This apple cider glazed ham is a flavorful centerpiece for any festive occasion. The sweet and tangy glaze made from apple cider, brown sugar, and mustard complements the savory ham perfectly.
The recipe is simple to follow and results in a beautifully caramelized exterior. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings or family dinners.
Creating the Perfect Glaze
The key to a stunning apple cider glazed ham lies in the glaze itself. A harmonious blend of apple cider, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard creates a sweet and tangy coating that enhances the savory flavor of the ham.
Begin by simmering the apple cider with brown sugar and mustard, allowing the ingredients to meld beautifully. The addition of spices like ground cinnamon and cloves adds depth to the glaze, making it truly special for festive occasions.
Preparing the Ham
Choosing the right ham is essential for this dish. A fully cooked bone-in ham weighing around 8 to 10 pounds is ideal. Before applying the glaze, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only adds visual appeal but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
If desired, studding the ham with whole cloves can enhance both its flavor and presentation. This step is optional, but it does add a classic touch to the dish.
Baking to Perfection
Once the ham is prepped, it’s time to bake. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a roasting pan. Brush it generously with the prepared glaze, ensuring every surface is coated.
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for approximately 1.5 hours. Basting with the glaze every 30 minutes will help develop that beautiful caramelized exterior.
Achieving the Caramelized Finish
For the final touch, remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking. This allows the glaze to caramelize beautifully, creating a shiny and inviting surface that is hard to resist.
To ensure the ham is fully cooked, check that it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Once done, let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps retain the juices, making each slice tender and flavorful.
Serving Suggestions
Presentation plays a vital role in making your apple cider glazed ham the star of the meal. Arrange the sliced ham on a serving platter, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color.
Surround the ham with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, to create a festive and inviting display. The rustic wooden table setting and elegant dinnerware will enhance the overall atmosphere, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Pairing and Enjoying
This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the ham.
As guests gather around the table, the aroma of the glazed ham will surely entice everyone. Enjoy the warm atmosphere and the delightful flavors that this dish brings to your festive meal.
Delicious Apple Cider Glazed Ham
This dish features a fully cooked ham glazed with a mixture of apple cider, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard, then baked until heated through and caramelized. The recipe takes about 2 hours from start to finish and serves 8-10 people.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Whole cloves for studding the ham (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Prepare the Ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves if desired.
- Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Bake the Ham: Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush with the glaze. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Caramelize: Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Serve: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with remaining glaze on the side.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 8-10 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
