Tangy Honey Glazed Ham: A Festive Feast for Your Table

There’s something undeniably special about a beautifully glazed ham. The glistening, caramelized surface, the sweet and savory aroma, and the tender, juicy meat all combine to create a centerpiece that’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even a delightful Sunday supper. While there are countless ham glaze recipes out there, this Tangy Honey Glazed Ham truly stands out. The combination of honey’s sweetness, a touch of tangy vinegar, and a blend of complementary spices creates a flavor profile that’s both complex and irresistible. This recipe is designed to be approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, with clear instructions and helpful tips to ensure a perfectly cooked and glazed ham every time.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Balanced Flavors:** The glaze is a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The honey provides the sweetness, while the vinegar adds a necessary tang that cuts through the richness of the ham. Spices like Dijon mustard, cloves, and garlic powder provide depth and complexity.
* **Moist and Tender Ham:** The key to a delicious ham is preventing it from drying out during baking. This recipe utilizes a slow and gentle baking method, along with basting with the glaze, to ensure a moist and tender result.
* **Visually Stunning:** The honey glaze creates a beautiful, glossy finish that’s sure to impress your guests. The deep amber color and the slightly sticky texture make it incredibly appealing.
* **Easy to Customize:** This recipe is a great starting point for your own variations. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or add other ingredients like orange juice, pineapple juice, or maple syrup to the glaze.

## Ingredients

Before you begin, gather the following ingredients:

* **Bone-in Ham (fully cooked, shank or butt portion):** 10-12 pounds. A bone-in ham will generally be more flavorful and moist than a boneless ham. Make sure it’s fully cooked, as this recipe is designed to simply heat and glaze the ham.
* **Honey:** 1 cup. Use a good quality honey for the best flavor.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** 1/4 cup. This provides the necessary tang to balance the sweetness of the honey.
* **Dijon Mustard:** 2 tablespoons. Dijon mustard adds a subtle spice and enhances the savory notes of the glaze.
* **Brown Sugar:** 1/4 cup, packed. Adds depth of flavor and contributes to the glaze’s caramelization.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon. For a subtle savory element.
* **Ground Cloves:** 1/2 teaspoon. Cloves add a warm, aromatic spice that complements the ham and honey perfectly.
* **Ground Ginger:** 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
* **Water:** 1/2 cup. Used for basting.

## Equipment

* **Roasting Pan:** A large roasting pan with a rack is essential for baking the ham. The rack allows air to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking.
* **Basting Brush:** A silicone basting brush is ideal for applying the glaze to the ham. It’s easy to clean and won’t shed bristles.
* **Aluminum Foil:** Used to tent the ham during baking to prevent it from drying out.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring that the ham reaches the proper internal temperature.
* **Small Saucepan:** For preparing the glaze.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create your Tangy Honey Glazed Ham:

**1. Prepare the Ham:**

* Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any netting or plastic discs. Pat the ham dry with paper towels.
* Place the ham on a cutting board, fat-side up. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut too deep, as you don’t want to separate the ham from the bone. Scoring allows the glaze to penetrate the ham and creates a beautiful presentation.

**2. Make the Tangy Honey Glaze:**

* In a small saucepan, combine the honey, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic powder, ground cloves, and ground ginger (if using). Whisk until well combined.
* Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
* Remove the glaze from the heat and set aside.

**3. Bake the Ham:**

* Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Position the oven rack in the lower-middle position.
* Place the ham on the rack in the roasting pan. Add 1/2 cup of water to the bottom of the roasting pan. This helps to create steam and prevent the ham from drying out.
* Tightly cover the ham with aluminum foil. This will help to retain moisture during the initial baking period.
* Bake the ham for approximately 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.

**4. Glaze the Ham:**

* Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the aluminum foil. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
* Using a basting brush, generously brush the ham with the Tangy Honey Glaze. Make sure to get the glaze into all the crevices created by the scoring.
* Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is nicely caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Baste the ham with the glaze every 5 minutes during this final baking period. Keep a close eye on the ham to prevent the glaze from burning.

**5. Rest and Carve:**

* Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful product. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil while it rests.
* To carve the ham, place it on a cutting board. Using a sharp carving knife, start by slicing around the bone. Then, slice the ham into thin slices, following the grain of the meat. Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking is the biggest enemy of a delicious ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham reaches the proper internal temperature, and don’t be afraid to take it out of the oven a little early, as it will continue to cook as it rests.
* **Score the Ham:** Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and creates a beautiful presentation. Be sure to score the ham before baking, not after.
* **Baste Frequently:** Basting the ham with the glaze during the final baking period is crucial for creating a glossy, caramelized finish. Baste every 5 minutes to ensure even coverage.
* **Let it Rest:** Allowing the ham to rest before carving is essential for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This will result in a more tender and flavorful ham.
* **Use a Good Quality Ham:** The quality of the ham will significantly impact the final result. Choose a bone-in ham that is well-marbled and has a good amount of fat.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Liking:** Feel free to experiment with different spices and ingredients to create a glaze that suits your taste. Orange juice, pineapple juice, maple syrup, or a touch of hot sauce can all add interesting flavor dimensions.

## Variations

* **Spicy Honey Glaze:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy kick.
* **Maple Honey Glaze:** Substitute half of the honey with maple syrup for a richer, more complex flavor.
* **Orange Honey Glaze:** Add the zest and juice of one orange to the glaze for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Pineapple Honey Glaze:** Add 1/2 cup of crushed pineapple to the glaze for a tropical twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Tangy Honey Glazed Ham is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Scalloped Potatoes:** Creamy and cheesy scalloped potatoes are a classic pairing with ham.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** A traditional holiday side dish that complements the sweetness of the ham.
* **Roasted Asparagus:** A simple and elegant side dish that adds a touch of freshness.
* **Sweet Potato Casserole:** The sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs perfectly with the savory ham.
* **Dinner Rolls:** Warm dinner rolls are essential for soaking up the delicious glaze.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
* **Reheating:** To reheat leftover ham, slice it thinly and place it in a baking dish with a little bit of water or broth. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 325°F (160°C) until heated through. You can also reheat ham in a skillet over medium heat.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

## Conclusion

This Tangy Honey Glazed Ham recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The balanced flavors, tender texture, and beautiful presentation make it a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. With its easy-to-follow instructions and helpful tips, even novice cooks can create a masterpiece. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to impress your family and friends with this unforgettable dish. Enjoy the process, savor the aroma, and relish the deliciousness of this Tangy Honey Glazed Ham!