The festive season is upon us, and what better way to indulge in its spirit than with a mouthwatering ginger glazed ham? The tantalizing blend of succulent ham and the warm, zesty notes of ginger creates a culinary symphony that’s perfect for any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy family dinner, this recipe is bound to steal the show. Whether you make the ham from scratch or purchase an already cured ham, either is perfect for this recipe.

The History of Glazed Ham

The tradition of glazed ham dates back to ancient times when preserving meat was a necessity. Curing and smoking were common methods to preserve meat, and glazing emerged as a way to add flavor and preserve the ham further. Over time, glazing evolved from a preservation technique to a culinary art form, enhancing the taste and appearance of the ham.

glazed spiral cut ham

Choosing the Right Ham

Before diving into the glazing process, selecting the right ham is crucial. There are various types available—bone-in, boneless, spiral-cut, and different cuts like shank or butt. Each has its own characteristics, but for a glazed ham, a bone-in option is often preferred for added flavor and juiciness.

Why Ginger and Ham Are Perfect Partners

Ginger, with its subtle heat and citrusy undertones, pairs remarkably well with the robust flavor of ham. The marriage of these two ingredients elevates the taste profile, offering a unique and irresistible dish.

The Perfect Ginger Glazed Ham Recipe

  • Quality ham
  • Fresh ginger or ginger preserves
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Mustard
  • Cloves
  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the ham.
  2. Create the ginger glaze by mixing ginger preserves or fresh ginger, brown sugar, honey, red pepper flakes and Dijon mustard.
  3. Pour coca cola in the pan with ham.
  4. Apply the glaze generously over the ham and bake until it achieves a caramelized perfection.

Pro Tips for Glazing Success

  • For a glossy finish, brush the ham with additional glaze halfway through the baking process.
  • Don’t overcook the ham; it can result in dryness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the recommended internal temperature.
  • Experiment with different glaze variations to suit your taste preferences, such as adding spices like cinnamon or ginger.
glazed ham cut in diamond pattern

Tips for Serving and Pairing

Pair your ginger glazed ham with complementary sides like roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes or baked mac and cheese. The sweetness of the glaze harmonizes beautifully with these dishes, creating a well-rounded meal. Additionally, carving the ham thinly ensures every slice is packed with flavor. Leftover ham is great for sandwiches, fried up for breakfast or used in fried rice or cook up rice.

Get the Recipe Ginger Glazed Ham

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Ingredients
 

  • 8-10 lbs bone-in ham
  • 1 can coca cola
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup ginger preserves or 1 tbsp grated ginger

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
  • Mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, red pepper flakes and ginger preserves in a small pot cook for 3-5 minutes until the sugar dissolves and it becomes liquid.  Then remove from heat and set aside.
  • Trim ham of excess fat and cut into a diamond pattern. If using a spiral cut ham, do not slice into diamond pattern. Place ham into a large roasting pan and pour coca cola into pan. 
  • Pour ¼ of glaze over ham.  Cover pan with foil and place into preheated oven. Cook for 15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  • Remove from ham from oven then remove the foil.
  • Turn the oven up to 350 degrees.
  • Stick whole cloves into the ham, cover with remaining glaze and then place back into the oven and roast for an additional 15 minutes.  Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Author: Jehan Powell