Peanut Butter Glazed Ham: A Savory Twist on a Classic

I’ll never forget the first time I tasted this seemingly bizarre combination. It was at a potluck, and nestled amongst the potato salads and deviled eggs was a glistening ham, radiating a tantalizing aroma that was both sweet and savory. I remember approaching it with a healthy dose of skepticism, but one bite, and I was a convert. The richness of the ham, the nutty sweetness of the peanut butter, and the subtle tang of the glaze created a symphony of flavors that I couldn’t resist. Now, years later, it’s a dish I regularly bring to gatherings, always a crowd-pleaser and a conversation starter.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
• Servings: 12-14
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check soy sauce)

Ingredients

• 1 (10-12 lb) whole picnic smoked ham, rinsed and patted dry, untrimmed
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 garlic clove, chopped
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free)

Equipment Needed

• Roasting pan
• Roasting rack
• Blender or food processor
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Begin by positioning an oven rack in the lower third of your oven. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (160 degrees C).

2. Place the ham on a roasting rack inside a roasting pan. The rack ensures even cooking and prevents the ham from sticking to the pan.

3. Place the pan with the ham in the preheated oven. Roast the ham for 20 minutes per pound. This slow roasting allows the ham to cook through evenly and develop maximum flavor.

4. Keep a close eye on the ham while it roasts. If the ham begins to brown too quickly or appears to be burning, cover it loosely with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from drying out or burning on the surface while still allowing it to cook thoroughly.

5. Towards the end of the cooking time, prepare the glaze. In a blender or food processor, combine the chicken broth, peanut butter, honey, chopped garlic, and soy sauce. Process until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be pourable but thick enough to coat the ham effectively.

6. Once the ham has roasted for the initial time (20 minutes per pound), remove it from the oven.

7. Generously slather the peanut butter glaze all over the surface of the ham, ensuring that every nook and cranny is covered. The glaze will caramelize and create a beautiful, flavorful crust.

8. Return the glazed ham to the oven and cook for an additional 20 minutes. This allows the glaze to set and deepen in flavor. Watch closely during this final cooking stage to prevent burning.

9. Remove the ham from the oven. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F (60°C).

10. Before carving, allow the ham to sit for about 15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the resting period. It really does make a difference in the juiciness of the ham. Tent loosely with foil while resting to keep it warm.
• Customize the glaze. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a touch of heat, or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness.
• Use a good quality ham. The better the quality of the ham, the better the final result will be. Look for a ham that is not overly salty.
• Make the glaze ahead. The glaze can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to cook the ham. Just bring it to room temperature before using.
• Score the ham. Before applying the glaze, you can score the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only looks beautiful but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat.
• Basting. If you want an extra-shiny glaze, baste the ham with the pan juices during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• If the glaze begins to darken too quickly, reduce the oven temperature by 25 degrees F.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Peanut Butter Glazed Ham is delicious served warm, sliced thinly, and paired with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm the ham slices in a skillet with a little bit of water or broth, or wrap them in foil and heat in a low oven. The ham can also be frozen for longer storage (up to 2-3 months). When freezing, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Reheat from frozen in a low oven.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	860 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	49.5g	76%
Saturated Fat	15.8g	79%
Cholesterol	260.3mg	86%
Sodium	6705.9mg	279%
Total Carbohydrate	13.3g	4%
Dietary Fiber	0.7g	2%
Sugars	6.9g	N/A
Protein	90.8g	N/A

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Glaze: Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to the glaze for a kick.
• Maple Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for the honey for a different flavor profile.
• Smoked Paprika: Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the glaze for a smoky flavor.
• Brown Sugar: Use brown sugar instead of honey for a deeper, molasses-like sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free or substitute with tamari.
• Different Nut Butter: While peanut butter is the star, almond butter or cashew butter could be used for a slightly different flavor, although the peanut flavor is the key element.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a bone-in ham, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Q: Can I make this recipe without a blender or food processor?
A: Yes, you can whisk the glaze ingredients together in a bowl, but be sure to chop the garlic very finely. The texture may not be as smooth, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q: How do I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: Covering the ham loosely with foil during the roasting process will help to prevent it from drying out. Also, be sure to rest the ham for 15 minutes before carving, which allows the juices to redistribute.

Q: Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
A: Yes, but reduce the cooking time slightly, as spiral-cut hams tend to cook faster. Keep a close eye on the ham and check the internal temperature frequently.

Q: What can I serve with this ham?
A: This ham pairs well with classic sides like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, roasted vegetables, and macaroni and cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Butter Glazed Ham may sound unusual, but trust me, it’s a flavor combination that works incredibly well. The savory ham, the sweet and nutty glaze, and the aromatic garlic create a truly unforgettable dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, a potluck, or a family dinner, this ham is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear about your experience and any creative twists you add to the recipe.