Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the first time I made this Southern Glazed Ham! It was a few years ago for a family gathering, and I was honestly nervous. But once I pulled that gorgeous ham out of the oven, glistening with a sticky caramelized crust, I knew I had struck gold! Since then, I’ve made it at least a dozen times, and every single time it gets rave reviews. My friends and family can’t get enough of it, and neither will you! Get ready to impress your loved ones with this show-stopping centerpiece that’s bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Southern Glazed Ham
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, with simple steps that even novice cooks can follow.
- Versatile: Perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a Sunday dinner, this ham fits any occasion.
- Incredible Flavor: The sweet and savory combination creates a taste that’s simply unforgettable.
- Visually Stunning: The caramelized crust is not only delicious but also makes for a beautiful presentation.
- Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it ahead of time, making your event stress-free!
The Secret to Perfect Southern Glazed Ham
The secret to achieving that mouthwatering, sticky glaze is in the combination of brown sugar, honey, and a splash of apple cider vinegar. This magical trio not only adds sweetness but also gives a tangy kick that balances the richness of the ham. Trust me, the glaze is what takes this ham from good to absolutely spectacular! When I’m preparing the glaze, I make sure to stir it well until it’s smooth and glossy; this ensures an even coating on the ham. And don’t skip the basting step while it’s baking—this is where the magic happens!
Rave Reviews from Friends and Followers
“This Southern Glazed Ham was a total showstopper at our holiday dinner! Everyone was raving and asking for the recipe!” – Sarah J.
“I was a bit intimidated, but this recipe made it so easy! It turned out perfect, and my family couldn’t stop talking about it!” – Mike R.
“I’ve made this ham three times now, and it gets better every time! The glaze is just divine!” – Jenna T.
Creative Variations to Try
- Pineapple Glaze: Add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a fruity twist.
- Maple Syrup: Swap honey for maple syrup for a richer flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper for a hint of heat.
- Citrus Zest: Grate some orange or lemon zest into the glaze for a fresh zing.
Bonus: For a unique experience, try adding chopped nuts to the glaze before spreading it on the ham. It adds a delightful crunch!
FAQs – All Your Questions Answered!
Can I use a different type of ham? Absolutely! While I love a classic bone-in ham, you can use a boneless ham or even a spiral-cut one for easy slicing.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time? Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
What should I do if the glaze isn’t thickening? If your glaze isn’t thickening, try simmering it a bit longer and adding a touch more brown sugar to help it set.
Storage/Serving Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- This ham freezes well; wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.
- Serve with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread for a true Southern feast!
- Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a pop of color when serving.
Perfect Occasions for Southern Glazed Ham
- Christmas Dinner
- Thanksgiving Feast
- Family Reunions
- Sunday Dinners
- New Year’s Celebrations
- Graduation Parties
- Any gathering that needs a delicious centerpiece!
The Complete Recipe
Thank you for sticking with me! Now let’s dive into how to create your very own Southern Glazed Ham.
Southern Glazed Ham
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pound) bone-in ham
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
Tip: For a truly show-stopping ham, consider using a spiral-cut ham which makes for easy serving and a beautiful presentation!
Extend ingredients section: Optional add-ins include orange juice or zest for a citrusy touch, or maple syrup for a deeper sweetness. Each ingredient plays a role – the brown sugar caramelizes beautifully, while the apple cider vinegar adds a delightful tang. Don’t forget the ground mustard for that extra layer of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This is the perfect temperature for slow-cooking the ham, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place your ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. If you’re using cloves, now’s the time to stud the ham with them. This adds a lovely aroma while it cooks!
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, ground mustard, and cinnamon. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbly. This glaze is going to be the star of your ham!
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Using a brush, generously coat the ham with the glaze. Make sure to get it into all the crevices. I usually reserve a bit of glaze for basting later in the cooking process.
Step 5: Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 hours. Remove the foil, baste with the reserved glaze every 20 minutes, and continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the ham is heated through and caramelized. The smell will be absolutely heavenly!
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 15-20 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making for a juicier ham. Then, slice and serve! Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to impress.
Nutrition Info: Each serving of this delicious Southern Glazed Ham contains approximately 250 calories, with protein, fat, and carbohydrates depending on your serving size and portion of glaze.
Extend instructions: For those tricky basting moments, keep a small ladle handy to make the process smoother. And if you want to elevate your presentation, consider garnishing with fresh herbs or fruit slices for that wow factor!
Final Thoughts
There you have it, friends! This Southern Glazed Ham is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience that brings joy to every gathering. The combination of flavors and the stunning appearance make it truly special. I encourage you to give it a try—you won’t regret it! Get ready for compliments and requests for seconds
