This Apple Cider-Glazed Ham is the star of any gathering! It features juicy ham coated in a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
Every bite of this ham tastes like a warm hug! 🍏🥩 I love making it for family dinners—just bake it, slice, and watch everyone smile with delight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ham: Using a fully cooked bone-in ham is key for flavor and texture. You can also choose a spiral-cut ham for easier slicing. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try a ham with less sodium.
Apple Cider: Apple cider adds a lovely sweetness. If it’s unavailable, apple juice works as a great substitute. Just keep in mind that juice is usually sweeter, so you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar helps create a caramelized glaze. For a healthier choice, you can replace it with coconut sugar, which also adds some warmth. Honey can work but will change the glaze texture a bit.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup brings depth to the glaze. If you’re after a budget-friendly option, you can use pancake syrup, though it’s usually more sugary and less flavorful.
Spices: Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create the warming spice notes. You can adjust these depending on your taste. If nutmeg isn’t on hand, allspice can be a good alternative!
How Do You Get the Perfect Glaze on the Ham?
The glaze is what elevates the ham, so getting it right is essential. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by scoring the ham with shallow cuts; this helps the glaze soak in and creates a beautiful pattern.
- Cook the glaze over medium heat until it thickens slightly—about 10 minutes. This step is crucial for developing flavor.
- Brush the glaze generously on the ham and baste every 30 minutes. This creates layers of flavors and a shiny finish.
- Remove the foil in the last half hour of baking to let the glaze caramelize, which adds texture and keeps it from burning.
Patience is key here—watch it carefully in those last minutes to prevent burning! A perfectly glazed ham is all about those beautiful, caramelized edges.
Delicious Apple Cider-Glazed Ham Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Whole apples (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time and around 2 to 2.5 hours of cooking time in the oven. Make sure to account for resting the ham for 15 minutes after cooking. Overall, you’ll need about 3 hours to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First, let’s get that oven nice and warm! Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature is perfect for helping our ham cook evenly and stay juicy.
2. Prepare the Ham:
Take your fully cooked ham and place it in a roasting pan, cut side down. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Make shallow cuts about 1 inch apart. This will help the glaze soak in and give it a beautiful look!
3. Make the Glaze:
In a medium saucepan, mix together the apple cider, brown sugar, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and Dijon mustard. Heat it over medium heat while stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This will blend all those yummy flavors together and slightly thicken the glaze.
4. Glaze the Ham:
Once the glaze is ready, brush half of it generously over the surface of the ham. This will give it a lovely flavor as it cooks!
5. Bake the Ham:
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Now, pop it in the preheated oven and bake for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Be sure to baste it with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes for extra sweetness and moisture.
6. Create a Beautiful Finish:
In the last 30 minutes of baking, take off the foil. This will allow the glaze to caramelize and create a shiny, beautiful coating on the ham.
7. Check the Temperature:
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), it’s ready to come out! Let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps every slice tender and juicy.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice up the ham and arrange it on a lovely platter. Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and whole apples for a nice touch. Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious apple cider-glazed ham with family and friends!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ham?
Absolutely! While a bone-in ham gives great flavor, you can use boneless ham, spiral-cut ham, or even a pre-glazed ham if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as smaller or pre-glazed hams may need less time in the oven.
What Can I Substitute for Apple Cider?
If you don’t have apple cider, you can use apple juice or a mixture of half apple juice and half chicken or vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor profile. Just remember that juice may be sweeter, so you might want to adjust the sugar accordingly!
How Should I Store Leftover Ham?
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To freeze, wrap tightly and place in a freezer-safe container, where it’ll keep well for about 2-3 months.
Can I Prepare the Glaze Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the apple cider glaze a day ahead! Just store it in the fridge in a sealed container. When you’re ready to use it, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick. This will save you time on the day you’re serving the ham!
