Orange Glazed Ham : A Sweet and Savory Delight

There’s something undeniably special about a beautifully glazed ham gracing the dinner table. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a Sunday family meal, or a special occasion, the combination of juicy, tender ham and a rich, citrusy glaze creates a show-stopping centerpiece. If you’ve never made an orange glazed ham before, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through every step, ensuring that your ham turns out perfectly caramelized, juicy, and bursting with flavor.

Why Orange Glazed Ham?

Ham is already a delicious, flavorful cut of meat, but adding a glaze takes it to the next level. An orange glaze brings a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, complementing the natural saltiness of the ham. The citrusy notes add brightness, while ingredients like brown sugar, honey, and cloves enhance the richness of the meat.

This glaze isn’t just about flavor—it also creates a gorgeous, glossy finish that makes your ham look as good as it tastes. Plus, it fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma, making it nearly impossible to wait until dinnertime.

Choosing the Right Ham

Before we dive into the recipe, it’s important to select the right ham. There are a few options available, so knowing what works best can make all the difference.

• Bone-In vs. Boneless – A bone-in ham retains more moisture and flavor during baking. It’s also excellent for making soups or broths afterward. Boneless hams are easier to carve but can be slightly less juicy.
• Whole vs. Half Ham – A whole ham is great for large gatherings, while a half ham is more manageable for smaller families.
• Spiral-Cut vs. Uncut – Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced for easy serving, but they can dry out faster if overcooked. Uncut hams require more effort to carve but hold their juices better.
• Smoked vs. Unsmoked – Smoked hams add a depth of flavor, while unsmoked hams allow the glaze to shine more prominently.

For this recipe, a bone-in, spiral-cut ham is a great choice because it allows the glaze to seep into the slices while still maintaining moisture.

Ingredients for Orange Glazed Ham

For the ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground cloves
• ½ tsp ground ginger
• Zest of one orange
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• Whole cloves (optional, for garnish)

How to Make Orange Glazed Ham

1. Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). While the oven heats, place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. If your ham is not pre-sliced, use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern—this helps the glaze penetrate deeper and creates a stunning caramelized finish.

2. Make the Orange Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the orange juice, brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ground cloves, ginger, and orange zest. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in the butter until smooth and glossy.

3. Glazing and Baking

Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with additional glaze every 20-30 minutes.

4. Caramelize the Glaze

For the last 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush on more glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) to help the glaze caramelize. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

5. Rest and Serve

Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist, flavorful bite.

Serving Suggestions

An orange glazed ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy, buttery potatoes complement the sweet and savory ham.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the glaze.
• Glazed Carrots – A naturally sweet side that enhances the citrusy flavors.
• Buttery Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up the extra glaze.
• Cranberry Sauce – A tangy contrast to the rich ham.

Storage and Leftover Ideas

Ham leftovers are a gift that keeps on giving. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze ham slices for up to two months.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover Ham:

• Ham and Cheese Omelet – A delicious breakfast option.
• Split Pea Soup – Use the ham bone for incredible depth of flavor.
• Ham and Swiss Sandwiches – Perfect for a quick lunch.
• Ham Fried Rice – A great way to reinvent leftovers with minimal effort.

FAQs About Orange Glazed Ham

1. Can I make this glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat it before using.

2. What if I don’t have fresh oranges?

Bottled orange juice works, but fresh juice provides a more vibrant flavor. If you’re out of oranges, you can substitute with pineapple juice for a slightly different but equally delicious glaze.

3. Can I use this glaze on a boneless ham?

Absolutely! The cooking time may vary slightly, but the glaze works just as well on boneless hams.

4. How do I prevent my ham from drying out?

Basting regularly and covering the ham with foil for most of the baking time helps retain moisture. Choosing a bone-in ham also improves juiciness.

5. Can I cook this ham in a slow cooker?

Yes! Place the ham in a slow cooker, pour the glaze over it, and cook on low for 4-6 hours, basting occasionally. Then, transfer it to the oven for 10-15 minutes to caramelize the glaze.

Final Thoughts

An orange glazed ham is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors makes it a standout dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a big gathering or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe guarantees a ham that’s tender, flavorful, and irresistible.

Try it out for your next special dinner, and don’t forget to save some for leftovers—you won’t regret it!

Mason Williams

A seasoned chef with over 10 years of experience in New York. I passionately share my journey and healthy, flavorful recipes online.