Irresistible Orange & Clove Glazed Ham Recipe for Gatherings

When you catch a whiff of the sweet and spicy aroma of Orange & Clove Glazed Ham wafting through your home, you realize that something magical is about to happen. This dish promises an explosion of flavors that dance on your taste buds, wrapping you in a warm embrace with every bite. Just imagine the juicy ham glazed to perfection, shimmering under a beautiful caramelized layer, enticing everyone to gather around the table like moths to a flame.

I remember the first time I served this show-stopping ham at a family gathering. There were gasps, wide eyes, and even a few spontaneous happy dances from my cousins as they took their first bites. It was one of those moments where food became more than just sustenance; it became a celebration. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a random Tuesday when you want to feel fancy, this Orange & Clove Glazed Ham will elevate any occasion into something extraordinary.

I still chuckle at the time my uncle took one bite and declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.” Spoiler alert: he doesn’t even like ham!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bone-in Ham: A good quality bone-in ham adds flavor and moisture; aim for 8 to 10 pounds for optimal serving.

• Fresh Oranges: Use juicy, bright oranges for zest and juice; they provide that fresh citrus kick we all love.

• Ground Cloves: Just a pinch goes a long way; they lend warmth and depth to the glaze.

• Brown Sugar: Choose light brown sugar for sweetness; it caramelizes beautifully during baking.

• Dijon Mustard: Adds tanginess; choose whole grain if you prefer more texture in your glaze.

• Honey: For an extra touch of sweetness; feel free to substitute maple syrup for a unique twist.

For the Sauce:

• Apple Cider Vinegar: Use this for acidity; it balances out the sweetness in the glaze perfectly.

• Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm spice note that complements both orange and clove flavors beautifully.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Orange & Clove Glazed Ham

Prepare the Oven and Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan lined with aluminum foil for easy cleanup later.

Create Your Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Stir until it’s bubbly and syrupy.

Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score diamond shapes into the surface of the ham. This allows the glaze to seep into those lovely crevices creating flavor explosions everywhere.

Glaze It Up!: Pour half of your glaze over the ham generously. Use a brush or spoon to ensure every nook is coated in that sweet goodness.

Bake Your Masterpiece: Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour per 10 pounds until heated through. Remove foil during the last 30 minutes and brush on more glaze.

Let It Rest Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing. This allows all those delicious juices to redistribute!

With every step bubbling over with aromatic anticipation, you are just moments away from indulging in this show-stopping feast! Enjoy every bite of your Orange & Clove Glazed Ham—it’s bound to become one of your favorite traditions!

This showstopping Orange & Clove Glazed Ham delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home. The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest. Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve a perfectly cooked Orange & Clove Glazed Ham, start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern before applying a generous layer of glaze. As it bakes, baste it every 20 minutes with the glaze for optimal flavor and moisture retention. This method ensures that each slice is juicy and bursting with citrusy goodness, making your guests wonder if you secretly studied at culinary school.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize your Orange & Clove Glazed Ham with different spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth. You could even swap out orange juice for pineapple juice if you’re feeling adventurous! Adding cloves and cinnamon sticks to the baking dish infuses a cozy aroma into your home. Experimenting with these adjustments can turn this classic recipe into something uniquely yours while keeping it deliciously festive.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Orange & Clove Glazed Ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing, where it can last up to three months. When reheating, place slices in a covered dish with a splash of water or stock in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) until warmed through. This method keeps the ham moist and flavorful while avoiding that dreaded rubbery texture.

Sharing my first attempt at this ham recipe brings back fond memories; friends devoured every slice! Their comments about how they’d never tasted anything so flavorful made my heart swell with pride—it was a kitchen win I’ll cherish forever!

FAQ

What type of ham is best for glazing?

When selecting your ham, look for fully cooked bone-in hams as they offer superior flavor and moisture retention during baking. Spiral-cut hams are also an excellent choice since they’re easy to serve and absorb glazes well. Choose one with a good amount of marbling; this ensures that each bite is juicy.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Absolutely! Preparing your glaze ahead saves time on busy cooking days. Mix orange juice, brown sugar, honey, cloves, and mustard together then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just remember to give it a good stir before using it as flavors may settle.

How do I know when my ham is done?

The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the ham but not touching bone. Keep an eye on it during baking; overcooking can lead to dryness—nobody wants that on their holiday table!

What sides pair well with Orange & Clove Glazed Ham?

This delightful ham pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots drizzled in olive oil and seasoned with salt. Creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy wild rice also complement its sweetness perfectly, allowing guests’ taste buds to dance joyfully on their plates!

Conclusion for Orange & Clove Glazed Ham

Incorporating flavors from orange zest and aromatic spices elevates your Orange & Clove Glazed Ham from ordinary to extraordinary! Follow our tips on preparation techniques, customization options, and storage methods to ensure deliciousness every time you make this dish. Your family will thank you as they savor each succulent bite during special gatherings or cozy dinners at home!

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Orange & Clove Glazed Ham

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Orange & Clove Glazed Ham offers a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that transforms any gathering into a festive celebration. This show-stopping dish features juicy ham glazed to perfection with a caramelized coating, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Whether for special occasions like Thanksgiving or Christmas, or just a cozy dinner at home, this recipe guarantees a memorable feast that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

• Author: Cathy
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: Approximately 2 hours (for an average-sized ham)
• Total Time: 9 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 people 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
• 2 cups fresh orange juice (about 4 oranges)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tsp ground cloves
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil.
2. 2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Stir until bubbly and syrupy.
3. 3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in the roasting pan.
4. 4. Brush half the glaze generously over the ham.
5. 5. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour per 10 pounds until heated through. Remove foil for the last 30 minutes and brush with more glaze.
6. 6. Let the ham rest for at least 20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 oz (85g)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 15g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 14g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding spices such as nutmeg or ginger. For added flavor, place cloves and cinnamon sticks in the baking dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.