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- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds) - 1 cup apple cider - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - Optional: whole cloves for decoration - Optional: fresh rosemary for garnish

Apple Cider Glazed Ham

Bring festive cheer to your table with this apple cider glazed ham recipe! This mouthwatering dish blends sweet apple cider with savory ham, creating a delicious centerpiece for any gathering. Follow easy steps to achieve a beautifully caramelized glaze, enhanced by fragrant spices like cinnamon and ginger. Perfect for celebrations, this glazed ham is sure to impress your guests while delivering a memorable flavor experience for everyone. Try it at your next event!
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Ingredients
  

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)

2 cups apple cider

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Whole cloves (optional, for decorative purposes)

Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures the ham cooks evenly and has a chance to develop a lovely caramelized glaze.

    Prepare the Ham: Transfer the ham to a clean cutting board. If your ham has a thick layer of fat, use a sharp knife to score it in a diamond pattern. Make cuts about 1-inch apart; this allows the glaze to penetrate the ham, enhancing flavor and providing an elegant appearance. If desired, insert whole cloves into the corners of the diamond cuts for a traditional touch.

      Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, blend together the apple cider, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring often until it reaches a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes syrupy.

        Glaze the Ham: Position the ham in a shallow roasting pan, with the cut side facing down. Generously brush the ham with the prepared glaze, ensuring you cover the scored sections well. Save some glaze aside to bast the ham later in the cooking process.

          Bake the Ham: Loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, basting with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes. In the final 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a rich golden brown color.

            Check for Doneness: To ensure the ham is properly heated, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham. It should read 140°F (60°C) for the ham to be considered fully warmed through.

              Rest and Garnish: When the ham has reached the correct temperature, remove it from the oven. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing; this step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it moist.

                Serve: Slice the ham into thick pieces and arrange them beautifully on a serving platter. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the top of the slices. For an aromatic finishing touch, garnish with fresh sprigs of rosemary.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 3 hours | 12 servings.

                    Presentation Tips: For an elegant presentation, serve the ham surrounded by seasonal fruits such as sliced apples or pears, and add additional herbs for color and fragrance.