Baked ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on the roasting rack, flat side down. If desired, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. Stud the intersections with whole cloves for added flavor.

Step 2: Bake the Ham

1. Pour 1 cup of water or apple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist.
2. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
3. Bake the ham for 15-18 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Step 3: Make the Glaze

1. While the ham is baking, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and butter in a saucepan.
2. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Glaze the Ham

1. When the ham has about 30 minutes of baking time left, remove it from the oven and discard the foil.
2. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the entire surface of the ham.
3. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for the remaining 30 minutes, basting with additional glaze every 10 minutes to build up a caramelized crust.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Once the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven.
2. Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
3. Carve into slices and serve warm with extra glaze on the side.

Tips for Success

• Scoring the Ham: Scoring allows the glaze to penetrate the meat for extra flavor.
• Thermometer Check: Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness without overcooking.
• Keep it Moist: Baste frequently and don’t skip the liquid in the roasting pan.

Variations

1. Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for honey in the glaze for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
2. Pineapple Ham: Add pineapple juice to the glaze and garnish the ham with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries.
3. Spicy-Sweet Glaze: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or sriracha to the glaze for a kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and cornbread for a comforting meal.
• Use leftovers for ham sandwiches, quiches, or soups.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil; freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Warm slices in a covered dish with a splash of water in the oven at 325°F until heated through.

The Final Slice

A perfectly baked ham with a sweet, sticky glaze is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a weekend dinner, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds—and for the recipe! Prepare it once, and you’ll find it becoming a beloved tradition on your table.