Glazed Easter Ham: A Timeless Centerpiece for Every Celebration
A stunning centerpiece with sweet and tangy layers that delights every holiday table.
Glazed Easter Ham: A Show-Stopping Holiday Main Course
Every spring gathering deserves a show-stopping centerpiece, and nothing rivals the classic glazed ham for festive flavor and unforgettable presentation. This recipe—beloved by so many home cooks and inspired by Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman—is a time-tested favorite featuring a glossy brown sugar, mustard, and cola glaze that transforms a simple ham into a dazzling main course for Easter, Christmas, or any special occasion.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose Glazed Ham?
Ingredients and Tools- How to Prepare Your Ham
- Scoring the Ham & Adding Cloves
- Making the Brown Sugar-Mustard Glaze
- Glazing & Baking the Ham
- Carving and Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Ham Glaze Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Glazed Ham?
A fully cooked, bone-in ham offers unbeatable simplicity—and delivers on rich flavor, beautiful slices, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Glazing elevates the flavor and creates a signature sticky crust while keeping the meat juicy and tender. Whether your event is casual or formal, glazed ham fits perfectly. Plus, it feeds a crowd and produces delicious leftovers!
Ingredients and Tools
For the most flavorful and visually appealing ham, you’ll need to select high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 whole fully cooked bone-in ham (15–18 pounds): Choose a good-quality, unglazed, spiral-cut or whole ham for the best results.
- Whole cloves: For traditional garnish and a hint of spice.
- 3 cups brown sugar: For a rich, caramel glaze.
- 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard: Adds a tangy kick and depth of flavor.
- 1 can (12 oz.) Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola: Provides sweetness, moisture, and extra shine.
- 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a touch of acidity.
- Salt and black pepper (optional): To taste, as needed.
Essential tools: Roasting pan with rack, sharp knife, sauce pan, aluminum foil, basting brush, carving knife.
How to Prepare Your Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the ham from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare. This helps ensure even baking. - Place the ham cut-side down on a rack in the roasting pan. This minimizes moisture loss and keeps the ham juicy.
Scoring the Ham & Adding Cloves
Scoring not only allows the glaze to penetrate the ham, but also gives a beautiful diamond pattern that’s visually stunning at the table.
- Score the surface: Using a sharp knife, cut lines across the surface of the ham about 1/8-inch deep, spacing them about 1.5–2 inches apart. Repeat in the opposite direction to create a diamond pattern.
- Insert whole cloves: Push one whole clove into the center of each diamond. Continue until the entire ham surface is dotted. The cloves give a subtle warm flavor and offer a traditional look.
Making the Brown Sugar-Mustard Glaze
- Combine glaze ingredients: In a medium saucepan, add 3 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard, 1 can Dr Pepper (or Coke), and 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar.
- Cook the glaze: Heat over medium-high, stirring frequently, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Cook 10–15 minutes, until the glaze has reduced and thickened slightly. It should coat the back of a spoon.
Glaze Tip: Reserve half the glaze for basting during the final stages of baking.
Glazing & Baking the Ham
- Tent the ham with foil: Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil. This ensures gentle, even heating and prevents drying out.
- Initial bake: Bake the ham for 2 to 2.5 hours at 325°F. Some larger hams or low-temperature packages may require 3–3.5 hours; always check the package instructions for your specific ham.
- Make the glaze during the initial bake (if not done already).
After the initial baking period:
- Remove the foil from the ham.
- Brush a generous layer of glaze onto the ham. Use a basting brush to coat thoroughly, working the glaze into the scored crevices.
- Return to oven uncovered. Baste every 20 minutes with more glaze, letting each layer caramelize and build shine.
- Continue glazing and baking until the ham is glossy and deeply browned (about 30–45 minutes total).
Resting: Allow the ham to rest, tented loosely with foil, for 15–20 minutes before carving. This preserves the juices and ensures perfect slices.
Carving and Serving Suggestions
To make the most of your glazed ham’s striking appearance and succulent flavor, use a sharp carving knife and follow the ham’s natural lines. Slice thinly and arrange the pieces attractively on a platter. Spoon any extra pan glaze over the top before serving.
Great Side Dishes:
- Cheesy scalloped potatoes
- Buttery green beans or asparagus
- Deviled eggs
- Warm dinner rolls
- Fresh seasonal salads
Expert Tips & Troubleshooting
- Don’t skip the resting period. Resting the ham keeps it moist and helps flavors settle.
- Adjust glaze consistency: If your glaze is too thick, add a splash of cola; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.
- Tent loosely with foil while resting. This prevents the surface from drying out but doesn’t trap too much steam.
- Use a roasting rack to keep the bottom of the ham from stewing in juices, ensuring an even roast.
- Check for internal temperature: For reheating a cooked ham, bring it to at least 140°F in the center.
- Flavor variations: Try orange zest, honey, a pinch of cinnamon, or even a splash of bourbon in your glaze for added flair.
Ham Glaze Variations
| Ingredient | Classic Glaze | Citrus Twist | Spicy Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Spicy Brown Mustard | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Dr Pepper/Coke | ✔️ | ✔️ | |
| Apple Cider Vinegar | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Orange Juice/Zest | ✔️ | ||
| Chili Powder | ✔️ |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?
Yes! Spiral-cut hams work perfectly and allow the glaze to flow between slices, maximizing flavor. Just check package instructions for any brand-specific baking details.
Q: What if I don’t have Dr Pepper or Coca-Cola?
You can use ginger ale, orange juice, or even a mix of honey and water for sweetness and moisture.
Q: How do I keep my ham from drying out?
Bake the ham covered at first, baste often with the glaze, and don’t overcook. Rest for 15–20 minutes before serving.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead?
Yes. You can bake the ham, refrigerate, and gently reheat covered in the oven. Glaze fresh just before serving for the best appearance.
Q: How do I use leftovers?
Leftover glazed ham is delicious in sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, fried rice, or diced into salads and casseroles.
Leftover Ham Ideas
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Ham and pea frittata
- Split pea soup with ham
- Ham fried rice
- Breakfast burritos
Final Thoughts
This classic glazed ham recipe delivers beautiful visuals and layer upon layer of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a big holiday brunch, a family potluck, or just want to revive the nostalgia of Sunday dinners, this approach guarantees a juicy, flavorful, crowd-pleasing centerpiece you’ll return to again and again.
Quick Recipe Recap
- Score and stud the ham with cloves.
- Bake covered at 325°F for 2–2.5 hours.
- Make and apply the brown sugar-mustard-Dr Pepper glaze.
- Glaze and bake uncovered, basting every 20 minutes, until glossy.
- Rest, carve, and serve with classic sides.
References
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