Honey Baked Ham Recipe
Preparing a sumptuous Honey Baked Ham is a delightful way to elevate your holiday feasts. This succulent dish, glazed to perfection and adorned with aromatic spices, is bound to be the star of your dining table. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process, from listing the ingredients you’ll need to the step-by-step instructions that ensure a mouthwatering result.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the essential ingredients that will create the magic in your Honey Baked Ham:
For the Ham:
- 1 8-11lb spiral sliced ham
- 2 cups orange or pineapple juice
- 1 orange
- 3-4 cinnamon sticks
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 stick melted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ginger paste
- 1/2 cup good quality honey
- Nutmeg and allspice
- Cinnamon to taste
- AP Seasoning
For the Sugar & Spice Rub:
- 1.5 cups white sugar
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp AP seasoning
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg, all spice, cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground mustard
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to create a delectable Honey Baked Ham that will impress your guests and leave them craving for more:
- Prepare the Glaze: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar, ginger paste, honey, nutmeg, allspice, and cinnamon. Stir well until the mixture forms a smooth glaze. Set it aside.
- Glaze the Ham: Place the spiral sliced ham in a roasting pan. Generously brush the glaze mixture over the ham, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Wrap and Bake: Wrap the glazed ham tightly in aluminum foil to preserve the flavors and moisture. Bake it in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes per pound. The foil wrap will prevent the glaze from burning and help the flavors infuse into the meat.
- Prepare the Sugar & Spice Rub: While the ham is baking, prepare the sugar and spice rub. Combine white sugar, orange zest, AP seasoning, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and ground mustard in a bowl. Mix them thoroughly to create a fragrant rub.
- Unwrap and Apply the Rub: Towards the end of the baking time, remove the ham from the oven. Carefully unwrap the foil and discard it. Apply the prepared sugar and spice rub generously over the ham’s surface. This rub will add an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful crust. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Place the uncovered ham back into the oven for an additional 30 minutes. This will help the sugar and spice rub caramelize, creating a delectable outer layer.
- Once the ham is cooked to your satisfaction, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before garnishing it with a reserved honey glaze and festive toppings like kale and cranberries.
- Carve and Enjoy: Carve the Honey Baked Ham into slices and serve it alongside your favorite sides. The succulent, flavorful meat will be an instant hit among your friends and family.
How To Make The Perfect Honey Baked Ham
FAQs
Q: Can I use pineapple juice instead of orange juice for the glaze? A: Absolutely! You can substitute pineapple juice for orange juice to add a slightly different fruity note to the glaze.
Q: How can I make sure the glaze doesn’t burn while baking? A: Wrapping the ham in aluminum foil during the initial baking helps prevent the glaze from burning. The foil also ensures that the ham remains moist and tender.
Q: Can I prepare the ham in advance and reheat it? A: Yes, you can prepare the ham in advance, glaze it, and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, reheat it in the oven, covered with foil, at a low temperature until warmed through.
Q: What sides pair well with Honey Baked Ham? A: Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and roasted vegetables complement the Honey Baked Ham perfectly. The ham’s sweet and savory flavors are versatile enough to match a variety of side dishes.
Q: How do I store leftover Honey Baked Ham? A: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze slices for longer storage. When reheating, wrap the slices in foil to prevent them from drying out.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe? A: While the recipe is designed for a spiral sliced ham, you can adapt the glaze and spice rub for other meats like pork loin or even chicken. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Crafting a Honey Baked Ham that’s rich in flavor, tender in texture, and visually appealing requires attention to detail and a touch of culinary finesse. By following the step-by-step instructions outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create a memorable dish that’s sure to become a holiday favorite. The combination of the glaze, sugar and spice rub, and careful cooking techniques results in a mouthwatering masterpiece that will delight both your taste buds and those of your loved ones.
