Old Fashioned Holiday Glazed Ham

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Old fashioned holiday glazed ham, a classic recipe for the perfect holiday feast!

When it comes to holiday feasts, there’s nothing quite like a perfectly glazed ham. The sweet and savory flavors of a well-prepared ham can elevate any meal and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

If you’re looking for a classic recipe that will impress your family and friends, an old-fashioned holiday glazed ham is the way to go.

To make an old-fashioned holiday glazed ham, you’ll need a few key ingredients: a spiral-sliced bone in ham, pineapple slices, brown sugar, Dijon mustard. The glaze is made by mixing together the mustard, brown sugar, pineapple juice and honey and spreading it over the ham.

Then, the pineapple slices are arranged on top of the ham and secured with toothpicks or whole cloves. The ham is then baked in the oven until it’s heated through and the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. The result is a deliciously sweet and savory ham that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients

• 1 spiral sliced bone in ham (9-12 pounds)
• 20 ounce can of pineapple rings, reserve the juice
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• ½ cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• Marachino cherries
• Cloves

How to Make the Best Holiday Glazed Ham

To begin, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. Take your ham out of the packaging and carefully place it into a suitable baking dish.

In a spacious bowl combine the pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, honey, and brown sugar. Pour half of this flavorful mixture over the ham, keeping the other half aside to make the glaze later.

Using toothpicks, adorn the ham with pineapple rings, and place a cherry in the center of each ring. Insert cloves into the pineapple rings for added aroma and flavor.

Cover the ham with foil and carefully transfer it into the preheated oven.

Allow the ham to bake for approximately 2 to 2 ½ hours, with a general guideline of about 20 minutes per pound of ham.

As the ham nears the end of its baking time, it’s time to prepare the best glaze.

In a saucepan, pour the reserved glaze mixture. Over medium heat, bring this mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk the mixture continuously, ensuring it doesn’t boil over.

Let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it begins to thicken to your desired consistency.

Set the glaze aside to cool slightly.

Half an hour before the ham is done, remove the foil and spoon some of the glaze and juice from the bottom of the baking dish over the ham for a flavorful finishing touch.

Once your ham is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the oven and generously drizzle the remaining glaze over the top.

It’s now time to slice your beautifully glazed ham and serve it to your eager guests, who are sure to savor every bite. Enjoy your holiday meal!

Choosing the Best Ham

When it comes to choosing the best ham for your holiday feast, there are a few things to consider. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Bone-in or Boneless?

One of the first decisions to make is whether to go for a bone-in or boneless ham. Bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and are often preferred by those who enjoy a more traditional taste. On the other hand, boneless hams can be easier to carve and serve.

Spiral Cut or Not?

Another decision to make is whether to go for a spiral cut ham or not. Spiral cut hams are pre-sliced, making them easier to serve. However, some people feel that the slicing process can cause the ham to dry out more quickly.

Type of Ham

There are many different types of ham available, including smoked, cured, and fresh. Smoked hams tend to have a more intense flavor, while cured hams are often sweeter. Fresh hams are not cured or smoked and have a milder taste.

Size

When choosing a ham, it’s important to consider the size. A good rule of thumb is to plan for about 1/2 pound of ham per person. If you want leftovers, you may want to go for a larger ham.

Preparation Before Cooking

Thawing and Bringing to Room Temperature

Before cooking an old-fashioned holiday glazed ham, it is important to make sure it is fully thawed and brought to room temperature. This ensures that the ham cooks evenly and prevents it from drying out during the cooking process.

To thaw a frozen ham, I recommend placing it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking. For a faster thaw, you can place the ham in a leak-proof plastic bag and submerge it in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to ensure that it stays cold and continue to do so until the ham is fully thawed.

Once the ham is thawed, it is important to bring it to room temperature before cooking. This can be done by leaving the ham out of the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.

Decorating the Ham

Decorating the ham is one of the most important steps in creating an old-fashioned holiday glazed ham. It’s important to make sure that the ham looks as good as it tastes. Here are some tips for decorating your ham.

