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–+ servings

Citrus-Spice Glazed Holiday Ham

This festive ham is coated with a vibrant glaze made from orange juice, fresh ginger, cinnamon, honey, and aromatic spices. The ham is scored and baked until the glaze forms a glossy, flavorful crust with a tender, juicy interior, perfect for holiday celebrations. The combination of citrus and spices creates a bright, warming flavor profile that fills the house with inviting aromas.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Calories: 350kcal
Author: James Taylor
Servings: 8

Equipment

  • Large roasting pan
  • Pastry Brush
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp Knife
  • Small Saucepan

Ingredients

  • 1 whole bone-in ham pre-cooked, about 8-10 pounds
  • 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed or bottled
  • 2 inch orange zest from one orange
  • 1 inch fresh ginger about 1 tablespoon grated
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar light or dark
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon mustard Dijon or whole-grain, optional

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F) and place the ham in a large roasting pan, scoring its surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep.
    ham in a diamond pattern
  • In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, grated ginger, ground cinnamon, honey, brown sugar, cloves, and mustard. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Pour a third of the warm glaze over the ham, making sure to brush it into the scored crevices for maximum flavor and coverage.
  • Place the ham in the oven and bake for 1.5 hours, basting with more glaze every 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the glaze; it should bubble and begin to caramelize around the edges.
    Bake the ham uncovered
  • During the last 30 minutes, apply another generous coat of glaze, allowing it to form a shiny, aromatic crust as it bakes.
    Place the scored ham
  • Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches about 60°C (140°F), then remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before carving.
  • Slice the ham and serve, allowing the glossy, spicy-sweet glaze to shine on each piece. Enjoy the vibrant flavors and festive aroma!
    Brush the ham with a little more

Notes

For a deeper flavor, add a splash of bourbon to the glaze. Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent burning — if it starts to darken too quickly, cover loosely with foil.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1200mg | Potassium: 600mg | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 2mg