As the vibrant blooms of spring begin to unfold, I find myself eagerly anticipating the gatherings that often accompany this season. One dish that never fails to steal the spotlight at our Easter table is a deliciously unique Root Beer-Glazed Ham. The first time I made it, I was pleasantly surprised by how a can of root beer could transform a simple ham into a sweet and savory showstopper. The sticky glaze brings together layers of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes that not only tantalize the taste buds but also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Whether you’re hosting family or looking to impress a group of friends, this ham is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a perfect centerpiece for any special occasion. Imagine carving into a perfectly glazed ham, revealing moist, tender slices that evoke memories of holiday feasts. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that creates laughter and joy around the table. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s sure to brighten your Easter celebration!
Why is Root Beer-Glazed Ham a Must-Try?
Unforgettable Flavor: The unique blend of root beer and plum jelly creates a sticky glaze that’s sweet, tangy, and simply addictive.
Effortless Preparation: Even novice cooks will shine, as this recipe requires minimal steps and ingredients, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.
Versatile Pairings: Perfectly complements traditional sides like scalloped potatoes and roasted vegetables, making your Easter feast a crowd-pleaser.
Leftover Magic: Any extra ham can be easily stored and transformed into delightful sandwiches or casseroles, maximizing your culinary efforts.
Impressive Presentation: That shiny, caramelized crust will have your guests raving long after the meal is over, making it a centerpiece worth showing off!
Elevate your cooking repertoire today and easily create this standout dish using these easy make-ahead tips.
Root Beer-Glazed Ham Ingredients
For the Ham
• Fully cooked bone-in half ham (10 to 12 pounds) – The main star of this dish, ensuring tenderness and flavor.
For the Glaze
• 12-ounce can root beer – Adds sweetness and depth to the glaze; feel free to substitute with cola for a different twist.
• 1 1/2 cups plum jelly – Provides texture and sweetness that binds the glaze; switch it out with apricot or cherry jelly if desired.
• 1/2 cup spicy brown mustard – Adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness; Dijon mustard is a great alternative for a milder flavor.
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar – Cuts through the richness, delivering acidity; white wine vinegar works in a pinch.
Get ready to create an unforgettable Root Beer-Glazed Ham that will be the highlight of your Easter dinner!
How to Make Root Beer-Glazed Ham
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Preheat your oven to the temperature specified for your ham. This ensures even cooking and a beautifully glazed exterior as it bakes to perfection.
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Score the ham by placing it in a roasting pan and making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the surface. This helps the glaze seep in, enhancing the flavor.
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Combine root beer, plum jelly, spicy brown mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Heat gently over low heat until mixed, creating a luscious glaze.
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Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get into the score marks for maximum flavor infusion. This will create that irresistible sticky finish.
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Roast the ham according to package instructions, basting with extra glaze every 30 minutes. This will help achieve a shiny, caramelized crust that everyone will love.
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Finish roasting until the ham is heated through and caramelized, typically about 2-3 hours. A beautiful brown color will indicate it’s just right.
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Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
Optional: Serve with a sprinkling of fresh herbs for a touch of color and extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Root Beer-Glazed Ham Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine as you personalize this delightful dish that tantalizes the senses!
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Cola Swap: Substitute root beer for cola for a slightly different flavor, perfect if you prefer a classic soda touch.
Make it your own—both options are sweet in their own right! -
Fruit Preserve Twist: Use apricot or cherry jelly instead of plum jelly for a fruity alternative that brings a new layer of flavor.
You’ll find the sweet-tanginess of these preserves elevates the dish wonderfully! -
Spicy Upgrade: Kick things up a notch with a splash of hot sauce mixed into the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.
This twist adds complexity, perfect for those who enjoy a little heat! -
Maple-Glazed Ham: Swap half of the plum jelly for maple syrup for a sweet, rich flavor that adds depth to the glaze.
The maple brings a comforting warmth that’s sure to please everyone at the table! -
Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a refreshing burst of citrus that brightens the dish.
This adds a lovely aromatic touch that enhances the overall flavor profile beautifully! -
Herb-Infused Glaze: Stir in fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into your glaze for an earthy fragrance and subtle flavor nuances.
This will make your ham smell divine and delight adventurous eaters! -
Ginger Kick: Incorporate freshly grated ginger into the glaze mixture to provide a warm spiciness that pairs perfectly with ham.
This unique flavor twist will truly make your dish stand out, offering an unexpected zing! -
Dijon Mustard Swap: For a milder taste, substitute spicy brown mustard with Dijon mustard, making a creamier, more refined glaze.
This is fantastic for those who prefer a less intense mustard flavor but still want the zing!
Get ready to impress your guests with these fun and delicious variations on your root beer-glazed ham!
Expert Tips for Root Beer-Glazed Ham
Basting is Key: Regularly baste your ham with the glaze every 30 minutes to achieve that gorgeous sticky finish.
