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Holiday Glazed Ham

This Christmas ham features a glossy, caramelized glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and citrus zest, which transforms a simple ham into a shimmering centerpiece. The recipe involves simmering the glaze until thickened, scoring and baking the ham, and repeatedly basting to achieve a crackling, flavorful crust. The final result is a tender, juicy ham with a sticky, aromatic exterior perfect for festive celebrations.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup brown sugar dark preferred for richer flavor
  • 1/2 cup honey amber or wildflower
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard for tanginess
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar brightens the glaze
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika adds smoky depth
  • 1 orange orange zest for citrus aroma
  • 1 whole ham pre-cooked, bone-in preferred
  • to taste salt and pepper for seasoning

Equipment

  • Saucepan
  • Pastry brush
  • Measuring spoons
  • Kitchen tongs
  • Baking sheet
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Gather your tools: saucepan, pastry brush, measuring spoons, tongs, baking sheet, and foil. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. Combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and orange zest in the saucepan. Place it over medium heat.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for about 8-10 minutes until it thickens slightly and releases a fragrant aroma of citrus and smoky spices.
  4. While the glaze simmers, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern—cut shallowly into the fat, being careful not to pierce the meat. Place the ham on the baking sheet.
  5. Use the pastry brush to generously coat the ham with the warm glaze, ensuring every nook and cranny is covered. This helps the glaze adhere during baking.
  6. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove it carefully using tongs and brush on another layer of glaze.
  7. Return the ham to the oven and repeat the glazing process every 15 minutes, a total of 2-3 times, until the surface is glossy, caramelized, and crackling—about 1 hour total.
  8. In the last 10 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) to intensify caramelization. Keep a close eye to prevent burning—the glaze should shimmer and crackle beautifully.
  9. Check that the ham's internal temperature reaches 60°C (140°F). Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes, tented with foil.
  10. Carve the ham into slices, serve with extra glaze on the side, and enjoy the tender, flavorful, and beautifully glazed centerpiece that’s perfect for your holiday table.

Notes

For a deeper smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the glaze. To make it extra festive, garnish with fresh herbs or orange slices.