Description
This Apple Ginger Glazed Ham is a flavorful and succulent dish perfect for holiday dinners or special occasions. The ham is coated with a sweet and tangy glaze made from apple jelly, apple butter, brown sugar, and warming spices such as ginger and cloves. Baked slowly with apple juice and fresh apple slices, the glaze caramelizes to create a delicious crust that complements the savory ham beautifully.
Ingredients
Scale
Glaze Ingredients
- 3/4 cup apple jelly
- 3 tablespoons apple butter
- 1 1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (divided)
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- Pinch ground cloves
Ham and Accompaniments
- 2.5 lb ham
- 2 cups apple juice or apple cider
- 1 cup apple slices
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the ham evenly.
- Prepare Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine apple jelly, apple butter, 1 cup of dark brown sugar, ground ginger, and a pinch of ground cloves. Heat over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture reduces to approximately 1 1/2 cups and thickens into a syrupy glaze. Set this aside.
- Prep Ham and Baking Dish: Lightly spray your baking dish with non-stick spray. Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife to allow the glaze to penetrate well. Place the ham in the baking dish and pour the apple juice or cider over it. Arrange the apple slices around the ham for added flavor and aroma. Cover the dish.
- Initial Baking: Bake the covered ham for 15 minutes to start warming and infusing flavors.
- Glaze and Continue Baking: Remove the ham from the oven and pour half of the prepared glaze evenly over the ham. Re-cover and bake for another 15 minutes. During this time, baste the ham with the pan juices to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Final Glazing and Baking: Remove the ham again, pour another quarter of the glaze over the top, and press the remaining 1/4 cup of brown sugar onto the ham’s surface. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the sugars to start caramelizing.
- Caramelize Sugar and Finish Cooking: Bake until the brown sugar caramelizes and the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145°F (63°C). If caramelization is slow, place the ham under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Serve: Remove the ham from the oven, slice it, and serve with the remaining glaze for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Be careful when broiling to caramelize the sugar; it can burn quickly if left unattended.
- Using apple juice or apple cider adds a nice fruity aroma and helps keep the ham moist during baking.
- Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, enhancing flavor.
- Cooking times may vary depending on the oven and ham thickness; using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
- Leftover glazed ham can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
