American
Glazed Baked Ham
A small fully cooked ham is warmed slowly, scored, and brushed with a brown sugar-mustard glaze until glossy and caramelized. It has the familiar sweet-savory flavor of an American holiday ham in a size suited for two.
Ingredients
- Fully cooked boneless ham1 lb
- Brown sugar1/4 cup
- Dijon mustard1 tbsp
- Apple cider vinegar1 tbsp
- Honey1 tbsp
- Ground cloves1/8 tsp
- Black pepper1/8 tsp
- Water or apple juice1/4 cup
Method
- Heat the oven to 325°F.
- Place the ham cut-side down in a small baking dish and score the top in a shallow diamond pattern.
- Pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the dish, then cover the dish tightly with foil.
- Bake the ham for 25 minutes to warm it through gently.
- While the ham bakes, stir together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, ground cloves, and black pepper in a small saucepan.
- Simmer the glaze over medium-low heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until smooth and slightly syrupy.
- Remove the foil from the ham and brush it generously with the glaze.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for 15 to 20 minutes more, brushing with glaze every 5 minutes, until the surface is shiny and caramelized and the ham reaches 140°F.
- Rest the ham for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain and spooning any pan glaze over the slices.
Common questions
Can I substitute something for apple cider vinegar in the glaze?
Yes. Use white wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or even lemon juice in a pinch. Keep the amount the same, but if using lemon juice, start with a little less since it’s sharper than cider vinegar.
How long does a fully cooked ham need to bake before glazing?
Bake it covered at 325°F for about 25 minutes first, just to warm it gently. Then glaze and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes more, brushing every 5 minutes, until it reaches 140°F.
What are the most common mistakes when making glazed baked ham?
The biggest mistakes are overbaking, skipping the foil during the first bake, and not reducing the glaze first. Also avoid glazing too early in a thick layer, which can burn before the ham is heated through.
How should I store leftover glazed ham?
Cool leftovers quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Slice before storing for easier reheating later.
What should I serve with glazed baked ham?
It pairs well with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans, scalloped potatoes, dinner rolls, or a simple salad. If you want a classic holiday plate, add something tangy like mustard greens or cranberry sauce.