Elevate your holiday or weeknight dinner table with this Simple Baked Ham recipe, a timeless centerpiece that’s as easy as it is delicious. This recipe transforms a bone-in, fully cooked ham into a golden, caramelized masterpiece by using a luscious glaze made from brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a touch of apple cider vinegar for balance. Scored in a classic diamond pattern to infuse flavor, the ham is adorned with sweet pineapple slices and vibrant maraschino cherries for a stunning presentation. With just 20 minutes of prep and a hands-off baking time, this recipe yields tender, juicy slices that pair beautifully with any side dish. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or a simple family gathering, this crowd-pleasing baked ham promises both elegance and ease. Perfect for feeding a crowd, it’s ready in just over two hours and serves 10, making it a go-to dish for a stress-free entertaining experience.
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Unwrap the ham and trim any excess fat, leaving a thin layer for flavor. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan or baking dish.
Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife, being careful not to cut too deep.
In a medium saucepan over low heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
Brush about one-third of the glaze evenly over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
Decorate the ham with pineapple slices by securing them to the surface with toothpicks. Place a maraschino cherry inside each pineapple ring for added color and sweetness.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour.
After 1 hour, remove the foil and brush the ham with another third of the glaze. Continue baking uncovered for an additional 30-45 minutes, basting with the remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes.
The ham is ready when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoiding the bone) reads 140°F (60°C).
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Remove the toothpicks, pineapple, and cherries before serving if desired.
Serve warm and enjoy your Simple Baked Ham with your favorite sides!
Calories |
6601 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 206.4 g | 265% | |
| Saturated Fat | 72.7 g | 364% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 2177 mg | 726% | |
| Sodium | 44289 mg | 1926% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 386.0 g | 140% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.6 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 358.0 g | ||
| Protein | 765.9 g | 1532% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 426 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 36.1 mg | 201% | |
| Potassium | 10723 mg | 228% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.