Glazed Ham with Peach Ginger Sauce: A Sweet and Savory Delight

Glazed ham is a classic centerpiece for holidays and special occasions, but it often relies on the same old sweet-and-tangy flavors. This recipe elevates the traditional glazed ham by introducing a vibrant and aromatic Peach Ginger Sauce that perfectly complements the salty richness of the ham. The combination of sweet peaches, zesty ginger, and a touch of savory goodness creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe provides detailed instructions and helpful tips to ensure your ham turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully glazed every time.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe isn’t just about slapping a glaze on a ham; it’s about creating a harmonious flavor profile that will tantalize your taste buds. Here’s why this recipe works so well:

* **The Peach Ginger Sauce:** Fresh or frozen peaches provide a natural sweetness and fruity aroma that balances the saltiness of the ham. Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy note that cuts through the richness and adds complexity. Other ingredients like soy sauce, honey, and Dijon mustard contribute savory, sweet, and tangy elements, creating a well-rounded and irresistible sauce.
* **The Glazing Process:** The glazing process involves multiple applications of the sauce during the final hour of cooking. This technique ensures that the ham is evenly coated with the glaze, resulting in a beautiful, glossy finish and a deep, rich flavor.
* **Moisture Retention:** The recipe emphasizes the importance of wrapping the ham in foil during the initial cooking period. This helps to trap moisture and prevent the ham from drying out, resulting in a tender and juicy final product.
* **Flavor Infusion:** Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, infusing it with flavor from the inside out.

Ingredients

Before you start, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

**For the Ham:**

* 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked, bone-in ham (shank or butt portion)
* Whole cloves (optional, for decoration)

**For the Peach Ginger Sauce:**

* 2 cups chopped fresh or frozen peaches (thawed if frozen)
* 1/4 cup finely grated fresh ginger
* 1/4 cup soy sauce (low sodium recommended)
* 1/4 cup honey
* 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1 tablespoon cornstarch
* 1/4 cup water
* 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)

Equipment

* Large roasting pan with rack
* Sharp knife
* Small saucepan
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Aluminum foil
* Basting brush
* Meat thermometer

Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a perfect Glazed Ham with Peach Ginger Sauce:

**Step 1: Prepare the Ham**

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any skin or netting. Pat the ham dry with paper towels.
3. Place the ham on the rack in the roasting pan, cut-side down. This helps to retain moisture during cooking. If your roasting pan doesn’t have a rack, use crumpled aluminum foil to elevate the ham slightly.
4. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut too deep, as this could dry out the ham. This scoring will allow the glaze to penetrate the ham and create a beautiful presentation. If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections of the diamond pattern. This is purely for aesthetics but adds a nice touch.
5. Tightly cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil. This will trap moisture and prevent the ham from drying out during the initial cooking period.

**Step 2: Bake the Ham**

1. Bake the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate readings. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
2. The total baking time will depend on the size of your ham. For an 8-10 pound ham, this will typically be around 1 hour and 20 minutes to 1 hour and 40 minutes.

**Step 3: Prepare the Peach Ginger Sauce**

1. While the ham is baking, prepare the Peach Ginger Sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the chopped peaches, grated ginger, soy sauce, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch, water, and red pepper flakes (if using).
2. Whisk all the ingredients together until the cornstarch is dissolved. This will prevent lumps from forming in the sauce.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set aside.

**Step 4: Glaze the Ham**

1. Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil. Be careful of the hot steam that will escape.
2. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
3. Using a basting brush, generously brush the Peach Ginger Sauce all over the ham, making sure to coat it evenly. Pay special attention to the scored areas, allowing the glaze to seep into the cuts.
4. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes. Remove the ham from the oven and brush with another layer of glaze.
5. Repeat the glazing process one or two more times, baking for 10-15 minutes each time, until the ham is beautifully glazed and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). The glaze should be a deep, glossy color and slightly caramelized.
6. Watch the ham carefully during the final glazing process to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil.

**Step 5: Rest and Serve**

1. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
2. Carve the ham and serve immediately. The Peach Ginger Glazed Ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh salad.
3. Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Tips for Success

* **Choose the Right Ham:** Opt for a fully cooked, bone-in ham for the best flavor and moisture. Shank portion hams are typically leaner, while butt portion hams are more tender. Consider the size of your roasting pan when selecting a ham. A smaller ham will be easier to manage.
* **Don’t Overcook the Ham:** Overcooking the ham will result in a dry and tough product. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham reaches the correct internal temperature. Remember that the ham will continue to cook slightly while resting.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the Peach Ginger Sauce to suit your personal preferences. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey. If you like a spicier glaze, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also add other flavorings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika.
* **Use Fresh, High-Quality Ingredients:** Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will result in a more flavorful and delicious ham. Choose ripe, juicy peaches and fresh ginger for the best results. If using frozen peaches, be sure to thaw them completely before using.
* **Basting is Key:** Basting the ham with the glaze multiple times during the final hour of cooking is essential for creating a beautiful, glossy finish and a deep, rich flavor. Don’t skip this step!
* **Prevent Burning:** Watch the ham carefully during the final glazing process to prevent the glaze from burning. If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving is crucial for ensuring a tender and juicy final product. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more flavorful and enjoyable eating experience.

Variations

* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Peach Ginger Sauce.
* **Add Some Herbs:** Enhance the flavor of the glaze by adding fresh herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or sage. Chop the herbs finely and add them to the sauce.
* **Use Different Fruit:** Experiment with different fruits in the glaze, such as apricots, plums, or pineapple. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly to balance the flavors.
* **Smoked Ham:** For a smoky flavor, use a smoked ham instead of a regular ham. This will add another layer of complexity to the dish.
* **Grilled Ham:** For a summer twist, grill the ham instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound, basting with the Peach Ginger Sauce during the last 30 minutes of grilling.

Serving Suggestions

Glazed Ham with Peach Ginger Sauce is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as potatoes, carrots, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus, are a classic accompaniment to ham.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish that pairs well with ham.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** Green bean casserole is a traditional holiday dish that complements the flavors of ham.
* **Sweet Potato Casserole:** Sweet potato casserole is a sweet and savory side dish that adds a touch of sweetness to the meal.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad, such as a mixed green salad or a fruit salad, provides a light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.
* **Rolls or Biscuits:** Warm rolls or biscuits are perfect for sopping up the delicious Peach Ginger Sauce.
* **Mac and Cheese:** For a more casual meal, serve the ham with mac and cheese.
* **Cornbread:** Cornbread is a classic Southern side dish that pairs well with ham.

Make-Ahead Tips

* **Prepare the Peach Ginger Sauce:** The Peach Ginger Sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce before using.
* **Score the Ham:** The ham can be scored up to 1 day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.

Storage Instructions

* **Leftover Ham:** Leftover 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.
* **Leftover Peach Ginger Sauce:** Leftover Peach Ginger Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce before using.

Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g
* Sodium: Varies depending on the ham and soy sauce used. Opt for low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.

Conclusion

This Glazed Ham with Peach Ginger Sauce recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will elevate your next holiday gathering or special occasion. The combination of sweet peaches, zesty ginger, and savory goodness creates a truly unforgettable culinary experience. With detailed instructions, helpful tips, and variations, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more! Enjoy!