How to Cook Glazed Ham Recipe – The Best Crispy Crust!

The Best Glazed Ham Roast – A Perfect Holiday Meal

Welcome to the best glazed ham recipe with a glaze that caramelizes and creates a crispy exterior for any special occasion! Learn how to cook the best glazed ham recipe with crispy crust!

Whether you have a spiral ham, boneless ham, bone-in ham, fresh ham, or any other type of ham, this recipe will deliver the juiciest, most flavorful results. We will create a delicious brown sugar and maple syrup glaze that perfectly complements the ham’s natural flavors. Let’s get started with this step-by-step guide.

Ingredients

• 10-pound ham (boneless or bone-in, pre-cooked or uncooked)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup apple cider or orange juice
• Small saucepan
• Aluminum foil
• Meat thermometer
• *Optional Whole Cloves for Garnish
• *Optional 1 tablespoon fresh herbs (thyme is my favorite to add!)

How to Cook Glazed Ham Recipe

1. Preparing the Glaze
   • In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, maple syrup, and apple cider/orange juice.
   • Stir the mixture until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly.
   • Remove the glaze from heat and set it aside.
   • Optional add in 1 tablespoon fresh herbs.
   • Optional garnish with whole cloves by sticking the pointy end into the meat on top of the roast a few inches apart each.

The combination of 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of pure maple syrup, and 1/2 cup of apple cider or orange juice creates a balanced and flavorful glaze.

During the preparation of the glaze, you’ll bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. As you stir continuously, the brown sugar will dissolve, and the glaze will begin to thicken slightly. This process allows the glaze to become syrupy and stickier, making it easier to adhere to the ham.

Once the glaze has thickened slightly, you’ll remove it from the heat and pour half of it over the ham, ensuring the entire surface is coated. As the ham roasts in the oven and you baste it with the remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes, the glaze will caramelize and create a deliciously crispy exterior.

Prep the Ham

1. Preparing the Ham:
   • If you have a pre-cooked ham, proceed to step 3. If you have an uncooked ham, follow the instructions provided on the packaging to prepare it for cooking.
2. Creating the Diamond Pattern:
   • Place the ham in a shallow roasting pan with the fatty side facing up.
   • With a sharp knife, score the outer layer of the ham in a diamond pattern, making sure not to cut too deep into the meat.
3. Glazing the Ham:
   • Pour half of the glaze over the ham, making sure to brush it evenly to cover the entire surface.
   • Reserve the remaining glaze for later.

How to Cook Glazed Ham

1. How to Cook Glazed Ham:
   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
   • Cover the ham with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s tented but not tightly sealed.
   • Place the ham in the preheated oven and cook it according to the recommended time for a 10-pound ham (approximately 12-15 minutes per pound).
   • Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the thickest part of the ham. The safe internal temperature for fully cooked ham is 145°F (63°C).
2. Glazing during Cooking:
   • Every 10-15 minutes, baste the ham with the juices from the bottom of the pan and the remaining glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
3. Letting the Ham Rest:
   • Once the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven.
   • Allow the ham to rest for about 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Slicing and Serving:
   • Carve the ham into thin slices, cutting against the grain for the best flavor and tenderness.
   • Serve the glazed ham with your favorite side dishes for a delicious holiday meal.

Optional Cooking Methods

1. Slow Cooker Method:
   • If you prefer using a slow cooker, place the ham in the slow cooker and pour the glaze over it.
   • How to Cook Glazed Ham on low? 6-8 hours! Or on high for 3-4 hours until the ham is fully cooked.
2. Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker Method:
   • For a quicker cooking process, use the Instant Pot/Pressure Cooker.
   • Add 1 cup of water to the pot, place the ham on the trivet, and pour the glaze over it.
   • Cook on high pressure for 10-15 minutes per pound of ham, then perform a natural release.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully prepared the best glazed 10-pound ham roast for your special occasion. This cooking method ensures a juicy, flavorful, and tender ham that your guests will love. Enjoy your holiday meal with family and friends, and don’t forget to use a meat thermometer to ensure the ham is cooked to perfection. Happy cooking!

Choosing Your Ham

When preparing the best glazed ham roast, you have several options when it comes to selecting the type of ham. Each type of ham offers unique flavors and textures that can elevate your holiday meal.

