Easy Holiday Baked Ham
The Sweet Aroma of Holiday Ham
Imagine walking into your kitchen and being enveloped by the mouthwatering scent of smoky, sweet ham baking in the oven. That’s the magic of this Easy Holiday Baked Ham recipe! It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s not only straightforward to make but also packs a delightful punch of flavor. Trust me, you’ll want to have this on repeat during the holidays!
Why Make This Recipe
Let’s face it: holiday cooking can be stressful. But with this Easy Holiday Baked Ham, you get:
- Simplicity: It requires minimal effort while looking like a culinary masterpiece. Who doesn’t love to impress without much fuss?
- Oh-so-Delicious: Sweet honey, rich brown sugar, and a hint of spices come together for a flavor explosion!
- Family-Friendly: Everyone loves ham! It’s a guaranteed hit that’ll have your family singing your praises. 🎉
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
- 1 pre-cooked ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Ready to get your bake on? Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface.
- Brush the glaze mixture all over the ham until it’s nicely coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until heated through and caramelized.
- Let the ham rest before slicing and serving.
How to Make Easy Holiday Baked Ham (Overview)
Now let’s chat about how easy this is! You simply whisk up a glaze, score your ham, slather that sweet goodness all over, and pop it in the oven.
Pro Tip: Don’t skip the scoring! It allows the glaze to seep in and get all caramelized. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Easy Holiday Baked Ham
This ham shines on its own, but why not dress it up a bit? Serve it alongside:
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a creamy contrast.
- Roasted veggies that bring crunchy texture and color.
- A fresh green salad for a vibrant touch that complements the savory flavors.
Just picture it: layers of golden ham, colorful veggies, and the sweet glaze dripping enticingly. Your table will be a feast for the eyes! 😍
How to Store Easy Holiday Baked Ham
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the ham in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it, and it will last for up to 6 months.
Reheating Tip: Warm up slices in the oven wrapped in foil to keep them juicy and moist!
Tips to Make Easy Holiday Baked Ham
- Choose a good quality pre-cooked ham. It saves you time and effort!
- Adjust the sweetness by using less brown sugar if you prefer.
- Don’t skip the resting step! It helps the juices redistribute and keeps the ham moist.
- Want a stronger kick? Add a dash of cayenne to the glaze.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? You can switch up the glaze by adding:
- Maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
- Spicy mustard if you like a little heat!
FAQs
Can I use a frozen ham?
Yes! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before you start.
How can I make this ahead of time?
Prepare the glaze and score the ham the day before, then refrigerate! Just pop it in the oven the next day.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
Yellow mustard works in a pinch, but Dijon adds that extra depth of flavor!
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Easy Holiday Baked Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- In a bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and score the surface.
- Brush the glaze mixture all over the ham until it’s nicely coated.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes per pound, or until heated through and caramelized.
- Let the ham rest before slicing and serving.
