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Easy Make-Ahead Honey Dijon Glazed Ham

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A simple, crowd-pleasing glazed ham recipe featuring a sweet and tangy honey Dijon glaze that can be prepared ahead for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 to 10 pounds fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral-cut recommended)
  • ½ cup honey (mild, runny like clover or wildflower)
  • ¼ cup Dijon mustard (creamy, authentic)
  • ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 6 to 8 whole cloves
  • ½ cup water (for basting)

Instructions

  1. Score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts about 1/4-inch deep across the surface, forming a diamond pattern.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and cinnamon until smooth.
  3. Insert whole cloves into the intersections of the scored pattern on the ham.
  4. Brush about half of the glaze all over the ham, making sure it seeps into the scored cuts.
  5. Cover the ham tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate overnight (8-12 hours) to let flavors meld.
  6. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) about 30 minutes before baking.
  7. Place ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Pour ½ cup water into the pan to keep it moist. Tent loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound), basting with remaining glaze every 20 minutes.
  8. Remove foil during the last 20 minutes to let the glaze caramelize and form a sticky crust.
  9. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
  10. Remove ham from oven, cover loosely with foil, and let rest 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Do not skip the resting step after baking to allow juices to redistribute. Watch oven temperature to avoid burning the glaze. Baste regularly for moist ham and sticky glaze. If glaze burns, lower oven temperature or tent with foil again. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking. The glaze can be customized with maple syrup, smoked paprika, or cayenne for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: honey Dijon ham, glazed ham, make-ahead ham, holiday ham, crowd-pleasing ham, easy ham recipe, honey mustard glaze

Find it online: https://islatable.com/easy-make-ahead-honey-dijon-glazed-ham-recipe-for-crowd-pleasing-meals/