This Easter Ham with Lemon-Honey Glaze is a perfect centerpiece for holiday feasts or special occasions. The combination of honey, fresh lemon, and warm spices creates a beautifully caramelized crust with a balance of sweetness and tang. It’s easy to prepare and delivers a rich, savory flavor that will impress your guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a roasting pan with foil and place a rack inside.
Prepare the ham: Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Place it on the roasting rack, cut-side down.
Make the glaze: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
Bake the ham: Brush a layer of glaze over the ham and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting every 20-30 minutes with additional glaze.
Caramelize the glaze: For a deeper caramelization, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (204°C) during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Rest and serve: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrients (Per Serving)

Calories: ~320
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 16g
Sodium: 1200mg
Sugar: 13g

The Perfect Holiday Centerpiece

A beautifully glazed ham is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The golden-brown, caramelized crust of this Easter ham adds a sophisticated touch to your holiday spread, making it the ultimate showstopper. The glaze not only enhances the ham’s flavor but also locks in moisture, ensuring a tender and juicy bite every time. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or preparing a special meal for close family, this ham will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

The Magic of Lemon and Honey

The key to this recipe’s distinctive taste is its lemon-honey glaze. Honey provides natural sweetness and a glossy finish, while fresh lemon juice and zest cut through the richness of the ham with a bright, citrusy tang. The addition of Dijon mustard adds depth and a subtle sharpness, complementing the sweetness of the honey. Meanwhile, warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper create an aromatic complexity that elevates the entire dish.

This glaze not only adds a delicious contrast of flavors but also caramelizes beautifully in the oven, giving the ham a deep golden hue and a slightly crisp texture. Every bite is infused with layers of sweet, tangy, and spiced notes, making it a truly unforgettable dish.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

There are countless ways to prepare a holiday ham, but this Easter Ham with Lemon-Honey Glaze stands out for several reasons:

Simple yet elegant – The recipe requires minimal effort but delivers a gourmet-quality result.
Balanced flavors – The combination of honey, lemon, and spices ensures that no single flavor overpowers the dish.
Versatile – While perfect for Easter, this ham is also great for other special occasions such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, or Sunday dinners.
Feeds a crowd – A bone-in ham is not only flavorful but also large enough to serve multiple guests, making it ideal for gatherings.

Cooking Tips for the Best Glazed Ham

To ensure your ham turns out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:

Choose the right ham – A bone-in, fully cooked ham is the best option for this recipe, as the bone helps retain moisture and enhances flavor.
Score the surface – Cutting a diamond pattern into the ham’s exterior allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, infusing every slice with flavor.
Baste frequently – Regularly brushing the ham with glaze ensures a rich caramelization and prevents dryness.
Increase the oven temperature at the end – A final blast of high heat helps develop a beautifully golden, slightly crisp crust.
Let it rest – Allowing the ham to rest before slicing ensures that the juices redistribute evenly, resulting in a moist and tender texture.

Pairing Suggestions

This Easter Ham with Lemon-Honey Glaze pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes that complement its flavors:

Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus roasted with olive oil and garlic add a fresh, earthy balance to the sweet and savory ham.
Mashed Potatoes – Creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting contrast to the bright flavors of the glaze.
Scalloped Potatoes – A cheesy, creamy side dish that pairs beautifully with the ham’s caramelized crust.
Honey-Glazed Carrots – The natural sweetness of carrots enhances the honey glaze in the ham.
Spring Salad – A light, citrusy salad with fresh greens, nuts, and feta cheese offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the ham.
Dinner Rolls – Soft, buttery rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.

Leftover Ideas: Making the Most of Your Easter Ham

One of the best parts about cooking a large ham is the delicious leftovers. Here are some creative ways to use up any remaining ham:

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches – Layer sliced ham with cheese and mustard on fresh bread for a quick and tasty meal.
Ham and Egg Breakfast Scramble – Dice the ham and mix it with scrambled eggs, cheese, and veggies for a hearty breakfast.
Ham and Potato Soup – Use ham leftovers to add depth and richness to a comforting bowl of potato soup.
Ham and Pasta Bake – Combine chopped ham with pasta, cheese, and a creamy sauce for an easy casserole.
Ham Fried Rice – Stir-fry diced ham with rice, eggs, and vegetables for a quick and flavorful dish.

Nutritional Benefits of Ham

While ham is often enjoyed as a holiday indulgence, it also offers several nutritional benefits:

High in Protein – Ham is an excellent source of protein, which helps build and repair muscles.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals – It provides essential nutrients like B vitamins (especially B6 and B12), zinc, and iron, which support energy production and immune function.
Moderate in Healthy Fats – While ham contains fat, it can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

However, it’s important to note that ham can be high in sodium, so pairing it with fresh vegetables and whole grains can help balance the meal.

Conclusion: A Must-Try Easter Recipe

This Easter Ham with Lemon-Honey Glaze is the ultimate holiday dish, offering an irresistible combination of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The honey and lemon glaze creates a beautifully caramelized crust that enhances the ham’s natural richness, making it a stunning centerpiece for any Easter celebration.

With its simple preparation, impressive presentation, and delicious taste, this ham is sure to become a family favorite. Whether served with classic sides or reinvented as leftovers, it provides a satisfying and memorable meal that brings people together. So, this Easter, treat your guests to a ham that is as delightful to eat as it is to look at!

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