Irresistible Apple Cider Glazed Ham: Your Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

As the holiday season draws near, the quest for that perfect centerpiece dish begins. Look no further than this truly irresistible Apple Cider Glazed Ham Recipe. Imagine a succulent spiral ham, bathed in a rich, spiced apple cider glaze, baked until golden, caramelized, and incredibly tender. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a show-stopping experience that will delight your family and guests, leaving them craving more. It’s the ultimate main course for any festive gathering, from a cozy family dinner to a grand holiday feast.

I understand the challenge of finding a ham recipe that consistently delivers on both flavor and moisture. Many hams can turn out dry or lack that deeply infused taste. This recipe, however, is designed to overcome those common hurdles. Our secret lies in the simple yet incredibly effective apple cider glaze, which infuses every slice with sweet, savory, and aromatic notes, guaranteeing a moist and juicy ham from edge to bone. This method ensures that even if you’re a beginner cook, you’ll achieve a ham that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.

This fantastic glazed ham isn’t limited to Christmas dinner. It’s equally spectacular for Easter brunch, Thanksgiving, or even a special Sunday dinner when you want to impress without overwhelming yourself in the kitchen. It offers a wonderful alternative to traditional poultry dishes like a Herb Butter Roasted Turkey or Instant Pot Rotisserie Chicken, providing a different, equally delicious profile that stands out. Its rich flavor and tender texture make it a versatile choice for any significant meal.

Beyond the main event, the joy of this Apple Cider Glazed Ham continues with its incredible versatility as leftovers. Imagine transforming your holiday remnants into comforting dishes such as a hearty White Bean Soup with Ham, or simply enjoying slices in savory sandwiches and wraps. For other memorable main courses for special occasions, I also love preparing this Roast Beef Recipe or a flavorful Slow Cooker Mediterranean Whole Chicken. Having a delicious ham on hand guarantees delightful meals for days.

Why This Apple Cider Glazed Ham is a Must-Try

What makes this particular Apple Cider Glazed Ham stand out from the rest? It’s all about achieving that perfect balance of sweetness, spice, and tender ham. The apple cider isn’t just a flavor enhancer; it’s a crucial component that keeps the ham incredibly moist throughout the long roasting process. Combined with brown sugar and a special spiced cider mix, it creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully, forming a delicious, sticky crust that locks in moisture and flavor. This meticulous combination ensures a consistently juicy result that will become a staple in your holiday repertoire.

This recipe is also incredibly straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The simple steps ensure you get a professional-quality result with minimal fuss, allowing you more time to enjoy your guests and the festivities. Plus, the aromatic blend of apple and spices fills your home with a comforting, festive scent that truly signals the start of the holiday season, creating an inviting atmosphere that enhances the dining experience.

Essential Ingredients for Your Glazed Ham

You’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can transform into such a spectacular dish. This easy ham recipe relies on readily available items, ensuring your holiday cooking remains stress-free and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful masterpiece:

• Spiral-Cut Ham (Bone-in or Boneless): A pre-cooked spiral-cut ham is ideal for this recipe as it’s easy to carve and the glaze can seep into the cuts, infusing every slice with flavor. You can choose either bone-in for more depth of flavor or boneless for easier carving and quicker prep. Look for a ham that is 8-12 pounds to serve a good-sized crowd.
• Apple Juice: This forms the delightful base of our sweet and tangy glaze. It provides a natural sweetness and subtle tartness that perfectly complements the savory ham. Ensure you use 100% pure apple juice, not a concentrate or blend, for the most authentic and robust flavor profile.
• Light or Dark Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is absolutely essential for creating that desirable rich, caramelized crust on your ham. Its natural molasses content adds incredible depth of flavor and helps achieve that beautiful sticky texture that defines a perfect glazed ham. Use light brown sugar for a milder sweetness or dark brown sugar for a more intense, robust molasses flavor.
• Spiced Apple Cider Mix: This is our secret ingredient that truly elevates the glaze, adding a complex blend of warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. It amplifies the apple flavor profile and truly makes this ham taste like the essence of the holidays. Convenient pre-packaged spiced cider mixes work perfectly here, saving you time without compromising on flavor.

How to Make the Best Apple Cider Glazed Spiral Ham

Creating this delicious Apple Cider Glazed Ham is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple, detailed steps for a perfectly cooked, tender, and beautifully caramelized ham that will be the star of your meal and leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prepare Ham
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160°C). This moderate temperature allows the ham to heat through gently without drying out. If your spiral-cut ham comes with a plastic disk on the bone, gently remove and discard it before proceeding; this is a common packaging element that should not be baked. Place the ham, flat side down, into a sturdy baking dish or a large roasting pan. Covering the ham tightly with aluminum foil is a crucial step; it locks in moisture, creating a steamy environment that ensures your ham remains incredibly tender and prevents it from drying out during the initial roasting phase. Make sure the foil is sealed well around the edges of the pan.

