Easter Ham Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Honey Glazed Ham

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Looking for the perfect Easter ham recipe to impress your family and friends? This sweet and savory honey glazed ham is sure to be a hit.

With its sticky, caramelized glaze and tender, juicy meat, it’s the perfect centerpiece for your Easter dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easter ham recipe is a classic, with a simple yet flavorful glaze made from honey, brown sugar, and mustard. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few ingredients and some basic cooking skills. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

One of the things that sets this recipe apart is the use of a spiral ham, which is already sliced and ready to go. This makes it easy to serve and ensures that everyone gets a nice, even piece of meat.

Plus, the spiral shape allows the glaze to penetrate deep into the meat, infusing it with flavor and moisture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Easter ham recipe:

1 (4-6 pound) spiral ham , look for a ham that’s labeled “”fully cooked”” or “”ready to eat”” to ensure it’s safe to serve.

1/2 cup honey , pure, raw honey is best for this recipe, as it has a richer flavor and thicker texture than processed honey.

1/4 cup brown sugar , light or dark brown sugar works well in this recipe, depending on your personal preference.

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard , this adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the glaze that complements the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.

1 teaspoon ground cloves , this warm, aromatic spice adds depth and complexity to the glaze, and pairs well with the sweetness of the honey.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon , this sweet, comforting spice adds a cozy, warming flavor to the glaze that’s perfect for Easter dinner.

Why These Ingredients

Honey

Honey is the star of the show in this recipe, providing a rich, caramelized glaze that’s both sweet and savory.

Look for pure, raw honey that’s free from additives and preservatives, as this will have the best flavor and texture.

When choosing a honey for this recipe, consider the flavor profile you’re looking for.

Lighter honeys like clover or orange blossom will add a delicate, floral flavor to the glaze, while darker honeys like buckwheat or manuka will add a richer, more robust flavor.

Brown Sugar

Brown sugar adds a deep, caramelized flavor to the glaze that complements the sweetness of the honey perfectly.

Look for light or dark brown sugar, depending on your personal preference, and make sure to pack it down firmly when measuring to ensure you get the right amount.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the glaze that balances out the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.

Look for a high quality Dijon mustard that’s made with white wine and has a smooth, creamy texture.

Instructions

Now that we’ve covered the ingredients, let’s talk about how to put this recipe together. Here’s a step by step guide to making the perfect Easter ham:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep , Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and remove the ham from its packaging. Place the ham on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan, cut side down, and score the fat in a diamond pattern.

Step 2: Mix the Glaze , In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze , Brush the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines and all over the surface of the meat.

Step 4: Bake the Ham , Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

How To Serve

Here are a few ideas for serving your Easter ham:

Try pairing it with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, for a healthy and flavorful dinner.

You could also serve it with a batch of homemade biscuits or rolls, which will soak up the sweet and savory glaze perfectly.

For a more traditional Easter dinner, consider serving the ham with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans.

This classic combination is a crowd pleaser, and the creamy mashed potatoes will help to balance out the sweetness of the glaze.

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous, try serving the ham with a side of spicy mustard or chutney.

This will add a nice kick to the dish and help to cut through the richness of the meat.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

It’s generally not recommended to leave cooked ham at room temperature for more than 2 hours, as this can allow bacteria to grow and cause foodborne illness.

If you need to store the ham for a short period of time, make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and kept in a cool, dry place.

Refrigerator

Cooked ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 2 months. To store the ham in the refrigerator, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a covered container.

Make sure to keep it at a consistent refrigerator temperature of 40°F (4°C) or below.

Freezer

To freeze the ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label the bag or container with the date and contents, and store it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

When you’re ready to serve the ham, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Top Tips

Use a Meat Thermometer

A meat thermometer is essential for ensuring that your ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Look for a thermometer that’s specifically designed for meat, and make sure to insert it into the thickest part of the ham to get an accurate reading.

Let the Ham Rest

After the ham is done cooking, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.

This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to relax, making it easier to slice and more tender to eat.

Use a Spiral Ham

A spiral ham is a great choice for this recipe, as it’s already sliced and ready to go. This makes it easy to serve and ensures that everyone gets a nice, even piece of meat.

Final Thoughts

This Easter ham recipe is a classic, with a simple yet flavorful glaze that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, you’ll love how effortlessly this recipe comes together.

So why not give it a try this Easter, and see for yourself why it’s a holiday tradition?