Honey Mustard Ham Glaze: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious and Festive Holiday Ham

Few dishes are as impressive and satisfying as a perfectly glazed ham. The combination of savory ham and a sweet, tangy glaze is a classic for holiday meals, special occasions, and even a simple Sunday dinner. Among the many glaze options, honey mustard stands out for its balanced flavor profile and ease of preparation. This recipe provides a step-by-step guide to creating a delectable honey mustard ham glaze that will elevate your ham from ordinary to extraordinary.

Why Honey Mustard Glaze?

Honey mustard glaze is a fantastic choice for several reasons:

* **Balanced Flavors:** The sweetness of honey complements the sharp tang of mustard, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that enhances the natural taste of the ham.
* **Easy to Make:** This glaze requires minimal ingredients and simple cooking techniques, making it accessible to cooks of all skill levels.
* **Versatile:** Honey mustard glaze pairs well with various types of ham, from bone-in to boneless, smoked to unsmoked.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** The sweet and savory combination is generally well-received, making it a safe bet for gatherings and potlucks.
* **Beautiful Presentation:** The glaze imparts a glossy, golden-brown finish to the ham, making it visually appealing and adding to the overall dining experience.

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Ham Glaze

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients. The quantities listed are sufficient for glazing a 10-12 pound ham. Adjust the amounts proportionally if you are using a smaller or larger ham.

* **1/2 cup Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard provides a sharp, tangy base for the glaze. Its complex flavor adds depth and complexity.
* **1/2 cup Honey:** Honey contributes sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful shine to the glaze. Use a good-quality honey for the best flavor.
* **1/4 cup Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness that complements the honey and mustard. It also helps to create a thicker, stickier glaze.
* **2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar:** Apple cider vinegar provides a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness and tanginess of the glaze. It also helps to tenderize the ham.
* **1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce:** Worcestershire sauce adds a savory umami element that enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.
* **1 teaspoon Garlic Powder:** Garlic powder provides a subtle savory note that complements the other ingredients. Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic to avoid burning during the glazing process.
* **1/2 teaspoon Onion Powder:** Onion powder adds a mild onion flavor that enhances the complexity of the glaze.
* **1/4 teaspoon Ground Cloves (optional):** A pinch of ground cloves adds a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the glaze. Use sparingly, as cloves can be overpowering.
* **1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional):** Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the ham.

Equipment Needed

* **Small Saucepan:** For preparing the honey mustard glaze.
* **Whisk:** For combining the ingredients smoothly.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurements.
* **Basting Brush:** For applying the glaze to the ham.
* **Roasting Pan with Rack:** For baking the ham.
* **Meat Thermometer:** For ensuring the ham is cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey Mustard Ham Glaze

Follow these detailed instructions to create a delicious and flavorful honey mustard ham glaze.

**Step 1: Prepare the Glaze**

1. In a small saucepan, combine the Dijon mustard, honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cloves (if using), and smoked paprika (if using).
2. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined and smooth.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally.
5. Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.

**Step 2: Prepare the Ham**

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.
3. If your ham has a rind (skin), score it in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut too deep into the meat. Scoring the rind allows the glaze to penetrate the ham more effectively and creates a visually appealing presentation.
4. Add about 1 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan. This will help to keep the ham moist during baking.

**Step 3: Bake the Ham**

1. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
2. Bake the ham for the recommended time, according to its weight and type. A general guideline is 15-20 minutes per pound for a fully cooked ham, or 10-12 minutes per pound for a partially cooked ham. Refer to the ham’s packaging for specific instructions.
3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ham. A fully cooked ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). A partially cooked ham should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

**Step 4: Glaze the Ham**

1. Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
2. Remove the aluminum foil from the ham.
3. Using a basting brush, generously brush the honey mustard glaze over the entire surface of the ham, including the sides and bottom.
4. Return the ham to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

**Step 5: Carve and Serve**

1. Transfer the ham to a cutting board.
2. Carve the ham into thin slices using a sharp knife.
3. Serve the honey mustard glazed ham hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for the Perfect Honey Mustard Ham Glaze

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The flavor of the glaze will depend on the quality of the ingredients you use. Choose good-quality honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar for the best results.
* **Adjust the Sweetness and Tanginess:** If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add more Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar.
* **Don’t Overbake the Ham:** Overbaking the ham will make it dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to the correct internal temperature.
* **Baste Frequently:** Basting the ham with the glaze frequently will help to create a beautiful, glossy finish.
* **Let the Ham Rest:** Letting the ham rest before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Feel free to experiment with other flavors in the glaze. For example, you could add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or a splash of bourbon for a boozy twist.

Variations on Honey Mustard Ham Glaze

While the classic honey mustard ham glaze is delicious on its own, there are many variations you can try to customize the flavor to your liking. Here are a few ideas:

* **Spicy Honey Mustard Glaze:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Bourbon Honey Mustard Glaze:** Add 2-3 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for a boozy twist.
* **Maple Honey Mustard Glaze:** Substitute maple syrup for the honey for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Brown Sugar Mustard Glaze:** Omit the honey and use only brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
* **Orange Honey Mustard Glaze:** Add the zest and juice of one orange to the glaze for a citrusy twist.
* **Pineapple Honey Mustard Glaze:** Add 1/4 cup of crushed pineapple to the glaze for a tropical flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Honey mustard glazed ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to ham.
* **Scalloped Potatoes:** Scalloped potatoes provide a rich and cheesy complement to the ham.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** Green bean casserole is a traditional holiday side dish that pairs well with ham.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Macaroni and Cheese:** Macaroni and cheese is a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious glaze.
* **Salad:** A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.

Make Ahead Tips

The honey mustard ham glaze can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the glaze in a saucepan over low heat before using.

You can also prepare the ham ahead of time by baking it partially and then glazing it just before serving. This is a great way to save time on the day of your event.

Storage Instructions

Leftover honey mustard glazed ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat the ham in the oven or microwave before serving.

Nutritional Information

The nutritional information for honey mustard glazed ham will vary depending on the type of ham used and the specific ingredients in the glaze. However, a typical serving of honey mustard glazed ham (3-4 ounces) contains approximately:

* Calories: 250-350
* Fat: 10-20 grams
* Saturated Fat: 3-7 grams
* Cholesterol: 60-80 milligrams
* Sodium: 800-1200 milligrams
* Carbohydrates: 15-25 grams
* Sugar: 10-20 grams
* Protein: 20-30 grams

Conclusion

Honey mustard ham glaze is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your ham to new heights. The combination of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory spices creates a flavor profile that is both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. With its ease of preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, honey mustard ham glaze is a recipe you’ll return to again and again. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a truly memorable ham that your family and friends will love.

Enjoy your delicious and festive honey mustard glazed ham!