Baked Ham Recipe with Apricot Glaze

This Baked Ham with Apricot Glaze recipe is a crowd-pleasing, show-stopping dish perfect for holiday dinners, family gatherings, and special occasions. Made with a tender, spiral-cut bone-in ham, this easy recipe features a sweet and savory glaze made from apricot preserves, honey, Dijon mustard, and brown sugar. The combination of these ingredients creates a caramelized crust, while keeping the ham juicy and flavorful. With a simple cooking technique and quick glaze preparation, this Baked Ham is ideal for both beginner and experienced cooks alike.

Ingredients:

• 11.5 lb fully cooked bone-in ham, spiral cut (10-15 lb ham)
• 1/2 cup apricot preserves
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ham: Allow the ham to sit at room temperature for about 2 hours (or 1 hour for a smaller 6-7 lb ham) before roasting. Preheat your oven to 325°F, placing the oven rack in the lower third. Remove the ham from its packaging and set it aside.
2. Make the Glaze: While the ham is coming to room temperature, combine apricot preserves, honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and butter in a small saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring constantly, until it simmers and thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Remove from heat—the glaze should have a smooth, runny consistency, similar to loose honey.
3. First Glaze: Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup. Place the ham, cut-side down, in the pan. Brush 1/3 of the glaze over the ham and cover tightly with foil. Bake at 325°F for 10-11 minutes per pound (about 2 hours for an 11.5 lb ham). Since the ham is already fully cooked, you’re just reheating it to 110°F. Use an internal thermometer to check the temperature.
4. Second Glaze: Increase the oven temperature to 425°F. Remove the ham from the oven and brush with another 1/3 of the glaze. Return it to the oven and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes.
5. Third Glaze: Remove the ham from the oven once more, brush with the final 1/3 of the glaze, and return it to the oven for another 10 minutes until a caramelized crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. Keep in mind that the temperature will rise another 5-10°F once you remove the ham from the oven, reaching the recommended 140°F.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. Strain the pan juices through a sieve and skim off any fat that rises to the top. Spoon the flavorful pan juices over the sliced ham for extra flavor.

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Tips

• Be sure to let the ham come to room temperature before baking to ensure even heating throughout.
• If you’re using a different ham size, adjust the cooking time accordingly. It’s about 10-11 minutes per pound at 325°F.
• Keep an eye on the glaze while it simmers to prevent burning. Stir regularly for a smooth texture.

Variations and Substitutions

• Glaze: You can substitute apricot preserves with peach or orange marmalade for a different twist.
• Mustard: Dijon mustard adds tang, but you can use whole-grain mustard or honey mustard for a milder flavor.
• Add Spice: For a kick, try adding a pinch of ground cloves or cinnamon to the glaze for extra depth of flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this ham ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the ham and glaze up to a day ahead of time. Just reheat the ham in the oven at 325°F before serving.

How do I store leftover baked ham?
Wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2-3 months.

What’s the best way to reheat baked ham?
Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil to keep it moist. You can also microwave individual slices.

Serving Suggestions

This baked ham is perfect for a holiday dinner or special occasion. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. Pair it with your favorite side dishes for a well-rounded meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Baked Ham with Apricot Glaze is the ideal dish for a crowd-pleasing centerpiece. The combination of sweet and savory flavors from the glaze makes each bite irresistible, while the tender, juicy ham is sure to satisfy. It’s simple to make yet looks impressive on the table, perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or any special event.