Ham with an orange honey glaze

The festive season is upon us, and what better way to indulge in its spirit than with a mouthwatering Honey Orange glazed ham? The tantalizing blend of succulent ham and the warm, zesty notes of orange 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.

Ingredients for 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 Orange, Honey and Ham Are Great together

The citrusy flavor of orange and the sweet floral notes of honey pairs remarkably well with the robust flavor of ham. The marriage of these ingredients elevates the taste profile, making it a an irresistible dish.

Ham glazed in a pot

The Perfect Honey Orange Glazed Ham Recipe

  • Quality ham
  • Orange juice
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Orange zest
  • Mustard
  • Cloves
  1. Preheat the oven and prepare the ham.
  2. Create the honey orange glaze by mixing orange juice, brown sugar, honey, orange zest, Dijon mustard and ground cloves.
  3. Pour chicken broth in the pan with ham.  Cook for 1 ½ hour.
  4. Apply the glaze generously over the ham and bake until it achieves a caramelized perfection and reaches internal temperature of 140 degrees.
Whole Ham studded with cloves and topped with a honey orange glaze

How to use spiral ham instead

  • Preheat Oven: Preheat to 325°F (163°C).
  • Prepare Ham: Remove the ham from packaging and place it cut-side down in a roasting pan.
  • Cover with Foil: Cover loosely with aluminum foil to retain moisture.
  • Bake: Cook for 10-12 minutes per pound. .
  • Glaze: About 30 minutes before finishing, brush with your glaze.
  • Check Temperature: Ensure internal temperature reaches 140°F.
  • Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Ham sliced on a plate with oranges

Tips for Glazing Success

  • For a glossy finish, brush the ham with half of the glaze in the last 20 minutes of cooking. Brush with the remaining glaze in the last 10 mins.
  • 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.

Tips for Serving and Pairing

Pair your honey orange 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.

Orange Honey Glazed Ham

To store leftover ham properly, follow these steps:

  • Cool the Ham: If the ham is still warm, allow it to cool to room temperature for no more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap the Ham: Wrap the leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to preserve its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other odors in the refrigerator.
  • Use an Airtight Container: Alternatively, place the wrapped ham in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag to further protect it from air exposure and bacteria.
  • Refrigerate: Store the wrapped or contained ham in the refrigerator. Leftover ham can last for about 3-5 days when stored properly in the fridge.
  • Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you won’t be using the leftover ham within a few days, consider freezing it. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
  • Label and Date: It’s always a good idea to label the storage container with the date you stored the ham, so you can easily track how long it has been kept.
Succulent Honey Orange glazed Ham, sliced on a plate

Get the Recipe Orange Honey Glazed Ham

Salty ham topped with a sweet and citrusy orange honey glaze.

Ingredients
 

  • 8-10 lb bone in ham
  • 1 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves
  • 2 tsp orange zest
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • whole cloves

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Add ham to a pan, then pour chicken broth in large roasting pan.  Cook for 1 ½ hours or 15 minutes per pound.
  • Mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, orange zest and orange juice in a small pot. Cook for 15 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.  Remove from heat and set aside
  • Remove ham from oven and carefully cut outside into a diamond pattern. Place whole cloves into the ham.  Turn oven up to 350 degrees.
  • Brush ½ of glaze over the ham.  Place it into the oven. Brush the remaining glaze on ham after 10 minutes and then cook for an additional 10 until the ham is golden brown.
  • Remove ham from oven and rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Video

Course: Main Course
Author: Jehan Powell