Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating an unforgettable holiday centerpiece: a succulent **Root Beer Glazed Ham**. This recipe promises an exceptionally easy and incredibly delicious main dish, featuring a sweet, sticky brown sugar and root beer glaze baked over a tender boneless ham. Prepare to impress your family and friends with this unique twist on a classic!
Looking for more fantastic ideas to elevate your holiday ham? Explore other delicious options like this Honey Glazed Ham, a convenient Crock Pot Ham, the rich Brown Sugar and Cherry Glazed Ham, or the ever-popular Brown Sugar Glazed Ham. Each offers a unique flavor profile to suit any festive occasion.
This post has been created in partnership with Jones Dairy Farm.
Embrace Holiday Traditions with a Twist
As the holiday season unfolds, certain traditions hold a special place in our hearts – and on our dinner tables. While many families cherish turkey for Thanksgiving, Christmas often calls for a magnificent ham. It’s a tradition that evokes warmth, togetherness, and an anticipation for delicious food. And for those who truly appreciate the rich flavors of pork, a perfectly cooked ham is undeniably the star of the festive feast.
For years, the holiday ham at my family gatherings has been a cherished responsibility, often handled by one of my talented sisters. Their culinary skills are legendary, and I’ve always admired the centerpiece dishes they bring to life. A few years ago, one sister introduced a root beer glazed ham, and the unique, sweet-savory combination instantly captivated me. The idea of infusing the classic holiday ham with the unexpected, yet delightful, notes of root beer became an obsession. Now, I’m thrilled to share a similar recipe that is so incredibly simple and undeniably delicious, you’ll want to make it far beyond just Christmas or Easter!
Forget any skepticism you might have about root beer and ham together. This recipe will prove you gloriously wrong. The glaze, made from a few pantry staples, reduces down to a thick, sticky, and intensely flavorful syrup. All that’s left for you to do is baste your ham to perfection, creating a glistening, caramelized crust that will have everyone asking for the recipe. This isn’t just a holiday meal; it’s a culinary revelation that will redefine your perception of glazed ham.
Choosing the Perfect Ham for Your Feast
The foundation of any great ham recipe is, of course, a quality ham. For this Root Beer Glazed Ham, I highly recommend using a boneless family ham from Jones Dairy Farm. Boneless hams are incredibly convenient, making the carving process a breeze and removing any intimidation factor often associated with larger, bone-in cuts. Their consistent quality ensures a tender, flavorful base for our delicious glaze.
If you’re accustomed to traditional bone-in hams, Jones Dairy Farm offers those as well, catering to every preference. Regardless of your choice, you can trust Jones Dairy Farm for premium products that deliver on taste and quality, perfect for making your holiday meal shine.
To locate a retailer near you that carries Jones Dairy Farm hams, simply visit the Jones Dairy Farm website. Their product finder makes it easy to ensure you start with the best ham available for your Root Beer Glazed masterpiece.
The Magic Behind Root Beer Glaze
The concept of a root beer glaze might sound unconventional, but it’s a brilliant pairing that creates a depth of flavor you won’t find with traditional glazes. Root beer, with its complex notes of vanilla, sarsaparilla, licorice, and caramel, provides a unique sweetness that beautifully complements the savory, salty nature of smoked ham. When reduced, these flavors intensify, creating a thick, syrupy glaze that coats the ham in a luscious, slightly spiced sweetness.
Combined with rich brown sugar for deep caramelization, tangy ketchup for acidity and body, and a hint of Dijon mustard for a subtle peppery kick, the root beer transforms into an irresistible, sticky coating. This glaze doesn’t just add sweetness; it creates a dynamic flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting, making every slice of ham a delightful experience. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates a simple baked ham into a culinary showstopper.
Crafting Your Perfect Root Beer Glazed Ham
Creating this Root Beer Glazed Ham is a straightforward process, designed for ease without compromising on flavor. The key lies in the preparation of the glaze and the patient basting of the ham, allowing those incredible flavors to meld and caramelize into a spectacular finish.
Preparing the Glaze
The first step is to combine the root beer, brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard in a saucepan. Whisk them together until well combined. Over medium heat, allow this mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally. The goal is to reduce the liquid by half, transforming it into a thick, syrupy glaze. This reduction process concentrates the flavors, creating that perfect sticky consistency that will adhere beautifully to your ham. This step is crucial for developing the rich, complex taste of the glaze.
Baking the Ham to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). If you’re using a ham with a fatty layer, scoring it in a diamond pattern isn’t just for aesthetics; it helps the glaze penetrate the meat and renders the fat, adding more flavor and moisture. Place your ham in a sturdy baking dish. Now comes the basting: generously brush one-fourth of your reduced root beer mixture over the ham. Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to lock in moisture and begin baking. Every 15 minutes, remove the foil, baste the ham with another fourth of the glaze, and re-cover. Repeat this process two more times, ensuring the ham is evenly coated and absorbing all that wonderful flavor.
After the final basting with the glaze, remove the foil entirely. Baste the ham one last time with the delicious pan juices that have accumulated. Continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145°F (63°C). This final uncovered baking period allows the glaze to truly caramelize and create that beautiful, glossy, irresistible crust.
Once baked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions for Your Root Beer Glazed Ham
This Root Beer Glazed Ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of classic holiday side dishes. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a flavorful potato gratin, which will perfectly soak up any extra glaze. Roasted asparagus or green bean casserole add a fresh, vibrant green to the plate, while a sweet potato casserole complements the ham’s sweetness. For a complete festive spread, don’t forget some warm dinner rolls and a crisp garden salad.
Ways to Use Leftover Ham
One of the best parts about making a delicious ham is the glorious leftovers! Don’t let a single savory bite go to waste. Here are some fantastic ideas to transform your leftover Root Beer Glazed Ham into new, exciting meals:
- Ham and Cheese Pasta with Ranch: A creamy and comforting pasta dish that’s quick to whip up.
- Ham and Noodle Casserole: The ultimate family-friendly meal, perfect for a cozy night in.
- Ham and Bean Soup: A hearty and flavorful soup, ideal for warming up on a chilly day.
- Ham and Cheese Crescent Bake: Easy, cheesy, and utterly delicious – a great option for brunch or a light dinner.
- Breakfast Casserole with Ham and Cheese: Start your day right with a savory and satisfying breakfast bake.
Leftover ham can also be diced and added to omelets, sandwiches, quiches, or even used to make savory ham salad. Store cooked ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
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Root Beer Glazed Ham
Author: Deborah Harroun
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 20 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
This Root Beer Glazed Ham is a sweet brown sugar and root beer glaze that is baked over a boneless ham for an easy main dish.
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups root beer
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 (5 lb) Jones Dairy Farm Whole Family Smoked Ham
Instructions
- Combine the root beer, brown sugar, ketchup, and Dijon mustard in a pan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is reduced by half and thickens into a glaze.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). If desired, score the fat layer on the ham in a diamond pattern. Place the ham in a baking dish.
- Baste the ham with one-fourth of the reduced root beer mixture. Cover the baking dish with foil and place in the oven.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the foil and baste with another fourth of the root beer mixture. Repeat this process two more times, basting every 15 minutes.
- After the third basting, remove the foil completely. Baste the ham with the pan juices and continue to cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 145°F (63°C).
Keywords: root beer glazed ham, holiday ham, easy ham recipe, sweet glazed ham
**Thank you to Jones Dairy Farm for sponsoring this post. Because of sponsors like Jones Dairy Farm, I am able to bring you all of the delicious recipes I feature here.**