Table of Contents

The Best Glazed Ham!

The scent of glazed ham is forever linked in my mind with family gatherings. My grandmother, a true matriarch of the kitchen, would always preside over the holiday table, a magnificent ham glistening under the soft light. The sweet and savory aroma filled the air, a promise of warmth, connection, and the kind of comfort only a shared meal can bring. This recipe is my homage to her, a way to keep her spirit alive, and to create new memories with loved ones gathered around my own table.

Recipe Overview:

Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
Cook Time: 1 hour 35 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
Servings: 10-12
Yield: 1 ham
Dietary Type: Not specified

Ingredients:

6-8 lbs fully cooked ham, chilled (average)
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup real butter
1/2 cup honey (clover preferred)
1/2 cup Coca-Cola Classic
1 (6 ounce) can frozen pineapple juice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 tablespoon paprika
10 whole peppercorns
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
5 slices pineapple
5 whole maraschino cherries
Cloves

Equipment Needed:

Large baking pan
12-inch skillet
Small ladle
Plastic wrap
Aluminum foil
Toothpicks

Instructions:

Begin by placing the chilled ham in a baking pan that’s large enough to hold it comfortably. Ensure there’s enough room around the ham for proper air circulation during cooking. Then, place the ham in the refrigerator to chill further. This is crucial for the glaze to adhere properly.
Now, prepare the glaze. In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and cook gently, stirring constantly, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the mixture is smooth. This process should take a few minutes, and it’s important to keep the heat at medium to prevent the sugar from burning.
Increase the heat to medium-high. Stir in the honey, Coca-Cola, frozen pineapple juice, ground ginger, dry mustard, paprika, peppercorns, and red wine vinegar. Stir constantly until all the ingredients are thoroughly blended and the sauce has thickened slightly to a semi-thick consistency. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The mixture should be smooth and aromatic.
Using a small ladle, generously baste the ham with the prepared glaze. If the ham is sufficiently chilled, the glaze should begin to thicken and adhere to the surface. Ensure that all sides of the ham are well-coated.
Lightly cover the ham with plastic wrap and return it to the refrigerator for at least another hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the glaze to further penetrate the ham. The longer it chills, the better the flavor infusion.
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. This lower temperature will ensure that the ham heats evenly without drying out.
Remove the ham from the refrigerator. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in diagonal cuts about a half-inch apart and a half-inch deep. This creates a decorative pattern and allows the glaze to penetrate even deeper into the ham.
Now, it’s time to decorate! Adorn the ham with pineapple slices and maraschino cherries. Secure the pineapple slices in place with toothpicks, and place a cherry in the center of each pineapple slice. Additionally, push about four cloves into each pineapple slice for added aroma and flavor.
Generously spoon the remaining basting sauce over the entire dressed ham, ensuring that you use all of the sauce. The sauce will continue to caramelize and create a beautiful glaze as it bakes.
Cover the ham with a “tent” made of aluminum foil. Be careful not to cover the ham tightly, as this will trap steam and prevent the glaze from properly caramelizing. You want the foil to create a loose covering, allowing for some air circulation.
Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 1 hour, basting it occasionally with the marinade drippings that collect in the bottom of the pan. Basting helps keep the ham moist and ensures even flavor distribution.
After 1 hour, remove the aluminum foil tent and continue baking the ham uncovered for another 35-45 minutes, or until it is beautifully glazed. Continue basting the ham until the marinade sticks to the surface and forms a shiny, caramelized crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes on the countertop before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Serve the ham with generous ladle-fulls of the “secret gravy” (the pan drippings).

Expert Tips & Tricks:

Chilling is Key: Don’t skip the chilling steps. They are essential for the glaze to adhere properly and create that beautiful, glossy finish.
Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will dry out the ham. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before using.
Spice it Up: For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
Brown Sugar Variations: Dark brown sugar will give a richer, more molasses-like flavor, while light brown sugar is sweeter and milder.

Serving & Storage Suggestions:

Serve the glazed ham hot, sliced thinly, and accompanied by the pan drippings (the “secret gravy”). This ham is fantastic with scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, and dinner rolls.

Leftover ham should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven or microwave. Reheating in a skillet with a little butter will also help to revive the glaze.

Nutritional Information:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	639.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	20.5 g	31%
Saturated Fat	8.2 g	40%
Cholesterol	154 mg	51%
Sodium	4183 mg	174%
Total Carbohydrate	51.6 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	47.3 g	N/A
Protein	61.7 g	123%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Variations & Substitutions:

Maple Glazed Ham: Substitute the honey with maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a little heat.
Citrus Glaze: Replace the Coca-Cola and pineapple juice with orange juice and lemon juice for a bright and tangy glaze.
Herb Crusted Ham: Before baking, press fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme into the scored ham for an aromatic twist.
Whiskey Glaze: Add a tablespoon or two of whiskey to the glaze for a richer, more complex flavor.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use a bone-in ham for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use a bone-in ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as it may take longer to heat through.

Q: What if I don’t have Coca-Cola? Can I use something else?
A: You can substitute Coca-Cola with another cola or even cherry juice, but the flavor will be slightly different.

Q: How can I prevent the ham from drying out?
A: Ensure the ham is covered with a foil tent for most of the baking time and baste it frequently with the glaze.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The glaze can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before using.

Q: What’s the best way to carve the ham?
A: Use a sharp carving knife and slice the ham thinly against the grain for the most tender and flavorful pieces.

Final Thoughts:

This glazed ham recipe is more than just a set of instructions; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories. Gather your loved ones, fill your kitchen with the comforting aroma of sweet and savory glaze, and savor the joy of sharing a delicious meal together. I encourage you to try this recipe, adapt it to your own tastes, and make it a cherished tradition in your family. And don’t forget to share your creations and experiences – I can’t wait to see what you come up with!

The Best Glazed Ham! Recipe