Experience the ultimate holiday centerpiece with this exquisite Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham, featuring a luscious, homemade glaze crafted from sweet cherries, rich brown sugar, tangy mustard, and warm cinnamon. This dish promises a perfect harmony of sweet and savory flavors, making every bite unforgettable.
Transform your holiday table with a show-stopping main course that’s as impressive as it is delicious. This Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham is ideal for significant celebrations like Christmas or Easter, but it’s equally perfect for any special family gathering throughout the year. Its irresistible blend of flavors ensures it will be a crowd-pleaser, cementing its place as a new favorite tradition.
While Thanksgiving often highlights turkey and an array of incredible side dishes, Easter truly belongs to the ham. This isn’t just any ham; it’s a culinary masterpiece that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. For those who cherish both flavor profiles, this Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham is an absolute dream come true. While I appreciate ham in all its forms, there’s an undeniable magic that happens when the rich, smoky flavors of ham intertwine with the bright, fruity notes of cherry, elevated by the warmth of brown sugar and a hint of mustard and cinnamon.
This recipe isn’t just about cooking a ham; it’s about creating a centerpiece that evokes warmth, comfort, and celebration. It’s an essential addition to any holiday menu, promising to delight guests with its tender texture and unforgettable glaze. Let’s dive into how you can bring this exquisite dish to your own table.
Mastering the Glazed Ham: A Holiday Tradition
A perfectly glazed ham is more than just a meal; it’s a cherished holiday tradition that brings families together around the table. The act of glazing transforms a simple ham into a glistening, aromatic masterpiece. The rich, salty notes of the ham are beautifully complemented by a sweet and tangy glaze, creating a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting. Beyond the taste, the visual appeal of a deeply caramelized, jewel-toned glaze adds a touch of elegance and festivity to any spread. This Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham recipe takes this tradition to the next level, infusing it with a unique and irresistible fruity warmth.
Choosing the right ham is the first step towards success. You’ll generally encounter two main types: unsliced smoked ham or spiral-cut ham. Both work wonderfully for this recipe, though they require slightly different preparation. An unsliced smoked ham allows you to control the scoring, which helps the glaze penetrate deeply and creates a beautiful diamond pattern. Spiral-cut hams, on the other hand, are incredibly convenient as they are pre-sliced, making serving a breeze. Whichever you choose, ensure it’s a good quality ham, as the foundation of this dish relies on its inherent flavor.
The magic truly happens with the glaze. This cherry, brown sugar, mustard, and cinnamon blend is carefully balanced to enhance, not overpower, the ham. The brown sugar provides a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that caramelizes beautifully. The cherry jam or preserves bring a vibrant, fruity tartness that cuts through the richness of the ham, offering a delightful counterpoint. Mustard adds a subtle pungency and emulsifying quality, helping to bind the flavors and add a savory depth. Finally, a touch of cinnamon infuses the glaze with a warm, inviting aroma that screams “holiday.”
Preparing this ham is surprisingly straightforward, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your holiday meal. With just a few simple steps, you can create a truly memorable dish that will have everyone asking for the recipe. The key is in the timing and the layering of the glaze, ensuring every inch of the ham is coated in deliciousness.
Essential Ingredients for Your Glazed Ham
Creating this spectacular Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham requires a few key ingredients, each playing a vital role in achieving that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors:
- Ham: The star of our dish! I’ve successfully prepared this recipe with an unsliced smoked ham, which allows for a deeper flavor infusion into the scored surface. However, spiral-cut hams are widely available and extremely convenient; you won’t need to score them, as they are pre-sliced. Choose a ham that suits your preference and availability. A 12-18 lb ham is ideal for feeding a larger gathering.
- Brown Sugar: This is crucial for the glaze’s rich, caramelized sweetness. I typically opt for light brown sugar for a balanced sweetness. For those desiring a more profound, molasses-like flavor, dark brown sugar can be used to add an extra layer of complexity to the glaze.
- Mustard: To introduce a delightful tangy and savory counterpoint to the sweetness, a good quality mustard is essential. Ground mustard is my preferred choice, offering a clean, sharp flavor. Dijon mustard also works beautifully, providing a slightly more sophisticated and less aggressive tang. Avoid using regular yellow mustard, as its flavor profile is generally too mild and vinegar-heavy for this glaze.
- Cherry Jam or Preserves: This ingredient is what truly sets this ham apart, infusing it with bright, fruity notes. It’s important to use jam or preserves rather than jelly. The difference lies in the fruit content: jam and preserves contain actual pieces of fruit, adding texture and a more robust cherry flavor that you simply can’t achieve with smooth jelly. Look for a high-quality cherry preserve for the best results.
- Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon brings warmth and an inviting aromatic quality to the glaze. I love the bold, comforting hit of cinnamon, which complements both the ham and the cherries beautifully. If you prefer a more subtle spice, feel free to slightly reduce the amount.
Crafting Your Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed steps to prepare a magnificent Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham that will impress everyone at your table:
STEP 1: Prepare Your Ham for Roasting
Begin by preheating your oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Carefully remove the ham from its packaging, discarding any liquid or plastic. Place the ham on a sturdy roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan. If you are using a whole, unsliced smoked ham, ensure the fat side is facing up. This allows the fat to render and baste the ham as it cooks, keeping it moist. For a spiral-cut ham, position it cut-side down to prevent it from drying out.
STEP 2: Initial Cooking Phase
Place the prepared ham in the preheated oven. You’ll want to cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC). A good general rule of thumb for cooking time is 13-15 minutes per pound. Keep a close eye on the temperature with a reliable meat thermometer, as exact cooking times can vary depending on your oven and the ham’s starting temperature.
STEP 3: Score the Ham (If Applicable)
Approximately one hour before the ham is expected to be fully cooked (when it’s nearing 140ºF), carefully remove it from the oven. If you’re using a whole, unsliced ham, now is the time to score the top. Using a sharp knife, make shallow cuts (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep) in a diamond pattern across the fat cap. These scores not only look beautiful but also allow the delicious glaze to seep into the ham, enhancing its flavor and creating crispy edges. If you’re using a spiral-cut ham, you can skip this step.
STEP 4: Prepare the Irresistible Glaze
While the ham rests briefly, prepare your cherry brown sugar glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the cherry preserves or jam, brown sugar, ground mustard (or Dijon), and cinnamon. Place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Continue to stir for another minute or two until the sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze has slightly thickened. This ensures all the flavors meld beautifully.
STEP 5: First Glaze Application and Further Cooking
Return the scored ham to the roasting pan. Using a basting brush, generously apply about one-third of the prepared glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored crevices. Return the ham to the oven and continue to cook for another 30 minutes. This initial glazing allows the flavors to begin caramelizing onto the ham’s surface.
STEP 6: Second Glaze Application
After the initial 30 minutes of glazing, remove the ham from the oven once more. Brush another half of the *remaining* glaze over the ham. This second layer builds on the first, creating a deeper, richer flavor and a more prominent sticky-sweet crust. Place the ham back in the oven and continue cooking until the ham reaches its final internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC).
STEP 7: Reserve Glaze for Serving
Crucially, reserve the final one-third of the glaze. This portion will be gently warmed and served alongside the finished ham at the table. This ensures every slice gets a burst of fresh, vibrant glaze, allowing guests to add more to their liking. It’s a wonderful way to enhance the presentation and flavor experience.
Finishing Touches and Serving
Once your ham reaches 140ºF, remove it from the oven. For optimal juiciness, allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This resting period lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Slice your ham, arrange it beautifully on a serving platter, and present it with the warmed, reserved glaze on the side. This Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham is ready to become the star of your holiday meal!
Expert Tips and Tricks for a Perfect Glazed Ham
Achieving a truly exceptional Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham is easy with these insider tips:
- Don’t Skimp on the Glaze for Serving: One common pitfall with glazed hams is that the delicious glaze doesn’t always adhere perfectly to every slice. To ensure every guest enjoys the full flavor, always save a portion of the glaze to serve warmed at the table. Its vibrant flavors are the perfect complement to the ham. In fact, consider making a double batch of glaze—it’s fantastic on leftover ham sandwiches or even drizzled over roasted vegetables!
