Baked Ham Recipe: Easy Classic Sweet Clove Glaze In 7 Steps

Classic Baked Ham with Sweet Clove Glaze

Baked ham is a beloved centerpiece for holiday tables and special occasions, offering a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors. This classic recipe features a bone-in, fully cooked ham that’s studded with aromatic cloves and sweetened generously with brown sugar. The result is a tender, juicy ham with a flavorful crust that will impress family and guests alike.

Ingredients

• 1 (10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 1/4 cups packed dark brown sugar
• Cloves, whole (for studding)

Preparation Overview

This recipe involves preparing the ham by studding it with cloves to infuse warm, spicy notes throughout the meat. The ham is then coated with brown sugar, which caramelizes during baking, creating a beautiful and flavorful crust. Baking at a moderate oven temperature allows the ham to heat through gently while developing a golden glaze.

Step-By-Step Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Position a rack inside a roasting pan to allow even heat circulation around the ham.
2. Prepare the ham by studding the surface evenly with whole cloves. This not only adds a delightful aroma but also a subtle spicy flavor throughout the meat.
3. Coat the ham generously with the packed dark brown sugar. The sugar will melt and create a sweet, caramelized crust as it bakes.
4. Place the ham on the rack inside the roasting pan without covering it, allowing the glaze to form properly.
5. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of your ham. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) if you want to ensure it’s thoroughly heated but still juicy.
6. Halfway through baking, baste the ham with any drippings to keep it moist and enhance the glaze.
7. Once baked, remove ham from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for a tender bite.

Tips for a Perfect Baked Ham

• Selecting Your Ham: Choose a fully cooked bone-in ham with a natural or spiral cut for ease of serving.
• Clove Studding: To stud the ham, insert cloves at regular intervals—about every inch or so—in a decorative pattern if you like. This enhances flavor and presentation.
• Glaze Alternatives: While this recipe focuses on a simple brown sugar glaze, you may add honey, pineapple juice, or mustard for variations.
• Basting: Regularly baste with pan juices or additional glaze during the last 30 minutes for a shiny, sticky glaze.
• Resting Time: Letting the ham rest after baking ensures moist and tender slices.

Serving Suggestions

This baked ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, or sweet potato casserole. For a festive touch, garnish the serving platter with pineapple rings or fresh herbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use a spiral cut ham for this recipe?

Yes, spiral cut hams work exceptionally well with this recipe. Because they are pre-sliced, the glaze will seep into the slices, enhancing flavor and moisture.

How do I store leftover ham?

Wrap leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 5 days. Alternatively, you can freeze it for longer storage.

Can I prepare this ham in a slow cooker instead of the oven?

While this recipe is designed for oven baking to develop the glaze, a slow cooker can be used for reheating the ham. However, you may miss out on that caramelized crust because slow cookers do not brown well.

What can I do with the ham bone?

The ham bone is ideal for making flavorful soups, stews, or beans. Simply simmer it with vegetables and seasonings to create a rich broth.

Additional Notes

If you want to elevate the sauce, you can combine leftover pan drippings with a little flour or cornstarch over medium heat to create a smooth, savory gravy that complements the ham beautifully.

This classic baked ham recipe’s simplicity and elegance make it a go-to for any special occasion or holiday meal. The marriage of sweet brown sugar and warm cloves creates a universally loved flavor profile, ensuring your celebration centerpiece will be both delicious and memorable.

Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb