Honey Glazed Baked Christmas Ham Recipe

“Chef Ed’s Honey Glazed Baked Christmas Ham tender, juicy ham with a sweet and savory honey glaze is a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table”

Ingredients:

For the Ham:

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7-10 pounds)
  • Whole cloves (optional, for garnish)

For the Glaze:

  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Instructions

Preparing the Ham

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Prepare the ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. If desired, score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves at the intersections for added flavor and presentation.
  3. Tent with foil: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out while baking.

Baking the Ham

  1. Bake the ham: Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Making the Glaze

  1. Combine ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, butter, cinnamon, and ground cloves.
  2. Heat the glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).

Glazing the Ham

  1. Apply the glaze: Remove the foil from the ham during the last 30-45 minutes of baking. Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
  2. Repeat the glazing: Baste the ham with the glaze every 10-15 minutes to build up a flavorful, caramelized crust.

Final Touches

  1. Broil for extra caramelization: For a beautiful, golden finish, turn the broiler on high for the last 3-5 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
  2. Rest the ham: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Christmas Ham Recipe

Slice the ham and serve with your favorite holiday sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. The leftover ham makes great sandwiches or soups!

Enjoy your honey-glazed baked ham!

 

Health Benefits of Chef Ed’s Honey Glazed Baked Christmas Ham Recipe

Chef Ed’s Honey Glazed Baked Christmas Ham combines festive flavors with several nutritional benefits when enjoyed in moderation:

  • High-Quality Protein: Ham provides lean protein, essential for muscle repair, tissue maintenance, and overall body health.
  • Rich in Vitamins: Ham is a good source of B vitamins, particularly B6 and B12, which support energy production, brain health, and red blood cell formation.
  • Mineral Boost: It contains zinc, selenium, and phosphorus, which are crucial for immune function, thyroid health, and strong bones.
  • Antioxidant Properties: Honey in the glaze provides natural antioxidants, supporting cell protection and reducing inflammation.
  • Natural Sweetener: The honey glaze is a healthier alternative to refined sugars, offering a balanced sweetness with some nutritional value.
  • Boosts Immune Health: Spices and citrus often included in holiday ham recipes enhance flavor and contribute additional antioxidants and vitamin C.
  • Low Fat Option: When trimmed of excess fat, ham becomes a leaner choice for a festive protein source.

Chef Ed’s recipe offers a delicious way to celebrate the holidays while benefiting from essential nutrients, making it a wholesome centerpiece for your Christmas feast.

 

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