Apple Cider Glazed Ham

$- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (5-7 lbs) - 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - Fresh apple slices - Rosemary sprigs To make this apple cider glazed ham, gather these simple ingredients. The main star is the ham, weighing between 5 and 7 pounds. Use a fully cooked bone-in ham for the best flavor. Next, you will need apple cider, brown sugar, and Dijon mustard. These create a sweet and tangy glaze that makes the ham shine. For spices, you need ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and freshly grated nutmeg. These spices add warmth and depth to the dish. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. For garnishing, have apple cider vinegar on hand. Use fresh apple slices and rosemary sprigs for a lovely touch. They make the ham look even more festive when serving. This mix of ingredients will help you create a delicious and memorable meal for your holiday gathering! 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This helps the ham cook evenly. 2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up. This position keeps the meat moist. 3. Score the surface of the ham with shallow cuts in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to soak in well. 1. In a saucepan, combine these ingredients: - 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 2. Heat the mixture over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. 3. Bring it to a slight simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove the glaze from heat and set aside. 1. Season the ham with salt and pepper to taste. 2. Brush half of the apple cider glaze over the scored surface of the ham. This gives the ham a tasty coating. 3. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours. 4. Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes. This keeps the flavor strong. 5. During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil. This allows the ham to caramelize and develop a beautiful glaze. 6. Check if the ham's internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C). When done, take the ham out of the oven. 7. Let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices settle. 8. For serving, garnish with fresh apple slices and sprigs of rosemary. This adds a festive touch. To make the best apple cider glaze, focus on the right thickness. Start by simmering the glaze. The heat helps it thicken nicely. Stir often until the sugar melts. A good glaze should coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a splash of apple cider. If too thin, simmer longer. You can swap sweeteners for a different taste. Honey works great with this glaze. Maple syrup can also add a rich flavor. Try brown sugar alternatives like coconut sugar for a unique twist. Check the ham's internal temperature. It needs to reach at least 140°F (60°C) to be safe. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham. This ensures even cooking. Avoid overcooking to keep the ham juicy. Baste every 30 minutes, but don’t leave it in the oven too long. If the glaze starts to darken too much, cover it again with foil. This will help prevent burning while the inside cooks. Pair your apple cider glazed ham with tasty side dishes. Roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts work well. Mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole add a creamy touch. Don’t forget a fresh salad for a bright flavor. For presentation, slice the ham into nice, even pieces. Arrange it on a large platter. Add fresh apple slices and rosemary sprigs for decoration. This makes your meal look festive and inviting. {{image_2}} You can add new flavors to your apple cider glazed ham. Spices help bring warmth and depth. Try adding: - 1 teaspoon of ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon of allspice These spices will give your ham a lovely twist. You can also brighten the flavors with citrus. Using orange or lemon zest adds a nice zing. Just mix a teaspoon of zest into your glaze. Not everyone has time to roast a ham in the oven. You can use a slow cooker or an Instant Pot for ease. For a slow cooker, follow these steps: 1. Prepare your ham as usual. 2. Place the ham in the slow cooker. 3. Pour the glaze over it. 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you go with the Instant Pot, here’s how: 1. Score the ham and season it. 2. Pour in a cup of apple cider at the bottom. 3. Add the ham and seal the lid. 4. Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes per pound. Both methods will still give you that sweet, sticky glaze. You can also adjust this recipe to fit different diets. If you need gluten-free options, choose a gluten-free Dijon mustard. Check labels to ensure all your ingredients are safe. For low-sugar options, you can swap out brown sugar for a sugar substitute. Use a blend that measures like sugar for the best results. You can also reduce the amount of glaze you use. These variations ensure everyone can enjoy your delicious apple cider glazed ham. To keep your glazed ham fresh, refrigerate it right after serving. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also place pieces in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and odors out. Store the ham in the coldest part of the fridge. It should last about three to five days. When it’s time to eat leftovers, you want to warm them up without drying them out. The best way to do this is to use the oven. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat it in short bursts. This way, you avoid overcooking. If you want to save some ham for later, freezing is a great option. First, slice the ham into portions. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or container. Squeeze out as much air as you can. This helps prevent freezer burn. To thaw, move the ham to the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Just remember to heat it gently so it stays juicy. The best ham for glazing is a bone-in ham. These hams have more flavor. The bone adds depth to the taste. Bone-in hams are juicy and tender. They also hold up better during baking. A boneless ham can work too. However, it may lack the same rich flavor. If you choose boneless, check for quality. Look for one that is fully cooked. Baking time depends on the weight of your ham. For a 5 to 7-pound ham, bake it for 1.5 to 2 hours. To ensure it is ready, check the internal temperature. It should reach at least 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to get an accurate reading. This helps avoid undercooked or dried-out ham. Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. Prepare it a day or two before your meal. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. When you are ready to use it, heat it gently. Stir until it is warm and smooth. This saves you time on the day of your feast. If you run out of apple cider, don't worry. You can use apple juice as a substitute. It will still give a sweet flavor. Another option is to mix equal parts of water and apple vinegar. This gives a similar tangy taste. Adjust the sweetness with a bit of brown sugar if needed. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious apple cider glazed ham. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned about flavor enhancements, cooking methods, and how to store leftovers. Remember, the right spices and proper cooking techniques make all the difference. Try different variations to find what you love most. Enjoy your delicious ham with those perfect sides!$

Discover the ultimate Apple Cider Delight Ham recipe that will make your holiday gatherings unforgettable! This mouthwatering dish combines succulent ham with a sweet and tangy apple cider glaze, enhanced with warm spices. Perfectly baked to perfection, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests. Ready to elevate your dinner? Click through for the full recipe and bring this delightful dish to your table!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 5-7 lbs)

1 cup apple cider

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Fresh apple slices and rosemary sprigs for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up.

In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and freshly grated nutmeg over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is well combined.

Bring the mixture to a slight simmer and allow it to cook for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with shallow cuts. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.

Season the ham with salt and pepper to taste, then brush half of the apple cider glaze over the scored surface of the ham.

Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting it with the remaining glaze every 30 minutes.

During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the ham to caramelize and develop a beautiful glaze.

Check if the ham's internal temperature reaches at least 140°F (60°C). Once done, take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.

For serving, garnish with fresh apple slices and sprigs of rosemary for a festive touch.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 min | 2.5 hours | Serves 10-12