Get ready to transform your ordinary holiday dinner into an extraordinary culinary sensation with this mouthwatering Hot Honey Glazed Ham! Imagine a perfectly cooked ham with a stunning golden-brown exterior, glistening with a sweet and spicy glaze that will make your guests' taste buds dance with delight. This isn't just another ham recipe - it's a guaranteed showstopper that combines the rich, savory flavors of a classic ham with a modern, irresistible honey-hot sauce twist that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (about 5 lb)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup hot sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the ham fat-side up in a large roasting pan, ensuring it is not touching the sides of the pan. If the ham comes with a plastic bone guard, leave it on during cooking.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together honey, hot sauce, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and ground black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This will help the glaze penetrate and create a beautiful caramelized exterior.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and begin brushing the ham with the prepared honey glaze every 10 minutes, allowing each layer to caramelize.
- Once the ham is heated through and the glaze is sticky and golden brown, remove from the oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Transfer the ham to a serving platter, brush with any remaining glaze, and slice against the grain to serve.
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 Technique: When scoring the ham, make sure your cuts are even and about 1/4 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates those beautiful caramelized lines.
- Glaze Application Matters: Brush the glaze in the final 30 minutes of cooking to prevent burning while achieving a perfect sticky, golden-brown finish.
- Resting is Crucial: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
- Make Extra Glaze: Consider preparing a little extra glaze to serve on the side for those who want an additional flavor boost.
- Leftover Magic: This ham is perfect for sandwiches, salads, and other recipes in the days following your main meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 110mg
