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Super Simple Peach Glazed Ham

The aroma of baked ham always takes me back to childhood holidays. While everyone else anticipated unwrapping gifts, I was most excited for the grand unveiling of the ham, glistening under the warm kitchen lights. The first slice, always a little smoky and sweet, was pure heaven. Over the years, I’ve experimented with countless glazes, but sometimes, the simplest recipes deliver the most comforting results, just like this peach-glazed beauty.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients

1 (8 lb) boneless precooked ham
¼ cup Dijon mustard
½ cup brown sugar
2 (15 ounce) cans peach halves in syrup, pureed

Equipment Needed

Dutch oven with oven-proof lid
Blender
Measuring cups and spoons
Basting brush
Knife for slicing

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Prepare the ham by rubbing the exterior thoroughly with Dijon mustard. I personally enjoy a good, sharp Dijon for this, as it cuts through the sweetness of the glaze and adds a pleasant tang.
Next, pat the brown sugar evenly over the entire surface of the ham, pressing gently so it adheres well. The brown sugar will caramelize during baking, adding depth of flavor and a beautiful color.
Now, for the star of the show: the peach glaze! In a blender, combine the peach halves (undrained, with their syrup) and blend until you achieve a smooth puree. The syrup adds extra sweetness and helps the glaze to cling to the ham.
Place the ham in a dutch oven. Make sure your dutch oven is large enough to comfortably hold the ham with a little space around it.
Bake the ham, skin side up, in the preheated oven for a total of 2 hours.
For the first 25 minutes, leave the lid off the dutch oven. Do not baste the ham during this initial period. This allows the ham to begin browning.
After 25 minutes, begin basting the ham with the peach puree every 25 minutes. After each basting, replace the lid on the dutch oven. This helps to keep the ham moist and prevents the glaze from burning.
Continue this process for the remaining bake time, until the ham has been in the oven for a total of 2 hours.
Once the baking time is complete, remove the dutch oven from the oven.
Let the ham rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Slice the ham to your desired thickness and serve with the warm peach sauce spooned generously over each slice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or bourbon to the peach puree before basting. This will add a touch of acidity and complexity.
If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the peach puree in a saucepan over medium heat for about 10-15 minutes before using it to baste the ham. This will help it reduce and concentrate the flavors.
If you don’t have a dutch oven, you can use a roasting pan with a lid, or tightly cover the ham with aluminum foil during baking.
To prevent the ham from drying out, make sure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) using a meat thermometer.
If the glaze starts to brown too quickly, lower the oven temperature slightly or cover the ham loosely with foil.
Consider scoring the ham in a diamond pattern before applying the mustard and brown sugar. This will allow the glaze to penetrate deeper and create a more visually appealing presentation.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this Super Simple Peach Glazed Ham hot, with the warm peach sauce drizzled generously over each slice. It pairs beautifully with classic holiday sides like scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply slice and microwave for a minute or two, or warm it gently in a skillet with a little bit of the peach sauce. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The peach sauce is also great on biscuits!

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	219 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	32 g	15%
Total Fat	3.6 g	5%
Saturated Fat	1.1 g	5%
Cholesterol	29.5 mg	9%
Sodium	958.8 mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	35.2 g	11%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	33.3 g	133%
Protein	13.4 g	26%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Variations & Substitutions

Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the peach puree for a hint of heat.
Use different fruit: Experiment with other canned fruits, such as apricots or pineapple, for a different flavor profile.
Honey Glazed: Replace the brown sugar with honey for a slightly different sweetness.
Maple Glazed: Instead of brown sugar and peach puree, use maple syrup and a touch of Dijon mustard for a classic maple-glazed ham.
Smoked Paprika: Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mustard before rubbing it on the ham for a smoky depth.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?

A: Yes, you can use fresh peaches! You’ll need about 4-5 ripe peaches. Peel and pit them before pureeing. You might also need to add a little bit of sugar to compensate for the lack of syrup from the canned peaches.

Q: Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! The peach puree can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to bake the ham.

Q: What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

A: You can substitute another type of mustard, such as yellow mustard or spicy brown mustard, but Dijon will provide the best flavor balance.

Q: How do I know when the ham is done?

A: Since the ham is precooked, you’re really just heating it through and glazing it. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s heated through and the glaze is a deep golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).

Q: Can I freeze the leftover peach sauce?

A: Yes, the leftover peach sauce can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2-3 months.

Final Thoughts

This Super Simple Peach Glazed Ham is a surefire way to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of savory ham and sweet peach glaze is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and substitutions to create a flavor that’s uniquely your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback! Pair it with a crisp white wine for a truly memorable meal. Happy cooking!

Super Simple Peach Glazed Ham Recipe