Introduction
This Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves is not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that transforms any holiday gathering into a special occasion. Imagine a perfectly baked ham glistening with a sweet and tangy glaze, infused with the warm notes of cloves. This recipe is designed for young professionals who appreciate homemade meals but may be short on time. The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates a delicious contrast, making this dish a favorite for family and friends.
As you prepare this dish, consider that the process is as rewarding as the result. The aromas that fill your kitchen while the ham bakes are sure to stir up fond memories and create new ones. It’s an easy yet impressive recipe that showcases your culinary skills without requiring hours in the kitchen. Plus, it pairs beautifully with sides like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, elevating your meal even further.
So, whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply enjoying a Sunday meal, this Honey-Mustard Baked Ham will leave your guests raving and asking for seconds. Let’s dive into the ingredients and the simple steps that will lead you to this delightful dish.
Key Ingredients
Fully Cooked Half Ham (1)
This tender and juicy ham serves as the star of your dish. Since it’s fully cooked, it requires just heating through, allowing you to focus on creating that delicious glaze.
Honey (1 cup)
Sweet and sticky, honey adds a natural sweetness that balances the savory elements of the ham. It forms the base of the glaze, creating a beautiful caramelization during baking.
Dijon Mustard (1/2 cup)
With its tangy flavor, Dijon mustard complements the sweetness of the honey perfectly. It adds depth to the glaze, ensuring each bite is flavorful and balanced.
Ground Cloves (1 teaspoon)
These aromatic spices introduce a warm, slightly sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the ham. Just a touch of cloves can elevate your dish to a festive level.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
Adding a hint of heat, black pepper rounds out the flavors of the glaze. It contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon)
Garlic powder contributes a savory note to the mixture, enhancing the ham’s natural flavors without overpowering it. It’s a subtle yet important addition to the glaze.
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup)
This ingredient brings additional sweetness and helps create that coveted caramelized crust on the ham. Its rich flavor melds well with the other ingredients, ensuring a delightful glaze.
Using these key ingredients, you can create a Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves that is not only delicious but also a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
When it comes to holiday meals, the Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves stands out as a beloved favorite. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor that will impress your guests. The combination of sweet honey and tangy Dijon mustard creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully, while the cloves add a warm, aromatic touch.
One of the best parts of this recipe is its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish fits the occasion perfectly. It’s a crowd-pleaser that pairs wonderfully with side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, making it a well-rounded meal.
Additionally, the prep time is a mere 15 minutes, allowing you to spend more time with your loved ones rather than in the kitchen. With its stunning presentation and mouthwatering taste, the Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves is sure to become a cherished tradition in your home. Experience the joy of cooking with this delightful recipe that promises to leave lasting memories around the dinner table.
Variations
There are countless ways to make the Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves your own, allowing you to tailor it to your taste or the occasion. For instance, you can experiment with different mustards; a spicy brown mustard can add an exciting kick, while a whole-grain mustard can provide a delightful texture.
If you’re looking to add a fruity twist, consider incorporating orange or pineapple juice into the glaze. This not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a refreshing citrus note that pairs beautifully with the ham. For a more savory profile, a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce can deepen the flavor, creating a more complex glaze that surprises and delights.
Another fun variation is to try different herbs and spices. Adding rosemary or thyme can infuse the dish with a fragrant aroma and an earthy flavor. Additionally, for a sweet and tangy finish, you could sprinkle some crushed pineapple or apple slices around the ham before baking. Each variation gives you the opportunity to create a unique dish that reflects your culinary style, making each holiday meal memorable.
Cooking Tips and Notes
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
One of the best tips for enhancing your Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves is to marinate it overnight in the glaze. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat deeply, resulting in a more flavorful experience. Simply brush the glaze all over the ham and cover it before placing it in the refrigerator.
Basting for a Beautiful Finish
Basting the ham every 30 minutes during the last 30 minutes of baking is crucial. This not only helps to keep the ham moist but also promotes a beautiful, caramelized crust that is visually appealing. Use a baster or a spoon to drizzle some of the glaze over the ham each time.
