How to Make a Perfectly Glazed Baked Ham

If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table, look no further. Today, I’ll show you how to make a beautifully glazed baked ham that’s not only easy but also bursting with flavor. Baking a ham is surprisingly simple—it just requires a little patience and some creativity for the glaze. The best part? That unbeatable sweet and salty contrast that never fails to please!

This recipe creates a juicy ham, coated in a rich, caramelized orange glaze that’s absolutely irresistible. The glaze is made with a bittersweet orange marmalade, which adds a citrusy brightness. Combined with molasses, warm spices, and tangy mustard, it takes your ham from “okay” to “wow, this is amazing!”

If you’re in the mood to try something with a unique twist, I recommend checking out my Hoisin Glazed Ham for an Asian-inspired flavor profile that’s equally incredible.

Leftovers? Don’t let them go to waste! Slice the ham for breakfast with fried eggs or use it to build delicious sandwiches. And don’t forget the bone—it’s perfect for a comforting split pea soup!

This is what you are going to need to bake this delectable ham:

Juicy Baked Ham with Caramelized Orange Glaze

Ingredients:

1 (9 to 10-pound) bone-in ham
14 oz. orange marmalade
¼ cup dark molasses
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp cinnamon
1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Prepare the ham:

• Using a sharp knife, score the ham by cutting about ⅓ inch deep into the fat, creating a diamond pattern. This will help crisp the skin and allow the glaze to penetrate the meat.

Make the glaze:

• In a heavy saucepan, melt the orange marmalade over medium heat.
• Add the molasses, ground cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon, stirring until well combined.
• Stir in the Dijon mustard and bring the mixture to a soft simmer. Set aside.

Roast the ham:

• Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan.
• Generously coat the ham with the glaze using a brush or spoon.
• Bake the ham for 30 minutes, uncovered.

Reglaze:

• After 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and apply another layer of glaze.
• Return the ham to the oven and bake for another 30 minutes.

Final reglaze and bake:

• After the second 30-minute interval, reglaze the ham one more time and loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
• Bake for an additional 1 hour.

Rest and serve:

• Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
• Carve the ham into slices and serve.
• Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors of your beautifully glazed baked ham!

Print the Recipe Here