Step 2: Initial Roasting for Tenderness
Roast the ham in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes per pound, or precisely as instructed on your ham’s packaging. For an 8-pound ham, this typically translates to approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes of baking time. The primary goal for this initial roast is to bring the ham’s internal temperature up to around 130 degrees Fahrenheit (54°C) before you apply the flavorful glaze. Always use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the ham (making sure to avoid touching the bone) to get an accurate reading and ensure perfect doneness and food safety.

Step 3: Prepare the Spiced Apple Cider Glaze
While your ham is roasting, it’s the perfect time to craft the aromatic and essential apple cider glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the apple juice, brown sugar, and spiced apple cider mix. Place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle bubble. Once bubbling, reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the glaze to simmer and reduce, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. It should visibly thicken into a beautiful, syrupy consistency – glistening, glazy, and rich, making it perfect for coating the ham and creating that desirable caramelized finish.

Step 4: Glaze the Ham for Flavor Infusion
Once the ham has reached the desired internal temperature (around 130°F/54°C) and the glaze is ready, carefully remove the ham from the oven. Pour the thickened glaze into a small bowl for easier application. Remove the aluminum foil completely from the roasting pan. Using a pastry brush, generously spread the warm apple cider glaze evenly over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it seeps into the spiral cuts. This step is where the magic truly begins to happen, as the glaze starts to infuse deep into the meat.

Return the glazed ham, now uncovered, to the oven and continue to cook for another 15 minutes. During this time, the glaze will start to bake onto the ham, creating a beautiful, glossy sheen and further enhancing its flavor. Continue baking until the ham’s internal temperature reaches 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60°C). Always rely on an instant-read thermometer for precise accuracy and food safety.

Step 5: Caramelization for Perfection
For that exquisite, photo-worthy caramelized finish, turn up the oven temperature to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220°C). Allow the ham to cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or just until the glaze has beautifully caramelized and is slightly sticky and glistening. This high heat burst is crucial for creating that coveted crispy, sweet crust. However, keep a close eye on it during this final, quick step, as the high sugar content can quickly burn. This brief burst of high heat creates a glistening, irresistible crust that will make your ham truly unforgettable. Serve warm immediately after resting, and prepare for rave reviews! Your whole family will undoubtedly love this holiday centerpiece.

Expert Tips for a Perfect Apple Cider Glazed Ham

Achieving a show-stopping glazed ham is easier than you think with these expert tips and tricks, designed to ensure a succulent and flavorful result every time:

• Score the Ham (If Not Spiral Cut): If you’re using a whole ham that isn’t pre-cut, scoring the fat in a shallow diamond pattern (about 1/4 inch deep) before baking is a fantastic technique. This not only creates a beautiful, professional presentation but also allows the apple cider glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor. It also helps render some of the fat, contributing to a juicier and more tender ham.
• Ensure Moistness with Foil: Wrapping your ham tightly in aluminum foil during the initial roasting phase is paramount. This creates a steamy environment that effectively prevents the ham from drying out, keeping it incredibly tender and juicy. Ensure there are no gaps for steam to escape, creating a tight seal around your roasting pan.
• Basting for Extra Flavor: While the ham bakes, periodically (every 30-45 minutes) baste it with the pan juices that collect in the bottom of your roasting pan. These flavorful juices are essentially a self-marinating system and will further help to keep the ham moist and tender throughout the cooking process, adding layers of savory goodness.
• Strategic Glazing Timing: Apply the apple cider glaze when the ham is almost fully cooked (around 130°F/54°C). This timing is crucial for optimal results; glazing too early can cause the sugars in the glaze to burn and become bitter before the ham is fully heated through. Applying it later allows the glaze to properly bake onto the surface, forming that irresistible caramelized crust and infusing the ham with its sweet and savory notes without scorching.
• Glaze Variations: While our apple cider glaze is exceptionally delicious, don’t hesitate to experiment with variations to suit your taste! Other wonderful additions to a ham glaze include honey for a classic sweetness, pineapple juice for a tropical tang, a touch of Dijon mustard for a sharp, savory contrast, orange juice for a bright citrusy brightness, or maple syrup for a deeper, earthy sweetness. These all contribute a delightful sweet and savory element to your holiday ham, allowing for customizability.
• Cooking Time by Ham Type: Always consider the type of ham you’ve purchased. If your ham was sold fully cooked (which most spiral hams are), you’re essentially reheating it, so allow approximately 10-12 minutes per pound. If it’s only partially cooked (a fresh ham), the cooking time will be significantly longer, typically around 20-25 minutes per pound, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Always refer to the specific package directions first for the most accurate guidance.
• Rest the Ham: After removing the ham from the oven, it’s vital to let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes (or even up to 30 minutes for larger hams) before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a significantly more tender, moist, and flavorful ham. Tent it loosely with foil during this resting period to keep it warm.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

