Glazed Ham with Cloves
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
This Glazed Ham with Cloves is a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for festive occasions. The sweet and savory glaze, combined with aromatic cloves, creates a deliciously memorable dish that will impress your guests.
This Glazed Ham with Cloves is not just a meal; it's an experience. The rich flavors of the glaze seep into the tender meat, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Sweet and savory glaze that elevates the ham flavor
- Aromatic cloves add a unique depth of flavor
- Perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions
The Perfect Centerpiece
This Glazed Ham with Cloves is not just a dish; it's a stunning centerpiece that will draw attention at any gathering. The golden-brown glaze and the aromatic cloves create an inviting aroma that fills your home, making it a perfect choice for holiday dinners, family reunions, or special celebrations. Your guests will be enticed by the visual appeal alone, setting the stage for a memorable meal.
When served, this ham becomes the talk of the table. It's easy to carve and serves a crowd, making it ideal for large gatherings. Plus, the combination of sweet and savory flavors ensures that everyone will find something to love, from the kids to the adults. This dish is a tradition that can be passed down through generations.
Flavor Profile
The unique flavor profile of this Glazed Ham with Cloves elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary. The sweetness of the brown sugar and honey beautifully balances the savory notes of the ham, while the Dijon mustard adds a tangy kick. Ground cloves and cinnamon provide aromatic warmth, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate.
Studding the ham with whole cloves not only enhances its visual appeal but also infuses it with a subtle, earthy flavor as it cooks. This complexity makes every bite a delightful experience, ensuring that your guests will be raving about your cooking long after the meal is over.
Tips for Success
To ensure your glazed ham turns out perfectly, start by choosing a high-quality, fully cooked ham. Look for one that is labeled as 'bone-in' for added flavor and moisture. The diamond scoring technique not only allows the glaze to penetrate but also creates an attractive pattern that enhances the presentation.
Basting the ham with the reserved glaze every 20 minutes during baking is essential to achieving a caramelized exterior. This step helps to lock in moisture while building layers of flavor. Be patient and let the ham rest for 15 minutes after baking; this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is succulent and tender.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to prepare your Glazed Ham with Cloves.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Whole cloves (for studding the ham)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
With these ingredients on hand, you're ready to create a delightful glazed ham.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make your Glazed Ham with Cloves.
Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves.
Make the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and pineapple juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
Glaze the Ham
Brush half of the glaze over the ham, reserving the rest for later.
Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 90 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze every 20 minutes.
Serve
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Enjoy your delicious Glazed Ham with Cloves as the centerpiece of your meal!
Serving Suggestions
This Glazed Ham with Cloves pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a zesty coleslaw to balance the richness of the ham. The sweet and savory flavors complement classic holiday sides like green bean casserole or sweet potato casserole perfectly.
For a festive touch, garnish the ham with fresh herbs such as rosemary or thyme. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the rich glaze.
Storage and Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, you're in for a treat! The flavor of the glazed ham intensifies as it sits, making it perfect for sandwiches or as an ingredient in breakfast dishes. Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
You can also freeze the ham for longer storage. Slice it into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can enjoy delicious ham slices even months later.
Variations to Try
Feel free to experiment with different glazes to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to your glaze mixture. Alternatively, you can use maple syrup instead of honey for a different flavor profile that adds a unique sweetness.
If you're looking for a more tropical twist, consider adding crushed pineapple or orange juice to your glaze. These fruity additions will enhance the overall taste and bring a refreshing brightness to the dish, making it perfect for spring and summer celebrations.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, you can use a turkey or a pork loin, but cooking times may vary.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
→ Can I freeze the glazed ham?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Wrap tightly and store for up to 3 months.
→ What sides pair well with glazed ham?
Classic sides include mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad.
Glazed Ham with Cloves
This Glazed Ham with Cloves is a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for festive occasions. The sweet and savory glaze, combined with aromatic cloves, creates a deliciously memorable dish that will impress your guests.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Whole cloves (for studding the ham)
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves.
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and pineapple juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until smooth.
Brush half of the glaze over the ham, reserving the rest for later.
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 90 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze every 20 minutes.
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 1800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 24g
- Protein: 20g