutes, basting the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes until it’s caramelized and golden brown.
Step 4: Serve
Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with any remaining glaze on the side.
For another hearty main course idea, try this Crock-Pot Pork Loin for a slow-cooked, tender alternative.
Variations
Here are some fun ways to modify your Honey Mustard Glazed Ham recipe:
- Add fruit juice: Replace the apple cider vinegar with orange or pineapple juice for a sweeter, fruitier glaze.
- Use maple syrup: Swap the honey for maple syrup to add a deeper, richer sweetness.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick of heat in the glaze.
Best Occasions to Serve Honey Mustard Glazed Ham
This ham recipe is perfect for:
- Holiday feasts: It’s an ideal centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or Thanksgiving dinners.
- Large gatherings: A whole ham serves a crowd, making it perfect for family reunions or parties.
- Leftovers: The ham keeps well, and leftovers can be used in sandwiches, salads, or soups.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few tips to ensure your Honey Mustard Glazed Ham turns out perfectly:
- Not basting enough: Baste the ham frequently with the glaze during the final baking stage to achieve a rich, caramelized crust.
- Overcooking: Since ham is already fully cooked, you’re just reheating it. Don’t overcook the ham, or it will become dry.
- Skipping the resting time: Let the ham rest before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the ham and prepare the glaze a day in advance. Reheat the ham in the oven and brush on the glaze right before serving.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months.
3. Can I use this glaze on other meats?
Absolutely! This honey mustard glaze works wonderfully on pork tenderloin, chicken, or even roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
Honey Mustard Glazed Ham is the perfect combination of sweet and savory, making it an ideal centerpiece for any holiday meal. With its simple glaze of honey, mustard, and brown sugar, this ham delivers incredible flavor with minimal effort. Whether it’s for a big family gathering or a festive holiday celebration, this glazed ham is sure to impress.
For more holiday main dishes, try this flavorful Garlic and Herb Leg of Lamb for an elegant alternative.