INTRODUCTION
This orange honey glazed ham is warm, sweet, and bright. It is easy to make and looks nice on a table. The glaze melts into the ham and gives a sweet orange taste with a hint of honey. You can cook it for a holiday meal or any big family dinner. If you like a calm drink to serve on the side, try a light tea like the chamomile rose tea latte. The ham stays juicy and the glaze makes a shiny crust that people love.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is simple and it tastes rich without hard steps. The glaze uses orange marmalade, brown sugar, and honey. These are common items you can find at any store. The ham comes out with a deep color, a crisp outside, and a soft inside. The recipe uses a whole clove in each score mark. This adds a warm, small spice note that pairs well with orange and honey. It is a good recipe for cooks who want a big and tasty dish with little fuss.
HOW TO MAKE Orange Honey Glazed Ham
This section shows how to make the ham from start to finish. You will score the ham, add cloves, and bake it slow. The glaze cooks with the ham and gets sticky and sweet. If you want a bright, cold drink with the meal, a citrus refresher works well, like the cran-merry orange lemonade refresher. Follow the steps below and take your time while the ham roasts. Basting often gives the best shine and the best taste.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large roasting pan
- Sharp knife for scoring
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Basting brush or spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Serving platter
This list uses items most cooks have in a basic kitchen. The meat thermometer is very important. It helps you know when the ham reaches the safe temperature. A good pan with a rack is helpful, but not required. Use foil to keep the ham moist until you want the glaze to brown. A steady oven and a clear plan make the dish easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
- 1 Jones Dairy Farm Hickory Smoked Ham
- 1 cup orange marmalade
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- whole cloves
These ingredients form a sweet and tangy glaze that pairs with the smoky ham. The hickory smoked ham gives a deep base flavor, while the orange marmalade adds citrus notes. Brown sugar and honey add caramel and a soft sweetness. Dijon mustard gives a mild tang that balances the sugar. Whole cloves add small bursts of spice and look classic when stuck in the scored ham. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste.
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Remove ham from all packaging. Place ham on large cutting board, fat side up. Score ham in diamond pattern with 1/4-inch deep cuts. Place one whole clove in center of each diamond. Place ham in large roasting pan, scored side up. Cover with aluminum foil. Cook according to package directions, until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F, about 13-15 minutes per pound. Combine remaining ingredients in small bowl and set near the store so it gets nice and warm. Halfway through cooking time, remove aluminum foil and baste ham with glaze. Repeat every 20-30 minutes until ham is cooked through. The more you glaze the prettier the ham will be. Remove ham from oven, let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve hot or cold.
Note: When you baste, pour the warm glaze over the ham and use a spoon or brush to coat it. The warm glaze spreads easier and makes a thin, even layer. Keep the ham covered until it is time to brown the glaze. This keeps the meat tender and juicy.
HOW TO SERVE Orange Honey Glazed Ham
Slice the ham against the grain in even pieces. Serve the ham warm on a large platter with the glaze spooned over the top. You can also serve the ham cold on a tray as part of a buffet. For a warm meal, add roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes on the side. For a cold plate, add rolls and mustard on the side. A light, fruity drink pairs well with the glaze and smokiness of the ham. Try a bright juice or a cold citrus drink to cut the sweetness.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Orange Honey Glazed Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with foil. Keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. To freeze, cut the ham into meal-size portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer bag. The ham will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw the ham in the fridge overnight. Warm the ham gently in the oven at 325 degrees F until it reaches 140 degrees F. Do not reheat too fast because the meat can dry out. Use a little extra glaze when reheating to keep the meat moist.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Roasted potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
- Steamed green beans or glazed carrots
- Warm dinner rolls or crusty bread
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Cranberry sauce or a citrus chutney
You can pair this ham with a cold citrus drink for a bright contrast. A cold orange cranberry refresher works great with the sweet glaze. For a matching flavor, consider the cran-merry orange refresher as a cold option. Keep the sides simple so the ham remains the star of the meal. Light sides and a small salad help balance the richness of the ham.
VARIATIONS
- Maple Orange Glaze: Swap honey for pure maple syrup for a deeper, woodsy sweetness.
- Spiced Orange Glaze: Add a pinch of cinnamon or ground ginger to the glaze for warm spice.
- Mustard Forward: Increase Dijon to 2 tablespoons for a tangier glaze.
- Brown Sugar Swap: Use dark brown sugar for a richer caramel flavor.
- Herb Add: Mix a small amount of fresh chopped rosemary into the glaze for a savory note.
Try one small change at a time. Small swaps let you find the flavor you like best. Each change can shift the balance of sweet and tangy, so taste the warm glaze before you use it on the ham.
FAQs
Q: How long do I cook a ham per pound?
A: Cook most hams about 13 to 15 minutes per pound at 325 degrees F if they are pre-cooked. Always use a meat thermometer and pull the ham when it reaches 140 degrees F.
Q: Can I use a different ham brand?
A: Yes. You can use any pre-cooked smoked ham. The Jones Dairy Farm ham is a good choice, but any similar ham will work. Adjust cook time by weight.
Q: Do I need to add water to the roasting pan?
A: You can add a small amount of water or stock to the bottom of the pan to keep drippings from burning. It is not required if you cover the ham with foil for most of the cook time.
Q: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
A: Yes. Make the glaze a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Warm it gently before you baste the ham. Cold glaze will not spread well.
Q: Is this ham safe to eat cold?
A: Yes. Fully cooked ham can be served cold. Store it in the fridge and serve within 4 days for best quality.
Q: How do I get a glossy glaze?
A: Keep basting every 20-30 minutes while the glaze cooks on. Use warm glaze and avoid burning. A final broil for a minute or two will add color, but watch closely so it does not burn.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Orange Honey Glazed Ham
- Score and stud the ham with cloves the night before. Wrap it and keep it in the fridge. This lets the flavors settle in.
- Make the glaze and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. Warm it before you use it.
- Plan oven time and roasting pan size ahead. Preheat the oven to the right temp just before you put the ham in.
- If you need to save time on the day of service, bake the ham until it is almost at 140 degrees F, remove it, cool, and then finish baking with glaze before serving.
- Have a tray or platter ready for resting. Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing so juices stay inside.
These make-ahead steps save time and help the meal run smooth. Simple prep can leave you more time to enjoy the meal with family and friends.
Orange Honey Glazed Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Remove ham from all packaging and place it fat side up on a large cutting board.
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern with 1/4-inch deep cuts and place one whole clove in the center of each diamond.
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, scored side up, and cover with aluminum foil.
- Cook according to package directions, about 13-15 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F.
- Combine orange marmalade, brown sugar, honey, and dijon mustard in a small bowl and keep warm.
- Halfway through cooking time, remove aluminum foil and baste ham with the warm glaze.
- Repeat basting every 20-30 minutes until the ham is fully cooked.
- Remove ham from oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.