1. A spiral ham is a popular choice for its convenience and attractive presentation. It is pre-sliced in a spiral pattern, making it easy to serve and glaze. The cuts allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, resulting in a flavorful and juicy ham.
2. Boneless ham is a ham roast that has had the bone removed, making it simpler to carve and perfect for those who prefer an easy-to-slice option. The absence of the bone also ensures even cooking throughout the ham.
3. Bone-In Ham: Bone-in ham offers a richer flavor due to the bone marrow imparting its essence during the cooking process. The bone helps retain moisture, resulting in a succulent and tender ham.
4. Fresh Ham: Fresh ham is an uncooked, uncured ham that resembles a pork roast. It is a great choice for those who want to experiment with their own glazes and flavors, as it allows for a more personalized touch to the dish.
5. Country Ham: Country ham is typically dry-cured and aged, offering a salty and intense flavor. It pairs well with sweet glazes like brown sugar and maple syrup, creating a delightful sweet-savory balance.
6. City Hams: City hams are usually wet-cured and may be labeled as “fully cooked” or “ready to eat.” They are often found in grocery stores and require reheating. City hams come in various cuts, including spiral-cut and boneless options.
7. Precooked Ham: Precooked hams are a convenient option, as they are already fully cooked and only need to be reheated. They are ideal for busy cooks or those preparing a ham for the first time.

How Long To Cook Glazed Ham

When cooking a glazed ham, the cooking time is a crucial factor to ensure that the ham is perfectly cooked and ready to be enjoyed. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of the ham you choose for your special occasion.

For instance, if you’re using a spiral ham, boneless ham, bone-in ham, or any other type of pre-cooked ham, the cooking time will be relatively shorter since they are already partially cooked. You’ll need to warm them up and apply the glaze to achieve that beautiful golden finish. Typically, for a 10-pound ham, the cooking time should be around 10-15 minutes per pound at a recommended oven temperature of 325°F (163°C).

Now, if you decide to go with a fresh ham or an uncooked ham, the cooking time will be a bit longer. A fresh ham requires thorough cooking to reach a safe internal temperature. For a 10-pound fresh ham, you might need to cook it for about 20 minutes per pound at the same oven temperature of 325°F (163°C).

Instant Read Thermometer

To make sure your ham is perfectly cooked and safe to eat, always use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the ham, making sure it does not touch the bone. How to cook glazed ham depends on which type you choose! For fully cooked hams, the safe internal temperature should be at least 145°F (63°C), while for fresh or uncooked hams, it should reach 160°F (71°C).

Whether you choose to use an Instant Pot, pressure cooker, or cook it in the oven, keep an eye on the cooking time and use the meat thermometer as your guide. You don’t want to overcook your ham and risk losing its juiciness and flavor.

Remember, every ham is different, so it’s best to rely on the meat thermometer to determine its doneness accurately. Once your ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and succulent ham.

So, whether you’re preparing this glazed ham for a holiday meal like Christmas dinner or any other special occasion this glazed ham will impress! 

Glazing Instructions

1. Preparation: Before you start glazing, ensure your ham is properly thawed if it’s frozen or at room temperature if it’s refrigerated. Pat the ham dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, allowing the glaze to adhere better.
2. Score the Ham: With a sharp knife, score the outer layer of the ham in a diamond pattern. This not only enhances the ham’s appearance but also helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat, creating layers of flavor.
3. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, maple syrup, and a splash of orange juice or apple cider. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring continuously until the brown sugar is completely dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly. This simple glaze is the key to achieving that irresistible sweet and savory balance.
4. Basting Time: Place the scored ham in a shallow roasting pan, fat side up. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, ensuring it coats the entire surface. Save the other half for later. The basting process is crucial for infusing the ham with flavor and creating that beautiful, crispy glaze.
5. Roasting the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil, ensuring it’s not tightly wrapped to allow the glaze to caramelize. How to cook glazed ham: For a 10-pound ham, roast it for approximately 10-15 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with the remaining glaze every 10-15 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.

Final Touches

1. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, remove the foil to allow the top of the ham to brown and develop that perfect crispy glaze. Keep a close eye on it to avoid over-browning.
2. Resting Period: Once the ham reaches the safe internal temperature (145°F or 63°C for fully cooked ham, 160°F or 71°C for fresh or uncooked ham), remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy and succulent ham.
3. Serve with creamy mased potatoes, a green goddess salad, loaded potato salad, old fashioned cranberry sauce, a green bean casserole, the best candied yams, soft sourdough rolls, maple roasted butternut squash or your favorite sides!

Glazed Ham Recipe Card