Elevate Your Easter Feast: Strawberry Glazed Ham Recipe
Looking to add a touch of sweetness and a burst of color to your Easter table? Our strawberry glazed ham recipe is here to make your holiday celebration a showstopper. This delightful dish combines the savory goodness of ham with a tangy, fruity glaze that's sure to impress your guests. Let's dive into the recipe and explore some tips to make your ham the star of the show.
Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavors
Before we begin, gather your ingredients. You'll need:
- 1 bone-in ham (about 10-12 lbs)
- 1 cup strawberry jam
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Whole cloves (optional, for garnish)
- Fresh strawberries and herbs (for garnish)
Preparation: The Art of Brining
To ensure a moist and flavorful ham, we recommend brining it overnight. Here's how:
- In a large container or brining bag, combine 1/2 cup kosher salt, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 gallon of cold water. Stir until the salt and sugar are dissolved.
- Submerge the ham in the brine, ensuring it's completely covered. If needed, weigh it down with a plate or another heavy object.
- Refrigerate the ham for at least 8 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- After brining, remove the ham from the liquid, pat it dry with paper towels, and discard the brine.
Creating the Glaze: A Sweet and Tangy Blend
While the ham is brining, prepare the strawberry glaze. In a saucepan, combine strawberry jam, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
Baking the Ham: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now it's time to bake your ham to perfection. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, fat side up. Score the fat in a diamond pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat. Stud the center of each diamond with a whole clove (optional).
Brush a generous layer of the strawberry glaze over the ham, ensuring it's evenly coated. Reserve the remaining glaze for later. Cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
After 1 hour and 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Uncover the ham and brush it with another layer of the reserved glaze. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
Serving: A Feast for the Eyes and Taste Buds
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Garnish the ham with fresh strawberries and herbs for a pop of color. Serve the remaining glaze on the side for those who want an extra tangy kick.
This strawberry glazed ham recipe is sure to become a beloved Easter tradition in your household. The combination of the salty, savory ham and the sweet, tangy glaze creates a harmonious balance that's impossible to resist. Happy Easter, and bon appétit!
