There’s something truly special about the rich, caramelized glaze of this Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham. The balance of sweet peaches, warm honey, and zesty ginger creates an irresistible flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the smoky, slow-roasted ham. Each bite is juicy, tender, and packed with a perfect mix of sweet and savory goodness.
Perfect for holiday gatherings, family dinners, or even meal prep for the week, this glazed ham is a simple yet elegant dish that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or even a fresh salad for a meal that’s both comforting and unforgettable.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham
- 1 cup peach preserves
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a roasting pan with foil and place a rack inside.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1/4-inch deep.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine peach preserves, honey, Dijon mustard, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, cinnamon, cloves, and cayenne pepper. Stir well and let simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
- Place the ham on the prepared roasting rack. Brush generously with half of the glaze.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Remove foil, baste with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the ham is caramelized and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings
When it comes to show-stopping meals for special occasions, few dishes can rival the beauty, flavor, and aroma of Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham. This dish embodies the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spiced flavors, making it an absolute favorite for family gatherings, holiday feasts, or even a cozy weekend dinner.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about this dish: its background, key ingredients, cooking techniques, benefits, serving suggestions, and why this particular recipe stands out as the best way to prepare a glazed ham.
The History and Significance of Glazed Ham
Ham has long been a staple of festive meals, dating back to ancient times when it was a prized meat for celebrations. The tradition of glazing ham with sweet ingredients is believed to have originated in Europe, where honey and fruit preserves were used to enhance the natural richness of the meat.
In the U.S., glazed ham gained widespread popularity as a centerpiece for Christmas and Easter dinners. Over time, creative variations of the dish emerged, incorporating ingredients like brown sugar, mustard, maple syrup, and fruit-based glazes.
This Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham offers a modern and flavorful twist on the classic, blending the natural sweetness of ripe peaches with the warmth of ginger and the rich depth of honey. The result is a dish that’s both traditional and innovative—perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to an unforgettable meal.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
1. Perfect Sweet and Savory Balance
This recipe expertly combines honey, peach preserves, and warm spices to create a glaze that beautifully caramelizes over the ham. The natural sweetness of honey and peaches pairs perfectly with the salty, smoky flavor of the ham, resulting in a mouthwatering contrast.
2. The Bold Kick of Ginger
Unlike traditional ham glazes that rely only on sugar-based ingredients, this recipe incorporates fresh grated ginger. The ginger adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor, making the dish more complex and exciting. It also helps cut through the sweetness, preventing the dish from being overly sugary.
3. A Beautiful Caramelized Crust
Baking the ham with a rich, sticky glaze allows it to form a gorgeous caramelized crust. This not only enhances the taste but also adds an irresistible texture that complements the juicy, tender meat.
4. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor
Despite its gourmet taste, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple basting process, you can achieve restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
5. Aromatic and Flavorful
As the ham bakes, the combination of honey, peach, and spices releases an incredible aroma that fills the kitchen. The scent alone is enough to make mouths water, setting the stage for an amazing dining experience.
The Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
This dish is made with simple yet powerful ingredients that work together to enhance the flavor of the ham. Here’s what makes each component essential:
- Ham: The star of the dish, ham is a great source of protein and essential vitamins like B12 and zinc. Opt for a bone-in ham for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
- Peach Preserves: Adds natural sweetness and fruitiness to the glaze, complementing the ham’s saltiness. Peaches are also rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that helps create a beautiful caramelization while adding floral notes to the glaze. It also has antimicrobial properties and is a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
- Ginger: Provides warmth, depth, and a subtle spice to the dish. Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness, preventing the glaze from becoming overly rich. Mustard also enhances the umami flavors of the ham.
- Soy Sauce: Introduces a savory, umami depth that balances out the glaze’s sweetness.
- Cinnamon and Cloves: Warm spices that complement the peach and ginger, adding aromatic complexity to the dish.
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): If you love a touch of heat, a small amount of cayenne can elevate the flavors and create a sweet-spicy balance.
Cooking Tips for the Best Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham
1. Choose the Right Ham
For the juiciest results, opt for a bone-in, spiral-cut ham. The bone helps retain moisture, while the pre-cut slices allow the glaze to seep deep into the meat for extra flavor.
2. Score the Ham for Maximum Flavor
Before applying the glaze, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
3. Apply the Glaze in Layers
For the best caramelization, apply half of the glaze before baking and the remaining glaze towards the end of cooking. This prevents the sugars from burning while allowing a sticky, golden-brown crust to form.
4. Use Foil to Prevent Drying Out
Cover the ham loosely with foil during the initial bake to prevent it from drying out. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to let the glaze fully caramelize.
5. Let the Ham Rest Before Slicing
Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Best Ways to Serve This Dish
This Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to complete your meal:
Creamy Mashed Potatoes – The smooth, buttery texture of mashed potatoes is the perfect contrast to the ham’s bold flavors.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – The slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts balances out the sweetness of the glaze.
Maple Glazed Sweet Potatoes – Enhance the natural sweetness of the ham with another comforting side.
Cranberry and Spinach Salad – A fresh, tart salad can lighten up the meal and add a refreshing contrast.
Garlic Butter Dinner Rolls – Perfect for soaking up any extra glaze on your plate!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Easter, Christmas, or just a weekend family dinner, this ham is always a crowd-pleaser.
✔️ Great for Leftovers – Use any extra ham for sandwiches, omelets, soups, or salads throughout the week.
✔️ Aromatic and Flavorful – The combination of peaches, honey, and ginger creates an unforgettable depth of flavor.
✔️ Easy to Make – Requires minimal ingredients and effort but delivers restaurant-quality results.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a delicious, impressive, and easy-to-make main dish, this Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham is a must-try. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spiced flavors, this dish is guaranteed to be the highlight of any meal.
Make this ham for your next gathering and watch as your guests rave about its rich caramelization, juicy tenderness, and irresistible taste. Whether you’re serving it for the holidays or just because, this ham is bound to become one of your favorite go-to recipes!
Conclusion
This Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The harmonious blend of sweet peaches, rich honey, and warm ginger creates a glaze that enhances the natural smokiness of the ham, delivering an unforgettable depth of flavor. Whether you’re preparing this for a holiday gathering, a family dinner, or simply to elevate your weeknight meals, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.
With its golden caramelized crust, juicy interior, and bold yet balanced flavors, this ham is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to prepare, pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, and offers amazing leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and more.
If you’re looking for a versatile, foolproof, and delicious centerpiece for your next meal, this Peach and Ginger Glazed Honey Ham is the perfect choice. Give it a try and bring the warmth of homemade comfort to your table! 🍽️✨