Get ready to transform your ordinary ham into a culinary masterpiece that will have everyone at your table swooning! This Apple Raisin Glazed Ham is not just another holiday dish – it's a flavor explosion that combines the sweet warmth of apple and raisins with a perfectly caramelized exterior that will make your taste buds dance. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe is your ticket to becoming the ultimate holiday hero in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 pounds)
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for warming the ham and allowing the glaze to caramelize without burning.
- Place the fully cooked ham on a large roasting pan. If the ham has a rind, you may want to score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and enhance the flavor.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the brown sugar has completely dissolved, creating a smooth glaze.
- Add the raisins to the saucepan and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This will plump the raisins and infuse the glaze with their sweetness.
- Once the glaze is ready, brush a generous amount over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas if applicable. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out during the initial cooking phase.
- Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. After this time, remove the foil and baste the ham with the reserved glaze.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered and continue to bake for an additional 30-60 minutes, basting every 15 minutes. The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) and has a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Once the ham is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham more flavorful and moist.
- Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze and garnished with additional raisins if desired. Enjoy your delicious Apple Raisin Glazed Ham!
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your ham reaches the perfect internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for optimal flavor and safety.
- Scoring Matters: Take the time to score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate deeper and creates a more visually appealing presentation.
- Basting is Your Best Friend: Don't skip the basting step! Regularly brushing the ham with glaze ensures a rich, caramelized exterior and keeps the meat moist.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every slice incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Glaze Preparation Tip: Simmer the raisins in the glaze to plump them up and release their natural sweetness, adding an extra layer of depth to your dish.
- Make Ahead: This ham can be prepared in advance and gently reheated, making it perfect for holiday meal planning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 60mg