Resting Time is Key
After baking, allowing the ham to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing is an important step. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring tender and juicy slices. If you cut into the ham too soon, you risk losing those flavorful juices onto the cutting board.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider serving your ham with sides such as roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. These accompaniments not only complement the rich flavors of the ham but also create a balanced meal that your guests will love.
These cooking tips will help you achieve the perfect Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves that will be the highlight of your holiday table!
Serving Suggestions
Pairing your Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves with the right sides can elevate your meal to new heights. This impressive ham can be complemented with a variety of delicious accompaniments that enhance its sweet and savory flavors.
Classic Side Dishes
Consider serving the ham with creamy mashed potatoes, which provide a comforting contrast to the ham’s sweetness. Roasted vegetables, such as carrots and Brussels sprouts, add color and a nutritious element to your plate. These sides not only look appealing but also balance the richness of the ham.
Fresh Salads
A bright, crisp salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the honey-mustard glaze. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette or a tangy citrus salad can cleanse the palate and add a burst of freshness to your meal. The acidity from the dressing can enhance the flavors of the ham beautifully.
Bread Options
Don’t forget the bread! A warm, crusty bread or soft rolls can be a delightful addition, perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze on your plate. You might also consider serving a savory cornbread, which pairs wonderfully with the sweet notes of the ham.
These serving suggestions will not only create a well-rounded meal but also impress your guests during any festive occasion!
Time Breakdown
Preparation
Getting ready for your Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves takes just 15 minutes. This includes mixing the glaze and preparing the ham for baking.
Cooking/Baking
The total cooking time is approximately 2 hours. You’ll bake the ham for 1.5 hours covered with foil, followed by 30 minutes uncovered to achieve that perfect caramelized glaze.
Total
In total, you should allocate about 2 hours and 15 minutes for the entire process. An efficiency tip: prep your sides while the ham is baking to make the most of your time in the kitchen!
Nutritional Facts
Understanding the nutritional profile of your Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves can help you make informed choices about your holiday meal. Each serving, which is approximately 3 ounces, contains around 280 calories.
In terms of macronutrients, you’ll find 14 grams of fat, including 5 grams of saturated fat, and 24 grams of carbohydrates, with 10 grams of sugar. This dish also packs 20 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option for your guests. Keep in mind that it has 1400 milligrams of sodium per serving, so it’s great to balance it with fresh veggies or salads to round out your meal.
FAQ Section Based on ‘People Also Ask’
How do you store Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves?
To store your Honey-Mustard Baked Ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the refrigerator. It can last for up to a week when stored properly. For longer storage, consider freezing leftover ham in an airtight container for up to three months.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
Absolutely! While Dijon mustard adds a nice tang, you can experiment with whole grain mustard for a different texture, or even yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand. Each will impart its unique flavor to the glaze, so feel free to customize it to your taste.
How long does it take to cook a half ham?
Cooking a fully cooked half ham typically takes about 2 hours at 325°F (165°C). This includes 1.5 hours covered with foil and an additional 30 minutes uncovered to achieve a caramelized glaze. Always check with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
What are some good side dishes to serve with ham?
Good side dishes to accompany your Honey-Mustard Baked Ham include creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad. These sides not only complement the flavors of the ham but also create a well-rounded meal that your guests will enjoy.
Conclusion
In summary, the Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors that brings warmth and joy to any holiday gathering. With its sweet and tangy glaze, infused with aromatic spices, this ham serves as a stunning centerpiece that will surely impress your guests. The ease of preparation allows you to spend more quality time with loved ones, making it a perfect choice for busy young professionals and homemade-food lovers alike. Don’t forget to save this recipe, share it with friends, and enjoy the delicious memories it creates around your table!
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Honey-Mustard Baked Ham with Cloves
This Honey-Mustard Baked Ham is an impressive centerpiece for any holiday meal, infused with warm spices and a sweet glaze.
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked half ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
- In a bowl, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, cloves, black pepper, garlic powder, and brown sugar.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze all over the surface.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- For a more intense flavor, let the ham marinate in the glaze overnight in the refrigerator.
- Serve with sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Omnivore
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 ounces
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10 grams
- Sodium: 1400 milligrams
- Fat: 14 grams
- Saturated Fat: 5 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 24 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Protein: 20 grams
- Cholesterol: 60 milligrams