This Apple Cider Glazed Ham is a versatile centerpiece that pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes, making it perfect for any holiday meal or special occasion. For a traditional holiday spread, consider serving it alongside classic creamy mashed potatoes, perfectly roasted asparagus, a comforting green bean casserole, or a fresh, crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette. The sweet and savory notes of the ham also complement bolder flavors wonderfully, such as roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze or a decadent sweet potato casserole topped with pecans. Don’t forget some warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up any extra delicious glaze and pan juices!

Storage and Reheating Leftovers

Any leftover Apple Cider Glazed Ham will be a treat for days to come! Properly store the leftover ham by transferring it to an airtight container and placing it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you have a few convenient options: gently warm individual slices in the microwave until heated through, or for larger portions, place the ham in a baking dish with a splash of apple juice or broth, cover tightly with foil, and reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Leftover ham is also fantastically versatile, making delicious additions to sandwiches, quesadillas, breakfast omelets, or as a flavorful protein in soups and stews, such as our recommended and comforting White Bean Soup with Ham, or even diced into scrambled eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe? Yes, absolutely! A boneless spiral ham will work just as well and might even be easier to carve and manage. Simply follow the same cooking times per pound as recommended, ensuring it reaches the correct internal temperature.
• What if my glaze is too thin? If your glaze doesn’t thicken to a syrupy consistency after 10-15 minutes of simmering, continue simmering it over medium-low heat. It will reduce and thicken over time as more liquid evaporates. If you’re short on time and need a quicker solution, a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon cold water) can be stirred into the simmering glaze to help thicken it quickly.
• How do I prevent the glaze from burning? The key is precise timing: apply the glaze towards the end of the cooking process when the ham is nearly done. Additionally, during the final caramelization step, keep a very close eye on the ham. The high sugar content can burn quickly under high heat. If you notice it browning too rapidly, you can loosely tent the ham with aluminum foil to protect it while still allowing the glaze to set.
• Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time? Yes, preparing the glaze in advance is a great time-saver, especially for busy holiday meals. You can make the apple cider glaze a day or two in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat until it’s pourable and warm before applying it to the ham.
• What kind of spiced apple cider mix should I use? Standard spiced apple cider packets (often found during the fall and winter seasons) work perfectly for this recipe. They typically contain a pre-measured blend of classic warming spices such as cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and sometimes orange peel, which complement the ham and apple flavors beautifully and enhance the overall festive aroma.

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Apple Cider Glazed Ham Recipe

By

Julia Jolliff

This Apple Cider Glazed Ham Recipe is perfect for the holidays or a family get-together. Spiral ham is glazed with a spiced apple cider sauce and baked until caramelized, tender and flavorful.

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Prep:

15 minutes
mins

Cook:

2 hours
hrs

Total:

2 hours
hrs
15 minutes
mins

Servings:

6
servings

Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  8-12
  pound
  spiral sliced ham,
  bone in

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1 1/2
  cups
  apple juice

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1 1/2
  cups
  brown sugar

• 
  ▢
  
  
  2
  packets
  spiced apple cider mix

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• If your ham has a plastic disk on the bone, this should be removed and discarded.
• Score the top of the ham with a diamond pattern. This helps the glaze penetrate the ham.
• Place the ham flat side down in a baking dish or roasting pan and cover tightly with foil.
• Roast 12-15 minutes per pound (or according to package directions).
• For the 8 pound ham bake it for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until the thermometer reaches 130 degrees.
• While the ham bakes heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and combine the apple juice, brown sugar, and spiced apple cider mix.
• Bring to a bubble and reduce heat to medium low.
• Reduce mixture until it is thickened and glazy, about 10-15 minutes.
• Remove the foil and use a brush to spread the glaze over the ham.
• Return the ham to the oven and cook another 15 minutes or utnil the ham is 140 degrees.
• Turn up the oven to 425 degrees and let cook for another 2 to 3 miutes to help the glaze caramelize.
• Serve warm!

Nutrition

Calories:
1707
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
61
g

,

Protein:
131
g

,

Fat:
102
g

,

Saturated Fat:
36
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
11
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
48
g

,

Cholesterol:
375
mg

,

Sodium:
7197
mg

,

Potassium:
1866
mg

,

Fiber:
0.1
g

,

Sugar:
59
g

,

Vitamin A:
1
IU

,

Vitamin C:
1
mg

,

Calcium:
93
mg

,

Iron:
6
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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