If you’re looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday feast or special gathering, look no further! This Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham combines the savory richness of a bone-in ham with a sweet, fruity, and slightly tangy glaze. Trust me; this recipe is a winner! Let me walk you through creating this delicious dish.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Resting Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Serving Size: Varies depending on the size of the ham.
Why You’ll Love It
I am so excited about this Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham, and here’s why:
- Flavor Explosion: The glaze, made with apple butter, honey, and Dijon mustard, creates a unique sweet and savory flavor profile.
- Easy to Make: Despite its impressive taste, this recipe is quite simple to prepare.
- Perfect for Leftovers: The ham is delicious on its own and fantastic in various leftover recipes.
- Festive and Impressive: It’s an ideal choice for holiday menus like Christmas or Thanksgiving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 whole (8-9 pounds) bone-in ham
- 1 cup (240 g) apple butter
- ½ cup (170 g) honey
- ½ cup (100 g) light brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup (60 g) apple cider vinegar
How to Make Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Place the ham on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, score the top of the ham. Make shallow cuts (about ¼ to ½-inch deep) in the fat or skin of the ham, spacing them about 1 to 2 inches apart. The cuts should form a diagonal or crisscross pattern, creating a diamond or checkerboard pattern on the ham’s surface.
Step 2: Position the Ham
Place the scored ham in a roasting pan with the scored portion facing up.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the apple butter, honey, brown sugar, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sugar is dissolved.
Step 4: Glaze the Ham
Pour the glaze on top of the ham. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
Step 5: Roast the Ham
Preheat oven to 300°F. Roast for 2 hours, carefully basting with the juices in the pan every 30 minutes.
Step 6: Check the Temperature
Remove the roasted ham from the oven. (The internal temperature of the ham should read 145°F). Let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Slice the ham and serve.
Serving Suggestions
This Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
- Mashed Potatoes
- Green Beans
- Macaroni and Cheese
- Scalloped Potatoes
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits
- Cranberry Sauce
- Air Fryer Carrots
Tips for Customization
- Add Spice: Include a pinch of ground cloves or a dash of cinnamon to the glaze for a warmer flavor.
- Bourbon Infusion: Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for a more complex flavor.
- Chipotle Kick: Mix in minced chipotle chilies in adobo for a smoky heat.
How To Store Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham
To store leftover apple butter honey-glazed ham, first, let it cool to room temperature.
To Refrigerate: If not already sliced, consider slicing or portioning the ham for easier use and storage. Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To Freeze: If you are not going to use leftover ham within a few days, freeze it for up to 1-2 months in the freezer! Once the cooked ham has cooled to room temperature, portion it and store it in freezer-safe containers. Label and date the packaging. Follow the safe thawing instructions when ready to enjoy the ham.
FAQs About Apple Butter Honey Glazed Ham
Can the apple butter honey glaze be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the apple butter honey glaze in advance. Once the glaze has been prepared, first, let it cool. Then, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to a week. When ready to use the glaze, give it a stir or gently reheat it before pouring it over the ham.