Using Pineapple and Cherries

One classic way to decorate a glazed ham is to use pineapple and cherries. To do this, you’ll need pineapple slices, maraschino cherries, whole cloves, and toothpicks. First, you’ll want to arrange the pineapple slices on top of the ham in a decorative pattern. You can secure the pineapple slices with whole cloves or toothpicks if you’d like. Next, place a maraschino cherry in the center of each pineapple slice and secure it with a clove or toothpick. This will create a beautiful and tasty centerpiece for your ham.

Serving the Ham

Carving the Ham

When it comes to carving the perfect holiday ham, it is important to have the right tools and technique. Begin by placing the ham on a sturdy cutting board or serving platter. Use a sharp carving knife to slice the ham into thin, even pieces. Start by making a cut along the bone, then continue slicing down the length of the ham.

To make serving easier, consider removing the bone before slicing. Simply make a cut along the bone and carefully remove it from the ham. Then, slice the ham as desired.

Serving Suggestions

A delicious ham is the perfect main dish for any holiday dinner, whether it be Christmas, Easter, or any other special occasion. To make the most of your old fashioned glazed ham, consider serving it with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and green beans.

For a truly Southern-style meal, consider serving the ham with collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. And don’t forget the gravy! A rich, savory gravy pairs perfectly with the golden brown, juicy ham.

To make your holiday dinner even more special, consider using a festive serving platter or carving board. And for those counting their daily values, a 3-ounce serving of ham contains approximately 130 calories.

Storing Leftovers

When it comes to storing leftover ham, it’s important to do it correctly to ensure it stays fresh and delicious. Here are some tips for storing and reheating your old-fashioned holiday glazed ham leftovers.

Storing in the Refrigerator

If you’re planning to eat your leftover ham within a few days, the best way to store it is in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure the container is tightly sealed to prevent air from getting in and drying out the ham.

You can store the ham in one large piece or slice it into smaller portions for easy reheating. If you’re slicing the ham, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing it in the container.

Reheating the Leftovers

To reheat your leftover ham, there are a few options. You can heat it up in the oven, on the stovetop, or in the microwave.

If you’re using the oven, preheat it to 325°F and place the ham in a baking dish. Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 10-15 minutes per pound, or until the ham is heated through.

For stovetop reheating, place the ham slices in a skillet and heat over medium heat until warmed through.

In the microwave, place the ham slices on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30-second intervals until the ham is heated through.

No matter which method you choose, make sure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before consuming.

With these tips, you can store and reheat your old-fashioned holiday glazed ham leftovers to enjoy for days to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you cook a glazed ham for?

The cooking time for a glazed ham depends on the size of the ham. As a general rule, you should cook a glazed ham for 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F. A fully cooked ham should reach an internal temperature of 140°F. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the ham in the thickest part of the meat.

What is the best glaze recipe for a holiday ham?

There are many different glaze recipes for holiday ham, but the best recipe is the one that you and your family enjoy the most. A classic glaze recipe is a mixture of brown sugar, honey, mustard, and cloves. Other popular glaze ingredients include maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and orange juice.

What are some easy ham recipes for dinner?

There are many easy ham recipes for dinner, including ham and cheese sliders, ham and potato soup, and ham and pineapple fried rice. Another simple ham recipe is a ham and cheese omelet. Simply whisk together eggs, milk, salt, and pepper, pour the mixture into a hot skillet, add diced ham and shredded cheese, and cook until the eggs are set.

Should you cover a glazed ham when baking?

Yes, you should cover a glazed ham when baking to prevent it from drying out. Use a foil or parchment paper to cover the ham during the first part of the cooking process. Remove the cover during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and the ham to brown.

When is the best time to glaze a ham for Christmas?

The best time to glaze a ham for Christmas is during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the glaze enough time to caramelize and the ham to brown. You can also apply the glaze during the last 15 minutes of cooking, but be sure to keep an eye on the ham to prevent it from burning.

How do you prevent a precooked ham from drying out when reheating?

To prevent a precooked ham from drying out when reheating, wrap it in foil or parchment paper and add a small amount of liquid, such as water or apple juice. Heat the ham in the oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. Be sure to check the temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer before serving.