Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham Recipe Perfect for Holidays

The moment the honey balsamic glaze caramelizes on the ham and fills the kitchen with its sweet and tangy aroma, you know you’re in for something special. This recipe isn’t just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together, whether it’s during the holidays or a casual family dinner. Growing up, ham was always the centerpiece of our holiday table, but adding this glaze elevated it into something truly unforgettable. Trust me, once you try this Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham recipe, it’ll become your go-to for any celebration!

What makes this recipe so irresistible is the perfect balance between the sweetness of honey, the tang of balsamic vinegar, and the savory richness of the ham itself. Every bite is a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make, yet looks like you’ve spent hours perfecting it. Let’s dive into this delicious journey together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for holidays and gatherings: This Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham recipe steals the show at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion.
• Easy to prepare: You don’t need to be a professional chef to make this. The glaze comes together in minutes, and the oven does most of the work for you!
• A flavor explosion: The combination of sweet honey and tangy balsamic vinegar creates a beautifully caramelized crust on the ham that everyone will rave about.
• Versatile: Whether you’re serving a big crowd or enjoying leftovers for days, this recipe is a perfect fit.
• Budget-friendly: A whole ham can feed a crowd and still leave you with leftovers for soups, sandwiches, or even breakfast hash!
• Customizable: You can tweak the glaze to suit your family’s flavor preferences—add a pinch of chili flakes for heat or a splash of orange juice for a citrusy twist.

This isn’t just a recipe—it’s a centerpiece that brings smiles and creates memories. You’ll love watching everyone go back for seconds (and thirds). Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious as the first bite.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, high-quality ingredients to create a rich, flavorful dish that’s sure to impress. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ham: A fully cooked, bone-in ham (around 6-8 lbs). Choose one with the skin on for extra flavor.
• Honey: 1/2 cup of pure honey (for sweetness and caramelization).
• Balsamic vinegar: 1/4 cup of high-quality balsamic vinegar (adds tang and depth).
• Brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed (enhances the sweetness and creates a caramelized crust).
• Dijon mustard: 2 tablespoons (for a touch of sharpness).
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced (adds a savory note).
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (balances the sweetness).
• Cloves: Optional, for a warm, spicy undertone.

If you’re missing an ingredient, don’t worry! You can swap out honey for maple syrup, use yellow mustard instead of Dijon, or skip the cloves if you prefer a simpler flavor profile. This recipe is all about making it work for you.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need a fancy kitchen setup to make this show-stopping dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Roasting pan: A sturdy pan with a rack to hold the ham and catch drippings.
• Foil: To cover the ham while it cooks and keep it moist.
• Small saucepan: For preparing the honey balsamic glaze.
• Basting brush: To spread the glaze evenly over the ham.
• Meat thermometer: A must for ensuring that the ham is heated to the perfect temperature (140°F or 60°C).

If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can improvise by crumpling foil into a ring or using a layer of carrots or celery underneath the ham—it works like a charm!

Preparation Method

Follow these steps to make the perfect Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and position the rack in the lower third.
2. Prepare the ham: Place the ham on a roasting rack inside your pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections of the diamond cuts.
3. Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and black pepper. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes).
4. Glaze the ham: Using a basting brush, generously coat the ham with the prepared glaze, making sure to get into all the scored lines.
5. Cover and bake: Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5-2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound). Baste the ham with more glaze every 30 minutes.
6. Finish without foil: Remove the foil for the last 15-20 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a beautiful crust.
7. Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C).
8. Rest and serve: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute and the ham stays moist.

Tip: If the glaze starts to burn during the final minutes, loosely tent the ham with foil again to prevent over-caramelizing.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Don’t skip scoring: Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and gives the finished dish its stunning appearance.
• Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your ham is perfectly heated without drying out. Avoid overcooking!
• Make extra glaze: It’s always a good idea to have some extra glaze for serving. You can drizzle it over the ham slices or even over roasted veggies.
• Caramelization is key: The last 15-20 minutes without foil is crucial for developing that golden, slightly sticky crust. Watch closely to ensure it doesn’t burn.
• Save the drippings: The juices in the roasting pan make an incredible sauce. Scrape up any caramelized bits, add a splash of water or broth, and simmer. Serve it alongside the ham!

Variations & Adaptations

• Maple twist: Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer, smoky flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze for a touch of heat.
• Citrus-infused: Add 2 tablespoons of orange or pineapple juice to the glaze for a fruity brightness.
• Herb-infused: Stir in some fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an earthy twist.
• Gluten-free option: Ensure all your ingredients are labeled gluten-free, especially the balsamic vinegar and Dijon mustard.

One personal favorite variation? Mixing in a splash of bourbon with the glaze—trust me, it takes the flavor to a whole new level.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham is best served warm, sliced into thick pieces. Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. For a festive touch, add a platter of fruit like pineapple and cherries alongside the ham.

Have leftovers? Wrap the ham tightly in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months—just slice it into portions first for easy thawing.

To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 300°F (149°C) until heated through. For added flavor, drizzle extra glaze on top before reheating!

Nutritional Information & Benefits

This Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham recipe is a protein-packed dish that’s perfect for fueling your body. A typical serving (about 3 ounces) contains approximately:

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 18g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sodium: 900mg

The honey provides natural sweetness, while the balsamic vinegar is rich in antioxidants. Keep in mind, ham can be high in sodium, so balance it out with fresh, low-sodium sides.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both impressive and easy to make, this Honey Balsamic Glazed Ham is the answer. From its caramelized glaze to its tender, juicy slices, it’s the kind of dish that will have your guests asking for seconds—and the recipe!

Give this irresistible dish a try, and feel free to customize the glaze to suit your taste. Whether you’re adding a touch of spice or a hint of citrus, make it your own. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so drop a comment below and share your experience!

Remember, great food brings everyone closer together. Here’s to more delicious moments around the table!

FAQs

Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

Yes! Spiral-cut ham works perfectly and absorbs the glaze beautifully. Just be extra careful when basting so the slices don’t separate.

Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and warm it gently before using.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you’re out of honey, maple syrup or agave syrup are great alternatives. They’ll provide a similar sweetness and texture.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

Cover the ham with foil while baking and baste it regularly. Removing the foil at the end for caramelization is key, but don’t overdo it.

Can I make this recipe with a smaller ham?

Yes, you can easily adjust the cooking time for a smaller ham. Use the rule of 15 minutes per pound and keep an eye on the internal temperature.

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