- Preventing Dry Ham: If you’re concerned about your ham drying out during the initial cooking phase, you can loosely cover it with aluminum foil for the first portion of its cooking time. Remove the foil before you begin the glazing process to allow the glaze to caramelize properly and form that beautiful crust.
- The Essential Tool: An Instant-Read Thermometer: The key to a perfectly cooked, juicy ham is reaching the correct internal temperature. An instant-read thermometer is an invaluable tool here. Cook your ham until it registers 140ºF (60ºC) in the thickest part, avoiding the bone. This ensures it’s safely heated and wonderfully tender.
- Serving Temperature Preference: This ham is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed both warm or at room temperature. However, for the most delightful experience, I highly recommend serving it warm with the accompanying warmed glaze. The gentle heat enhances the aromas and flavors, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Leftover Ham Ideas: Don’t let any leftover ham go to waste! Glazed ham is incredibly versatile. Use it in delicious sandwiches, add it to quiches or frittatas, incorporate it into soups or stews, or even dice it for breakfast scrambles. The possibilities are endless, and the glaze adds a wonderful depth of flavor to any leftover creation.
- Make-Ahead Glaze: To simplify your holiday cooking, you can prepare the cherry brown sugar glaze a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. On the day of cooking, simply warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s smooth and ready to brush onto the ham.
Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Glazed Ham
A magnificent Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham deserves equally spectacular side dishes. Here are some delectable options that complement its sweet and savory profile beautifully:
- Brussels Sprouts Gratin: The slight bitterness and earthy notes of Brussels sprouts, especially when baked in a creamy gratin, provide a wonderful contrast to the ham’s sweetness.
- Lion House Rolls: Soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze or serving alongside a slice of ham. Their light texture balances the richness of the main course.
- Steph’s Summer Salad: A fresh, vibrant salad with crisp greens, seasonal fruits, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing palate cleanser, cutting through the richness of the ham.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A classic pairing, smooth mashed potatoes provide a comforting, neutral base that allows the ham’s flavors to shine.
- Roasted Asparagus: Simple roasted asparagus spears, perhaps with a squeeze of lemon, add a touch of green freshness and a slightly crisp texture.
- Sweet Potato Casserole: Echoing the sweet notes of the glaze, a sweet potato casserole with a pecan or marshmallow topping is a delightful and indulgent accompaniment.
Explore More Delicious Ham Recipes
If you love the versatility of ham, or if you’re looking for other glaze variations, explore these fantastic recipes:
Root Beer Glazed Ham: A unique and surprisingly delicious glaze that’s both sweet and tangy.
Classic Honey Glazed Ham: A timeless favorite, offering a delicate sweetness and beautiful caramelization.
Traditional Brown Sugar Glazed Ham: Simple, elegant, and always a hit.
Effortless Crock Pot Ham: For those busy days when you need a delicious ham with minimal fuss.
Sweet and Spicy Ham Glaze Recipe: Add a kick to your ham with this exciting flavor combination.
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Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 Hickory Smoked or Spiral Cut Ham (12-18 lb)
- 1 1/2 cups cherry jam or preserves
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/4 teaspoon ground mustard
- 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325ºF (160ºC). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a rack in a roasting pan, fat side up (or cut side down for spiral ham).
- Heat the ham to an internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC), which typically takes about 13-15 minutes per pound.
- Approximately 1 hour before the ham is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and score the ham in a diamond pattern (if using a whole ham).
- In a small saucepan, combine the cherry jam or preserves, brown sugar, ground mustard, and cinnamon. Heat over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil, stirring constantly until smooth.
- Brush one-third of the prepared glaze evenly over the ham. Return the ham to the oven and cook for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, brush another one-third of the glaze over the ham.
- Reserve the remaining one-third of the glaze to serve at the table. Continue to cook the ham until it reaches an internal temperature of 140ºF (60ºC).
- Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. Serve the ham warm or at room temperature with the warmed, reserved glaze on the side.
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information is based on a 15 lb ham with 24 servings.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 188kcal (9%), Carbohydrates: 14g (5%), Protein: 18g (36%), Fat: 7g (11%), Saturated Fat: 2g (13%), Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 47mg (16%), Sodium: 1151mg (50%), Potassium: 309mg (9%), Fiber: 0g, Sugar: 14g (16%)