The Ultimate Apple Cider Glazed Ham: A Holiday Centerpiece Recipe
Prepare to elevate your holiday feast or family gathering with this exquisite Apple Cider Glazed Ham recipe. Featuring a succulent spiral ham enveloped in a rich, spiced apple cider sauce, it’s baked to golden, caramelized perfection. Each slice promises tender, juicy meat bursting with flavor, ensuring your guests will rave. This recipe is also a dream for meal prep, yielding fantastic leftovers perfect for delicious sandwiches, hearty soups, or quick weeknight meals.
Unlock Holiday Flavor with Our Easy Apple Cider Glazed Ham
As the holiday season draws near, the quest for that show-stopping main course begins. Look no further! This Apple Cider Glazed Ham recipe is designed to be the undisputed star of your festive table. Forget dry, uninspired ham – this recipe ensures a tender, juicy, and incredibly flavorful centerpiece that will impress even the most discerning palates.
Many people shy away from cooking ham, fearing it will turn out dry. Our secret lies in the exquisite apple cider glaze, which not only infuses every layer with sweet and savory notes but also locks in moisture, resulting in a perfectly succulent ham every time. It’s a game-changer for your holiday dinner rotation.
While often associated with Christmas, this versatile glazed ham is equally perfect for Easter brunch or a delightful alternative to traditional Thanksgiving turkey. It’s a wonderful choice for any special occasion, offering a comforting yet elegant dish that brings everyone to the table. For other fantastic main course ideas, consider our Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken, a classic Roast Beef Recipe, or a flavorful Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken.
The best part? This recipe is as practical as it is delicious. The leftovers are a culinary gift, transforming into quick and easy meals throughout the week. Imagine flavorful ham sandwiches, hearty ham and bean soups, or even a delicious ham and egg breakfast. We especially love using leftover ham in a comforting bowl of White Bean Soup with Ham.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Glazed Ham
Crafting this unforgettable Apple Cider Glazed Ham requires just a few key ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in developing the deep, sweet, and spiced flavors that make this recipe so special. Here’s what you’ll need and why:
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Bone-in or Boneless Spiral Sliced Ham
A high-quality spiral-sliced ham is the foundation of this dish. The pre-sliced nature makes serving incredibly easy. Whether you choose bone-in or boneless is a matter of preference. Bone-in hams often yield a richer flavor and moistness due to the bone marrow, while boneless hams are simpler to carve. Most hams sold in stores are fully cooked, meaning you are essentially reheating them to a safe temperature while adding flavor. Aim for an 8-12 pound ham for a generous serving.
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Apple Juice (or Apple Cider)
This is the star liquid in our glaze, providing a natural sweetness and tartness that perfectly complements the savory ham. While apple juice works beautifully, using actual apple cider (especially fresh, unfiltered cider) can add an even deeper, more complex apple flavor to your glaze. It’s the essential ingredient for that signature “apple cider” taste.
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Light or Dark Brown Sugar
Brown sugar is critical for both sweetness and caramelization. Its molasses content contributes to a deeper, richer flavor and helps create that beautiful, glossy, sticky crust on the ham. You can use either light or dark brown sugar; dark brown sugar will offer a more intense, robust molasses flavor, while light brown sugar provides a milder sweetness.
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Spiced Apple Cider Mix (or individual spices)
This mix is a convenient way to introduce warm, aromatic spices to your glaze. Typically, these mixes contain cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and allspice – classic flavors that pair exceptionally well with both apple and ham. If you don’t have a spiced apple cider mix, you can easily create your own blend using individual spices such as ground cinnamon, ground cloves, a pinch of nutmeg, and a dash of ginger. This allows you to customize the spice level to your liking.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make a Succulent Apple Cider Glazed Ham
Creating this show-stopping ham is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked, beautifully glazed masterpiece:
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Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius). This lower temperature is ideal for slowly heating the ham without drying it out, ensuring it remains tender throughout the cooking process.
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Prepare the Ham: Unpack your spiral-sliced ham. If your ham includes a small plastic disk on the bone, gently remove and discard it. Next, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Use a sharp knife to cut shallow lines, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, both horizontally and vertically. This scoring technique isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the ham, infusing more flavor and promoting a beautiful caramelization on the surface. Place the ham flat-side down in a sturdy baking dish or a large roasting pan. This position helps stabilize the ham and ensures even cooking. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a moist environment, preventing the ham from drying out during the initial baking phase.
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Roast the Ham: Place the covered ham in your preheated oven. The general rule for fully cooked hams is to roast for 12-15 minutes per pound, or according to your ham’s package directions. For an 8-pound ham, this typically translates to about 1 hour and 20 minutes of baking. The most important factor is the internal temperature. Use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (without touching the bone) to monitor its progress. You want the ham to reach an internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54 degrees Celsius) before applying the glaze.
