Get ready to transform your ordinary ham into a culinary masterpiece that will have your guests begging for the recipe! This Jalapeno Pomegranate Glazed Ham is not just another holiday dish—it's a flavor explosion that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and subtly spicy notes. Imagine a succulent ham with a glossy, vibrant glaze that looks as incredible as it tastes, bringing a gourmet twist to your traditional roast that will make you the star of any gathering.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1 cup pomegranate juice
- 2 jalapenos, minced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is ideal for heating a fully cooked ham without drying it out.
- While the oven is preheating, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of pomegranate juice, 2 minced jalapenos, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, and 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard.
- Heat the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Allow it to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. This will concentrate the flavors and create a delicious glaze.
- Once the glaze is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
- Next, prepare the ham. Place the fully cooked ham on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a rind, you may want to score it in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate better.
- Brush a generous amount of the jalapeno pomegranate glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get it into the scored areas for maximum flavor.
- 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. This allows the flavors to meld and the ham to heat through.
- After 1 hour, remove the ham from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Brush additional glaze over the ham, then return it to the oven uncovered.
- Bake for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting every 15 minutes with the remaining glaze. This will create a beautiful, sticky glaze on the outside of the ham.
- Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer. It should reach at least 140°F (60°C) when fully heated through.
- Once the ham is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist ham.
- Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzled with any remaining glaze. Enjoy your Jalapeno Pomegranate Glazed Ham with your favorite sides!
Tips
- Choose the Right Ham: Select a high-quality, fully cooked ham to ensure the best base for your glaze.
- Temperature Control: Keep your oven at a steady 325°F to prevent drying out the ham while allowing the glaze to caramelize beautifully.
- Glaze Mastery: Simmer your glaze slowly to develop deep, concentrated flavors. Don't rush this step!
- Scoring Technique: Score the ham's surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and create more delicious caramelized edges.
- Basting is Key: Regularly baste the ham with the glaze during the final cooking stage to build up layers of flavor and create a stunning, glossy finish.
- Rest and Redistribute: Always let the ham rest for 15 minutes after cooking to ensure juicy, tender meat.
- Spice Control: If you're sensitive to heat, remove the jalapeno seeds before mincing to reduce the spice level.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg
