Get ready to impress your family and friends with a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for any occasion: Boneless Artisan Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze! This succulent ham, bathed in a sweet and tangy glaze, is not only a feast for the eyes but also a mouthwatering delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds. With just a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you can create a centerpiece worthy of any holiday table or special gathering. Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to achieving that perfect caramelized crust and juicy, flavorful meat that will leave your guests raving!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 boneless ham (4-5 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove ham from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature.
- Place ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If ham comes with a protective plastic layer, remove it completely before cooking.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, creating shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Brush approximately one-third of the glaze mixture over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and brush additional glaze over the surface to build layers of flavor and create a rich, caramelized exterior.
- During the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice ham against the grain into thin, even pieces. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the sliced ham before serving.
Tips
- Room Temperature Matters: Allow the ham to sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly and retain moisture.
- Perfectly Scored: Don’t skip scoring the ham! The diamond pattern not only looks beautiful but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeply, enhancing the flavor.
- Layer the Glaze: For maximum flavor, brush the ham with glaze every 30 minutes. This builds up a delicious caramelized crust that’s simply irresistible.
- Foil Technique: Covering the ham with foil during most of the cooking time helps keep it moist. Remove it in the last 15-20 minutes to achieve that beautiful golden-brown finish.
- Rest Before Slicing: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This crucial step ensures the juices redistribute, resulting in tender, juicy slices.
- Drizzle for Extra Flavor: Don’t forget to drizzle any remaining glaze over the sliced ham before serving. It adds an extra layer of sweetness and flavor that your guests will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