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Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is baking, begin preparing your flavorful apple cider glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple juice (or apple cider), brown sugar, and spiced apple cider mix. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the glaze to simmer and reduce for about 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. The goal is a thickened, syrupy consistency that will beautifully coat the ham. It should be viscous enough to cling to a spoon, developing into a glossy, glazy texture.
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Glaze the Ham: Once your ham has reached 130 degrees F and the glaze is ready, carefully remove the ham from the oven and discard the foil. Pour a generous amount of the warm glaze into a small bowl for easier application. Using a pastry brush, generously spread the spiced apple cider glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored crevices. Return the glazed ham to the oven and continue baking for another 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celsius).
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Caramelize the Glaze: For that irresistible, slightly crispy and deeply caramelized crust, increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Return the ham to the oven and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, carefully watching to ensure the glaze caramelizes without burning. This high-heat blast creates a beautiful, sticky finish.
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Rest and Serve: Once removed from the oven, let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and moist. Serve warm, and prepare for compliments!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Glazed Ham
Achieving a perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful glazed ham is easier with a few professional tricks up your sleeve. These tips will ensure your ham is a holiday highlight:
- The Art of Scoring: Scoring the ham in a diamond pattern before baking is more than just decorative. It creates channels for your delicious apple cider glaze to seep into the meat, infusing flavor deeper than just the surface. It also exposes a juicy layer of fat, which helps the seasoning and glaze truly soak through the rind. Aim for shallow cuts, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, to prevent drying out the meat.
- The Power of Foil: Wrapping the ham tightly in aluminum foil during the initial baking phase is crucial for moisture retention. This creates a steamy environment that prevents the ham from drying out and keeps it incredibly tender. Ensure a snug fit to trap all that precious moisture.
- Basting for Flavor: Throughout the cooking process, consider basting the ham with any pan juices that collect at the bottom of your roasting pan. These juices are packed with flavor and help to continually moisten the ham, contributing to a more tender and juicy result. If there aren’t many pan juices, you can baste with extra glaze or even a bit of apple juice.
- Strategic Glazing: The timing of when you apply the glaze is key. Glazing the ham when it is almost done cooking (in the final 15-20 minutes, followed by a quick blast at higher heat) is ideal. This allows the glaze to infuse its sweet and savory flavors into the ham and caramelize beautifully without burning. Applying it too early can cause the sugars in the glaze to burn, leading to a bitter taste and dark crust. While our recipe uses apple cider, feel free to experiment with other glaze additions like honey glaze, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, orange juice, or maple syrup for different sweet and savory profiles.
- Preheating is Paramount: Always preheat your oven to the specified temperature before placing the ham inside. A properly preheated oven ensures even cooking from the start and helps prevent the ham from drying out due to fluctuating temperatures.
- Cook to Weight and Type: Ham cooking times vary based on its weight and whether it’s fully cooked or partially cooked. If your ham was sold fully cooked (which most spiral hams are), you’re essentially reheating it, so aim for about 10-12 minutes per pound. If it’s a partially cooked ham, it will require more time, typically around 20-25 minutes per pound, to reach a safe internal temperature. Always check the package directions and use a meat thermometer.
- Temperature Control is Key: To avoid a dry and flavorless ham, never overcook it. Cook your ham at a moderate temperature, ideally around 325 degrees F (160 degrees C), and always rely on an instant-read meat thermometer. For a fully cooked ham, aim for 140 degrees F (60 degrees C). The glaze, applied towards the end, plays a vital role in maintaining moisture and enhancing taste.
- Rest Before Carving: After removing the ham from the oven, resist the urge to carve it immediately. Let it rest, loosely tented with foil, for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every slice is incredibly tender and moist.
- Garnishing for Presentation: A glazed ham is already a stunning dish, but a simple garnish can make it truly spectacular. Consider placing pineapple rings, maraschino cherries, or fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley around the platter for an extra touch of festive elegance.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Glazed Ham
A beautifully glazed ham deserves an equally impressive supporting cast of side dishes. The sweet and savory notes of this Apple Cider Glazed Ham make it incredibly versatile, pairing well with a wide array of flavors and textures. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:
Fresh and Flavorful Salads:
Light, crisp salads offer a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the ham. Consider options that incorporate bright, tangy dressings or complementary fruits:
- Lemon Arugula Salad with Pine Nuts: The peppery arugula and zesty lemon dressing cut through the sweetness of the glaze beautifully.
- Kale Salad with Lemon Dressing: A hearty and healthy option, massaged kale with a bright lemon dressing offers a refreshing bite.
- Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad: Raw, thinly sliced Brussels sprouts provide a delightful crunch and a slightly bitter edge that balances the ham’s sweetness.
- Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad: This salad mirrors the apple flavors in the ham, while the creamy goat cheese and crunchy nuts add texture and richness.
Hearty and Delicious Vegetables:
Vegetable side dishes are essential for a balanced holiday meal. Choose options that can stand up to the ham’s robust flavor or complement its sweetness:
- Mediterranean Roasted Vegetables: A medley of bell peppers, zucchini, and onions roasted with herbs offers vibrant colors and savory depth.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon: The smoky bacon and slightly bitter, caramelized Brussels sprouts are a classic pairing for ham.
- Turmeric Cauliflower: Earthy and subtly spiced, roasted cauliflower makes a unique and healthy accompaniment.
- Lebanese Green Beans: Tender green beans often cooked with tomatoes and garlic provide a fresh, aromatic side.
- Brussels Sprouts with Cranberries and Walnuts: The tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts enhance the festive feel and complement the glaze beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are a timeless favorite that provide comforting texture.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: A classic holiday dish, sweet potato casserole with a pecan or marshmallow topping offers another layer of sweetness that harmonizes with the ham.
Apple-Inspired Accompaniments:
Since the ham is glazed with apple cider, it’s only natural that other apple-centric dishes would make fantastic companions, reinforcing the theme and enhancing the overall meal:
- Crockpot Applesauce: Homemade applesauce, whether smooth or chunky, provides a soft, sweet, and slightly tart contrast.
- Instant Pot Applesauce: For a quicker version, instant pot applesauce delivers the same comforting flavor with less time.
- Easy Skillet Apples: Sautéed apples, often with a hint of cinnamon, are a simple yet elegant side that directly complements the ham’s glaze.
Bread and Rolls:
Don’t forget the bread! Warm dinner rolls, crusty artisan bread, or even cornbread are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or pan juices, and for making those inevitable next-day sandwiches.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Leftover Apple Cider Glazed Ham
The beauty of cooking a large ham is the abundance of delicious leftovers. Don’t let a single slice go to waste! Here are some creative and mouth-watering ideas to repurpose your Apple Cider Glazed Ham:
- Classic Ham Sandwiches: The simplest and often most satisfying way to enjoy leftovers. Pile slices of ham onto fresh bread with your favorite cheese, lettuce, tomato, and a touch of mustard or mayo. A grilled ham and cheese is also an excellent choice!
- Hearty Soups and Stews: Ham adds incredible depth of flavor to soups. Dice the leftover ham and add it to a comforting white bean and ham soup, lentil soup, split pea soup, or even a vegetable stew. The ham bone, if you have one, can also be used to make a rich, flavorful broth.
- Breakfast and Brunch Delights: Incorporate diced ham into scrambled eggs, omelets, frittatas, or quiches for a savory breakfast. It also makes a fantastic addition to breakfast burritos or hash.
- Flavorful Casseroles: Ham is a perfect ingredient for hearty casseroles. Think ham and potato casserole, ham and noodle casserole, or a creamy broccoli and ham gratin.
- Quick Pasta Dishes: Toss diced ham with pasta, a creamy sauce (like Alfredo), peas, and a sprinkle of Parmesan for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Salads with a Kick: Add cubed ham to green salads for extra protein and flavor, or create a ham salad spread similar to chicken salad, perfect for sandwiches or crackers.
- Hawaiian Pizza Topping: For a fun twist, use shredded or diced ham as a topping for homemade pizza, paired with pineapple and a tangy tomato sauce.
With these ideas, your Apple Cider Glazed Ham will continue to bring joy and deliciousness long after the main event.
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Apple Cider Glazed Ham Recipe
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Ingredients
- 8-12 pound spiral sliced ham, bone in
- 1 1/2 cups apple juice
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 packets spiced apple cider mix
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
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If your ham has a plastic disk on the bone, this should be removed and discarded.
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Score the top of the ham with a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the ham.
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Place the ham flat side down in a baking dish or roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
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Roast 12-15 minutes per pound (or according to package directions).
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For the 8 pound ham bake it for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the thermometer reaches 130 degrees.
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While the ham bakes heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and combine the apple juice, brown sugar, and spiced apple cider mix.
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Bring to a bubble and reduce heat to medium low.
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Reduce mixture until it is thickened and glazy, about 10-15 minutes.
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Remove the foil and use a brush to spread the glaze over the ham.
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Return the ham to the oven and cook another 15 minutes or utnil the ham is 140 degrees.
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Turn up the oven to 425 degrees and let cook for another 2 to 3 miutes to help the glaze caramelize.
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Serve warm!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.