Imagine a centerpiece so irresistibly delicious that your dinner guests can't stop talking about it - this Honey Glazed Spiral Ham is exactly that culinary masterpiece! With a perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and aromatic ground cloves, this ham transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. Whether you're hosting a family holiday gathering or a special Sunday dinner, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping main course that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-cut ham (8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from refrigerator 1 hour before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures even heating.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Position a rack in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the large ham.
- Place the spiral-cut ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Whisk the ingredients together over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Bake the ham for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and begin basting the ham with the prepared honey glaze every 10 minutes, creating a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter and drizzle any remaining glaze over the top for additional flavor.
- Slice between the spiral cuts and serve warm, garnishing with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your ham sit out for an hour before cooking to ensure even heating and prevent dry edges.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking at 325°F helps maintain moisture and prevents the ham from drying out.
- Glaze Technique: Baste frequently during the last 30 minutes to create a beautiful caramelized exterior that's both glossy and flavorful.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow the ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.
- Precision Matters: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 140°F for perfectly cooked ham.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The honey glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, saving you time on cooking day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
