Brown Sugar and Orange Marmalade Glazed Easter Ham Recipe

Introduction

This Easter ham recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, coated with a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s a classic centerpiece for festive gatherings, easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful.

A white scalloped oval plate holds a sliced glazed ham with two parts: the top half shows a thick, glossy, caramelized brown layer with clove-like spices and a shiny texture, while the bottom half features several thin slices of pink ham with browned edges layered neatly, slightly overlapping each other. On the side of the ham are three thin citrus slices in a row – yellow lemon, orange, and red grapefruit – adding bright color contrast. Two green leaves sit near the top of the glazed ham. To the left of the plate are a silver carving fork and knife with wooden handles resting on a soft white cloth. The setting is on a white marbled surface with other dishes slightly visible around the edges. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 fully cooked bone-in ham (6 to 8 pounds)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, orange marmalade, and Dijon mustard to make the glaze. Set it aside.
  2. Step 2: Score the surface of the ham by cutting diamond shapes about 1/2 inch deep. Insert a whole clove in the center of each diamond for added flavor and aroma.
  3. Step 3: Place the ham cut side down on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. Bake uncovered until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 130°F, about 2 hours. For spiral-cut hams, you may want to cover the pan with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
  4. Step 4: Brush some of the prepared glaze over the ham. Return to the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 140°F, about 10 to 15 minutes longer. Brush with the glaze occasionally during this time.
  5. Step 5: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes before carving. Serve the ham with the remaining glaze on the side.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra moisture, cover spiral-cut hams with foil during baking to create steam and keep the meat juicy.
  • If you prefer a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger to the mixture.
  • Try substituting orange marmalade with apricot preserves for a slightly different fruit flavor.

Storage

Store leftover ham covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it gently in the oven at 275°F, covered with foil to keep it moist, until heated through. You can also enjoy cold slices in sandwiches the next day.

How to Serve

A white plate with a scalloped edge holds a cooked ham cut into thick slices, arranged in a semi-circle with the larger piece of ham resting on the plate’s back edge. The ham has a glazed, shiny brown crust with small bits of herbs and spices visible, and the inside is pink and juicy. To the left of the ham, there are three garnishes: an orange slice, a lemon wedge, and green bay leaves. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a knife and fork beside it and a napkin underneath. In the background, there is a white bowl of green beans and some bread rolls on a light cloth. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

Yes, you can use spiral-cut ham. To prevent it from drying out, cover the pan with foil during baking to trap moisture and keep the ham juicy.

How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The ham is ready when it reaches 140°F after glazing. Initially, bake until 130°F before applying the glaze.

Print
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Brown Sugar and Orange Marmalade Glazed Easter Ham Recipe


  • Author: Harper
  • Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 18 cups of sliced ham 1x

Description

This classic Easter Ham recipe features a sweet and tangy glaze made from brown sugar, orange marmalade, and Dijon mustard, perfectly complementing a bone-in, fully cooked ham. The ham is scored and studded with whole cloves, then baked uncovered to achieve a deliciously caramelized crust. A final glazing step ensures a flavorful, juicy finish that makes for an irresistible centerpiece at any holiday meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Glaze

  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 3/4 cup orange marmalade
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard

Ham

  • 1/2 fully cooked bone-in ham (6 to 8 pounds)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, thoroughly stir together the brown sugar, orange marmalade, and Dijon mustard; set this mixture aside to use later as the glaze.
  2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the ham.
  3. Score the ham: Carefully score the surface of the ham by making diamond-shaped cuts about 1/2 inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and allows the cloves to infuse flavor.
  4. Insert cloves: Place a whole clove in the center of each diamond shape on the ham’s surface for aromatic seasoning.
  5. Bake the ham: Position the ham cut side down on a rack inside a shallow roasting pan. Bake uncovered for about two hours or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). This uncovered baking crisps and caramelizes the ham exterior.
  6. Glaze the ham: Brush the ham with a generous amount of the prepared glaze. Return to the oven and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the thermometer registers 140°F (60°C), brushing occasionally with more glaze for a rich finish.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 20 minutes. This resting period allows juices to redistribute. Carve the ham with a sharp knife and serve alongside the remaining glaze for added flavor.

Notes

  • Using an uncovered roasting method helps develop a caramelized, crisp exterior on the ham.
  • If using a spiral-cut ham, cover the pan with aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent the ham from drying out.
  • Allowing the ham to rest before carving ensures juicier, more tender slices.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately gauge doneness and avoid overcooking.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Easter ham, holiday ham recipe, baked ham, ham glaze, glazed ham, bone-in ham, holiday main dish

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