Super Simple Peach Glazed Ham

My grandma’s kitchen always smelled of cinnamon, simmering apples, and something subtly sweet and savory. It took me years to realize that sweet scent, so intertwined with my holiday memories, was often a ham glazed with whatever fruit preserves she had on hand. One Thanksgiving, facing a nearly bare pantry, I decided to channel her resourceful spirit. The result was this incredibly simple, yet utterly delicious, peach glazed ham, and it has been a holiday staple ever since.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 servings
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1 (8 lb) boneless precooked ham
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 (15 ounce) cans peach halves in syrup, pureed

Equipment Needed

• Dutch oven with oven-proof lid
• Blender

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Place the boneless precooked ham in the dutch oven.
3. Thoroughly rub the exterior of the ham with Dijon mustard. I highly recommend using a good quality Dijon mustard, like Raye’s Old World Gourmet Traditional European-Style Dijon Mustard, for the best flavor. Its tangy bite balances perfectly with the sweetness of the peaches.
4. Firmly pat the brown sugar onto the exterior of the ham, ensuring it adheres well to the mustard coating. This layer will caramelize beautifully in the oven.
5. Pour the contents of both cans of peach halves in syrup into a blender. Blend until completely smooth, creating a peach puree. This is your glaze.
6. Place the ham in the preheated oven, skin side up, in the dutch oven.
7. Bake uncovered for the first 25 minutes. This allows the brown sugar to begin caramelizing and the ham to heat through.
8. After 25 minutes, remove the dutch oven from the oven and begin basting the ham with the peach puree. Use a spoon to generously coat the entire surface.
9. Return the dutch oven to the oven and place the lid on top.
10. Baste the ham with the peach puree every 25 minutes, each time replacing the lid after basting.
11. Continue baking and basting for the remaining time so that the total cooking time comes out to be 2 hours.
12. After 2 hours total cooking time, remove the dutch oven from the oven.
13. Let the ham rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
14. Slice the ham to your desired thickness and serve with the warm peach sauce from the dutch oven spooned over each slice.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Don’t skip the resting period! It’s crucial for maintaining the ham’s moisture and tenderness.
• Prevent burning: Keep an eye on the brown sugar during the initial uncovered baking. If it starts to burn too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly or cover the ham sooner.
• Ham Selection: While this recipe calls for an 8 lb boneless precooked ham, you can adjust the recipe for larger or smaller hams. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
• Glaze Thickness: If you prefer a thicker glaze, you can simmer the peach puree in a saucepan over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes before using it to baste the ham. This will reduce the liquid and concentrate the peach flavor.
• Mustard Choice: While Dijon is classic, feel free to experiment with other mustards like spicy brown or even a honey mustard for a different flavor profile.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve this peach glazed ham hot, sliced, and drizzled with the warm peach sauce accumulated in the dutch oven. It’s fantastic alongside classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce.

Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating: Reheat sliced ham in the oven at 325°F (165°C), covered with foil, until warmed through. You can also microwave individual slices for a quick and easy reheat. Add a spoonful of the peach sauce to keep it moist while reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	219 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	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%

Variations & Substitutions

• Other Fruits: Don’t have peaches? Try this glaze with apricot preserves, pineapple chunks (pureed), or even a combination of fruits.
• Sweetener Swap: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you can use a brown sugar substitute or even a touch of maple syrup.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or a dash of cayenne pepper to the peach puree for a little extra warmth.
• Smoked Ham: For a deeper, smokier flavor, use a smoked boneless ham.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use fresh peaches instead of canned?
A: Absolutely! If using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe and peel them before pureeing. You might need to add a little extra sugar to the puree if the peaches aren’t very sweet.

Q: What if I don’t have a dutch oven?
A: You can use a roasting pan with a lid. If you don’t have a lid, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil.

Q: Can I make the peach puree ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the peach puree up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Q: How do I know when the ham is done?
A: Since the ham is precooked, you’re really just heating it through. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Q: Can I use a bone-in ham?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Final Thoughts

This Super Simple Peach Glazed Ham is a testament to the idea that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated. Its simplicity makes it perfect for a holiday gathering or a weeknight meal. The combination of savory ham, tangy mustard, and sweet peach glaze is a surefire crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and prepare to enjoy a truly memorable dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and make it your own. And please, share your creations and feedback – I’d love to hear how it turns out! Pair this ham with a crisp Riesling for the ultimate flavor harmony.