Glazed Ham with Cloves

Name: Glazed Ham with Cloves
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds); 1 cup brown sugar; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Highlighted under: Celebration Feast Ideas

This Glazed Ham with Cloves recipe is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. The sweet and savory glaze beautifully complements the smoky flavor of the ham.

Created by

Ella

Last updated on 2025-12-03T21:24:27.640Z

This recipe for Glazed Ham with Cloves brings together a perfect blend of flavors that will impress your family and friends. The aromatic cloves provide a unique twist to the traditional ham, making it a favorite for special occasions.

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Sweet and savory glaze that caramelizes beautifully
Aromatic cloves add a delightful spice
Perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations

      

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

This Glazed Ham with Cloves is more than just a dish; it's a centerpiece that brings families together during the holiday season. The combination of sweet and savory flavors not only tantalizes the taste buds but also creates a festive atmosphere. When served at gatherings, this dish becomes a conversation starter, drawing everyone to the table with its enticing aroma and beautiful presentation.

Whether it's Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion, a glazed ham is a comforting, familiar sight. Its impressive size and rich flavors make it ideal for feeding a crowd. Plus, the leftovers are just as delicious, allowing you to enjoy this dish long after the celebrations have ended.

Aromatic Spices for Depth of Flavor

The addition of cloves and cinnamon in this recipe elevates the flavor profile of the ham, making it a memorable dish. Cloves add a warm, aromatic touch that complements the sweetness of the glaze. Together, these spices create a symphony of flavors that are both comforting and sophisticated.

Using high-quality spices is key to achieving the best results. Freshly ground spices can enhance the overall taste, providing a deeper and more vibrant flavor. When you take the time to choose the right ingredients, the difference in taste is evident and adds a special touch to your holiday gathering.

Leftover Ideas

Ingredients

Gather all the ingredients for your Glazed Ham with Cloves before starting.

Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Make sure to prepare these ingredients in advance for a smooth cooking process.

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Glazed Ham with Cloves.

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Prepare the Ham

Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan.

Make the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Cook over medium heat until combined.

Glaze the Ham

Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get into the scored areas.

Bake the Ham

Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, basting with the glaze every 10 minutes.

Serve

Once the ham is caramelized and heated through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Let the ham rest to ensure juiciness before serving.

Tips for the Perfect Glazed Ham

To ensure your glazed ham turns out perfectly, start by selecting a high-quality fully cooked bone-in ham. This type of ham is not only flavorful but also retains moisture during the cooking process, resulting in a juicy and tender dish. Look for hams that have a nice marbling, as this will enhance the flavor.

When scoring the ham, be careful not to cut too deep; a shallow diamond pattern is ideal. This allows the glaze to penetrate the surface while preventing the meat from drying out. Also, make sure to baste the ham regularly during the final baking stage to keep it moist and enhance the caramelization of the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your glazed ham, presentation matters. After resting the ham, slice it into thick, even pieces and arrange them on a large platter. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also complements the dish’s flavors.

Pair your glazed ham with traditional sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a tangy salad. These side dishes provide balance to the rich flavors of the ham, making for a well-rounded meal that will impress your guests at any holiday gathering.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of ham?

Yes, you can use a boneless ham or a smoked ham, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

→ What can I serve with glazed ham?

Glazed ham pairs well with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

→ How do I store leftover ham?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

→ Can I freeze glazed ham?

Yes, you can freeze cooked ham for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.