Glazed Ham with Cloves

Name: Glazed Ham with Cloves
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 fully cooked ham (about 7-8 lbs); 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Highlighted under: Family Comfort Meals

This Glazed Ham with Cloves recipe brings a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors to your holiday table. The perfect centerpiece for any celebration, it pairs perfectly with seasonal sides.

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-12-03T21:48:29.520Z

This Glazed Ham with Cloves is a classic dish that transforms any gathering into a festive celebration. The combination of rich flavors and aromatic spices makes it a favorite among family and friends.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Aromatic cloves add a unique flavor twist
Sweet glaze caramelizes beautifully for a stunning presentation
Perfectly tender and juicy, ideal for any festive occasion

      

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A Glazed Ham with Cloves is not just a dish; it's a celebration of flavor that stands tall on any holiday table. The combination of savory ham and sweet glaze creates a dish that is visually stunning and irresistible to all guests. Whether it's for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any festive gathering, this ham will undoubtedly be the star of the show, leaving everyone asking for seconds.

This recipe is designed to impress with minimal effort. The baking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a tender and juicy ham that practically melts in your mouth. When served with traditional sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, you have a meal that brings warmth and joy to your family gatherings.

Flavorful Clove Infusion

Cloves are the secret ingredient that makes this ham extraordinary. Their aromatic and slightly sweet flavor infuses the meat, enhancing its natural richness. When combined with the brown sugar and honey in the glaze, cloves create a beautiful balance of flavors that elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary. This unique flavor twist is sure to delight your taste buds and those of your guests.

Using ground cloves in the glaze ensures that every bite of ham carries a hint of this aromatic spice. The scoring on the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, resulting in a more flavorful experience. This method not only enhances taste but also creates a stunning caramelized crust that is visually appealing.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

To complement the sweet and savory notes of the glazed ham, consider serving it with sides that provide a contrast in texture and flavor. Classic options include creamy coleslaw, tangy cranberry sauce, or buttery rolls. These dishes not only balance the richness of the ham but also add color and variety to your holiday spread.

For drinks, a light white wine or sparkling cider pairs wonderfully with this dish. The effervescence and acidity can cut through the sweetness of the glaze, refreshing the palate. Don't forget to save room for dessert! A slice of pumpkin pie or a fruit tart would be the perfect way to end this festive meal.

Ingredients

For the Glazed Ham

1 fully cooked ham (about 7-8 lbs)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Ensure your ham is at room temperature before starting the glaze preparation.

Instructions

Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep.

Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved, stirring frequently.

Glaze the Ham

Brush half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts. Reserve the remaining glaze for later.

Bake the Ham

Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 90 minutes, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes, until heated through and caramelized.

Serve

Once done, remove from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides.

Enjoy your delicious glazed ham as the centerpiece of your meal!

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover glazed ham, don’t worry! Properly stored, it can be a delightful addition to your meals for days to come. Allow the ham to cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze it for longer shelf life. When stored properly, the flavors continue to develop, making leftovers taste even better.

When you're ready to enjoy the ham again, simply slice off the desired amount and reheat it in the oven at a low temperature, around 250°F (120°C), until warmed through. This method helps retain moisture and prevents the ham from drying out. You can also use leftover ham in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles for a quick and delicious meal.

Tips for the Perfect Glaze

For an exceptional glaze, consider adding a splash of orange juice or apple cider vinegar for an extra layer of flavor. These ingredients enhance the sweetness while providing a tangy contrast that brightens the dish. Additionally, feel free to experiment with spices—nutmeg or allspice can offer a delightful twist to the traditional flavor profile.

Always remember to baste the ham frequently during the baking process. This not only keeps the meat moist but also promotes an even caramelization of the glaze. For added texture, you can sprinkle some crushed pineapple or chopped pecans over the glaze for a delightful crunch!

Why Glazed Ham is a Family Favorite

Glazed ham holds a special place in many family traditions, often becoming a cherished centerpiece for holiday dinners. Its combination of sweet and savory elements appeals to both children and adults alike, making it a universally loved dish. The ease of preparation also adds to its popularity, allowing families to spend more time together during the holidays rather than in the kitchen.

Moreover, the festive presentation of a beautifully glazed ham garnished with fresh herbs or fruit makes it perfect for any celebration. The aroma that fills your home while it bakes creates an inviting atmosphere, setting the tone for memorable family gatherings. It's these moments around the table that make glazed ham a beloved tradition in many households.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of ham?

Yes, you can use any fully cooked ham you prefer, such as a bone-in or boneless ham.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze the glazed ham?

Yes, you can freeze the ham. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.

→ What can I serve with glazed ham?

It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.