Imagine a ham so irresistibly glazed that your dinner guests can't help but marvel at your culinary prowess. This Currant Jelly and Mustard Glazed Ham is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that transforms an ordinary ham into a gourmet masterpiece. With a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and rich flavors, this recipe elevates your traditional ham to a whole new level of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-6 lbs)
- 1/2 cup currant jelly
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- Cloves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from refrigeration and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating.
- Place the fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. If the ham has a rind, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep to help the glaze penetrate.
- If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves by inserting them at the intersections of the scored diamond pattern, about 1-2 inches apart.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the currant jelly, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar until smooth and well combined, creating a glossy, thick glaze.
- Brush approximately one-third of the glaze 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 30 minutes, or about 15-20 minutes per pound.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with additional glaze every 10 minutes to build up a rich, caramelized coating.
- The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes carving easier.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, brush with any remaining glaze, and serve warm.
Tips
- Room Temperature Magic: Always let your ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heating and prevent dry edges.
- Scoring Technique: When scoring the ham's surface, use a sharp knife and make shallow cuts. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates beautiful caramelization.
- Glaze Application Strategy: Don't dump all the glaze at once! Apply in layers during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a gorgeous, sticky-sweet exterior.
- Thermometer is Your Friend: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F for a juicy, perfectly cooked ham.
- Resting is Crucial: Allow your ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to save time on cooking day.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 379kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg
