Imagine a ham so succulent, so perfectly glazed, that it becomes the star of your dining table. Our Apple Mustard Glazed Ham isn't just another holiday recipe—it's a culinary masterpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast. With a harmonious blend of sweet apple cider, tangy Dijon mustard, and warm ground cloves, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game and create memories that will have your family talking for years to come.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Remove the ham from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up, and cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together apple cider, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and ground cloves until the glaze is smooth and well combined.
- If the ham has a thick layer of fat, score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, creating shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate and helps create a crispy exterior.
- Brush approximately one-third of the prepared glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring even coverage.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for approximately
- 5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Since the ham is already fully cooked, you're essentially reheating and adding flavor.
- Every 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and baste with additional glaze, rotating the pan to ensure even heating and glazing.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the ham to develop a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Continue basting with the remaining glaze.
- Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful result.
- Carve the ham into thin slices and serve warm, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the meat for extra flavor.
Tips
- • Room Temperature Magic: Always let your ham sit out 30-45 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution. • Scoring Technique: Create shallow diamond-shaped cuts in the fat layer to help the glaze penetrate and create a crispy, caramelized exterior. • Basting is Key: Regularly baste your ham every 30 minutes to lock in moisture and build layers of incredible flavor. • Temperature Watch: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F. • Resting Period: Allow your ham to rest 15-20 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
