There is something truly magical about serving a ham that is sweet, sticky, and perfectly caramelized, making it a guaranteed showstopper at any table. This Easy Apricot Glazed Ham Recipe brings that magic into your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. The luscious apricot glaze infuses the ham with a brilliant balance of sweetness and tang, while the tender meat practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, a family gathering, or just craving a spectacular meal, this recipe promises a juicy, flavorful centerpiece that everyone will rave about. Let me guide you through this delightful culinary journey that feels both special and wonderfully simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward yet impactful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in crafting a glaze that complements the ham’s richness while adding vibrant flavor and gorgeous color. With pantry staples like apricot preserves and Dijon mustard, plus a touch of honey and apple cider vinegar, you’ll be amazed at how a few thoughtfully combined ingredients transform a ham into an extraordinary dish.
- Fully cooked ham (8–10 lb): The star of the show, already tender and ready to soak in the delicious glaze.
- Apricot preserves (1 cup): Provides natural sweetness and that signature fruity flavor essential for the glaze.
- Dijon mustard (¼ cup): Adds a tangy, sharp edge that perfectly balances the sweetness of the apricots.
- Honey (¼ cup): Enhances stickiness and deepens the glaze’s richness with a smooth, natural sweetness.
- Apple cider vinegar (2 tbsp): Cuts through the sweetness with a gentle acidity, keeping the glaze lively and bright.
- Ground cloves (½ tsp, optional): A warm, subtle spice that adds intriguing complexity and holiday-worthy aroma.
How to Make Easy Apricot Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by setting your oven to 325°F (160°C). This moderate temperature ensures the ham heats through slowly and evenly without drying out, giving the glaze all the time it needs to thicken and coat the meat beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place your fully cooked ham on a large roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern, cutting just deep enough to pierce the fat but not the meat. This scoring allows the glaze to seep into the ham, enhancing every bite with rich apricot flavor and creating those charming caramelized edges.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together the apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves if you’re using them. This mixture comes alive as a blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy notes that marry perfectly to lift your ham to new heights.
Step 4: Glaze and Bake
Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the ham, ensuring it fills the diamond cuts. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, brushing more glaze on every 30 minutes. This repeated glazing builds up a luscious, sticky crust that turns golden and irresistibly caramelized by the time it’s done.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
When your ham emerges from the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This short resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making each slice juicy and tender. Then, carve and prepare for all the compliments headed your way.
How to Serve Easy Apricot Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, try garnishing with fresh rosemary sprigs or thin orange slices. These not only add a pop of color but also complement the apricot’s fruity notes. Toasted pecans or a sprinkle of pomegranate seeds can give a delightful crunch and festive touch as well.
Side Dishes
This Easy Apricot Glazed Ham Recipe pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a silky sweet potato mash that soak up the glaze’s flavor. Roasted green beans tossed with garlic and almonds bring freshness and bite, while a crisp autumn apple salad can cut the richness with a sweet-tart contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, consider serving the ham as a carving station where guests can choose their slice thickness and top with extra glaze or chutneys. Alternatively, slice thinly for sandwiches with grainy mustard and arugula on crusty rolls, turning your ham into a versatile treat beyond just the dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Keeping it well-covered preserves moistness and flavor, making for delicious next-day meals or snacks.
Freezing
If you want to store the ham for longer, slice it and freeze in portioned bags. This prevents the glaze from becoming soggy and lets you thaw just what you need for easy reheating or delicious sandwiches down the road.
Reheating
Gently warm slices in the oven at 275°F (135°C), covered with foil to avoid drying out. You can brush a little extra apricot glaze on top before reheating to revive that fresh, sticky finish everyone loves.
FAQs
Can I use a fresh ham for this recipe?
This recipe works best with a fully cooked ham. If you use fresh ham, it will require much longer cooking and additional steps to ensure the meat is thoroughly cooked and tender.
What can I substitute for apricot preserves?
If apricot isn’t your favorite or not available, orange marmalade is a fantastic substitute that adds a citrus twist while keeping the glaze sweet and sticky.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the apricot glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bring it back to room temperature before brushing it on the ham.
Is this ham recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, all ingredients in this Easy Apricot Glazed Ham Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious option for gluten-sensitive eaters.
How do I get that extra sticky glaze on the ham?
For an extra sticky, caramelized finish, broil the ham for the last 3 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning. This step intensifies the glaze and gives it a beautiful shine.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing quite like the joy of serving up a ham that dazzles with vibrant apricot glaze, juicy tenderness, and festive charm. This Easy Apricot Glazed Ham Recipe blends a handful of simple ingredients into a spectacular flavor experience that’s sure to become a treasured part of your celebrations. I encourage you to try it soon, and watch how its sweet and tangy magic brings warmth and delight to your table, every time.
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Easy Apricot Glazed Ham Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Sweet, sticky, and beautifully caramelized — this easy apricot glazed ham is a festive centerpiece perfect for holiday gatherings and special dinners.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully cooked ham (8–10 lb)
Glaze
- 1 cup apricot preserves
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp ground cloves (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when the ham is ready to bake.
- Score the Ham: Lightly score the surface of the fully cooked ham in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate and adds visual interest. Place the ham in a roasting pan.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a bowl, mix together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves until smooth and combined.
- Apply Glaze and Bake: Brush the glaze generously all over the scored ham. Place the ham in the oven and bake for 1½ to 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, baste the ham with more glaze to build up a flavorful, sticky coating.
- Rest Before Slicing: Once baked and caramelized, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the ham moist when sliced.
Notes
- Use orange marmalade instead of apricot preserves for a citrus twist on the glaze.
- For an extra sticky and caramelized glaze, place the ham under the broiler for the final 3 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
