This Easter Ham is a juicy, sweet treat that’s perfect for family gatherings. Glazed with brown sugar and mustard, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Let’s face it, who can resist that warm, sugary glaze? I always end up sneaking slices when no one is watching. It’s too good to share! 🤫
Making this ham is super easy! Just bake it in the oven and let the delicious smell fill your home. Trust me, your guests will be asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: A bone-in, fully cooked ham is the star here. It’s juicy and flavorful. If you’re looking for a smaller option, half a ham works well too. If you want a different flavor, try a smoked or herb-crusted ham.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice caramel flavor to the glaze. If you’re out, regular sugar mixed with a bit of molasses can be a quick substitute. Just use a little less regular sugar to keep it balanced.
Dijon Mustard: This gives tang to the glaze. If you prefer less spice, go for whole grain or honey mustard. Both will add different flavors but still taste great!
Apple Cider Vinegar: It adds acidity to balance the sweetness. If you don’t have it, white vinegar or lemon juice can work as alternatives. They’ll provide that necessary brightness.
Spices: Ground cloves, cinnamon, and ginger are essential for a warm flavor. If you’re missing any, you can play around with substitutes, like nutmeg or allspice, but keep the measurements small—these are strong spices!
What’s the Best Way to Glaze Ham for Maximum Flavor?
Glazing the ham is crucial for a delicious, caramelized finish. Start by scoring the ham in a diamond pattern; this helps the glaze penetrate and flavor the meat better.
- Mix all glaze ingredients, then heat it gently to combine and enhance the flavors. Let it cool slightly before applying.
- Brush the glaze generously on the scored surface, ensuring it seeps into the cuts for maximum flavor.
- Cover loosely with foil initially to prevent burning, then remove it in the last half hour for that beautiful caramelized crust.
- Baste every 20-30 minutes for that sticky goodness on the surface.
How to Make Easter Ham?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For Garnish:
- Fresh fruit slices (e.g., oranges, lemons)
- Fresh herbs (e.g., mint or parsley) – optional
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easter Ham recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 1.5 to 2 hours of baking time. Don’t forget to let it rest for about 15 minutes after it comes out of the oven. So, in total, plan for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating and Preparing the Ham:
First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). While it’s heating up, take the ham and place it in a roasting pan with the flat side down. Now, it’s time to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern; make shallow cuts that are about 1/2 inch apart. This helps the glaze penetrate into the meat, making it extra delicious!
2. Making the Glaze:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and black pepper. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring often until everything is mixed well and the glaze is smooth. Once it’s done, remove from heat and let it cool a bit.
3. Glazing the Ham:
Now, it’s time to brush that yummy glaze generously over the scored surface of the ham. Make sure it gets into those cuts—you want every bite to be soaked in flavor!
4. Baking the Ham:
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it into the preheated oven. Bake it for about 1.5 to 2 hours. Remember to baste the ham with the glaze every 20 to 30 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
5. Caramelizing the Glaze:
After about 1.5 hours of baking, remove the foil and let the ham bake uncovered for the final 30 minutes. This will help the glaze caramelize and create a beautiful crust on top. The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Letting it Rest:
Once the ham is done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
7. Serving the Ham:
Finally, slice the ham and arrange it on a serving platter. Garnish it with fresh fruit slices and herbs if you’d like. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Easter Ham!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Absolutely! While this recipe recommends a bone-in ham for optimal flavor, you can use boneless or spiral-cut ham. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of ham you choose. Always make sure it’s pre-cooked, as these adjustments are for reheating rather than cooking raw meat.
How Can I Store Leftover Ham?
Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and can last for up to 3-5 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it; wrap the slices tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the fridge when ready to eat!
What Can I Substitute for Honey?
If you’re looking to substitute honey, maple syrup or agave nectar work great as alternatives in similar quantities. They will provide a comparable sweetness and moisture to the glaze, just keep in mind they may alter the flavor slightly!
Can I Make the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to 2 days in advance! Simply store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just remember to warm it up slightly before brushing it over the ham to make it easier to spread.