Use a Thermometer: Make sure to use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F for safe consumption.
Avoid Overbaking: Keep an eye on the cooking time as overbaking can dry out the ham. Aim for that sweet spot of 2-3 hours.
Prep Ahead: You can prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate it, saving time on the big day and enhancing the flavors.
Let it Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain moisture, ensuring each slice is succulent.
Experiment with Glaze: Feel free to play with different fruits for your glaze, like apricot or cherry, to create your own unique twist on Root Beer-Glazed Ham.
How to Store and Freeze Root Beer-Glazed Ham
Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Ensuring it’s well wrapped helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, slice the ham and freeze it in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. This makes it easy to enjoy portions later!
Reheating: To reheat, place slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 20-30 minutes, drizzling some leftover glaze for added flavor.
Room Temperature: Avoid leaving leftover ham out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent foodborne illnesses.
What to Serve with Root Beer-Glazed Ham?
Creating a delightful meal truly comes to life when paired with the right sides and drinks. The rich flavors of ham deserve to dance with the perfect companions!
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Creamy Scalloped Potatoes: The velvety texture and rich, cheesy flavor beautifully balance the tangy sweetness of the ham. A match made in potato heaven!
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Roasted Vegetables: A colorful medley of carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes adds freshness and a caramelized crunch to your plate. Their earthy flavors perfectly complement the glaze.
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Garlic Green Beans: Tender green beans sautéed with garlic provide a crisp contrast, adding a pop of color and lightness to your meal, breaking through the richness of the ham.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: The slight sweetness of glazed carrots echoes the flavors of the ham, making them a comforting side. Plus, their vibrant color will brighten your Easter spread!
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Fresh Dinner Rolls: Soft, fluffy rolls are perfect for soaking up the sticky glaze; they act as little edible sponges, delivering more flavor with each bite.
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Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of tart cranberry sauce cuts through the sweetness of the glaze, introducing a refreshing zing that enhances each savory bite.
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Sparkling Cider: A glass of bubbly sparkling cider brings a festive touch, enhancing the meal’s celebratory nature while beautifully complementing the ham’s unique flavors.
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Lemon Tart: To cleanse the palate, a tangy lemon tart adds a refreshing finish to your meal. Its brightness contrasts wonderfully with the rich ham, leaving everyone satisfied.
Embrace these pairings to create a memorable feast that will have your family and friends reminiscing long after the last bite!
Make Ahead Options
These Root Beer-Glazed Ham preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the glaze by combining the root beer, plum jelly, spicy brown mustard, and apple cider vinegar up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its sweet and tangy flavor. Additionally, you can score the ham and brush it with the glaze up to 24 hours before roasting. Just remember to cover it tightly to prevent drying out. When it’s time to cook, simply roast the ham according to your package instructions, basting with glaze every 30 minutes for a sticky, caramelized finish. Enjoy the ease of meal prep without sacrificing deliciousness!
Root Beer-Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
What kind of ham should I use for Root Beer-Glazed Ham?
Absolutely, using a fully cooked bone-in half ham that weighs between 10 to 12 pounds is ideal. This type of ham ensures fantastic tenderness and flavor. Look for hams that have a nice marbling and a beautiful glaze already, which can enhance your dish. My favorite is one with a reddish hue, promising a juicy outcome.
How should I store leftover Root Beer-Glazed Ham?
Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. It’s important to wrap it well to lock in moisture and flavor. When I store ham, I often separate it into slices to make reheating easier. Just remember to let it cool completely before refrigerating.
Can I freeze Root Beer-Glazed Ham?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, slice the ham and place it in freezer-safe bags, pressing out excess air. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and then reheat. To reheat, place the slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in the oven at 325°F for about 20-30 minutes, drizzling some leftover glaze over the top for extra flavor.
What should I do if my glaze isn’t thickening?
If you find that your glaze isn’t thickening as expected, try simmering it on low heat a bit longer. You can also sprinkle in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water, stirring until well combined. This should help achieve that luscious, sticky consistency! Just ensure you’re patient and stir it occasionally; it’ll come together beautifully.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
While Root Beer-Glazed Ham is mostly meat-based and not suitable for vegetarians, it can fit different dietary needs. Just be cautious about allergies, particularly to mustard or certain jellies. For those watching their sodium, consider using low-sodium ham and adjusting the mustard and vinegar quantities to meet your health preferences. Always check labels carefully!
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Very much so! You can prepare the glaze a day or two in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. This not only saves time on cooking day but also enhances the flavors! Simply reheat the glaze on low before brushing it onto your ham, and you’ll be all set for your delightful Easter feast!
Root Beer-Glazed Ham: Elevate Your Easter Feast Today
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to the temperature specified for your ham.
- Score the ham by placing it in a roasting pan and making shallow cuts in a diamond pattern.
- Combine root beer, plum jelly, spicy brown mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan. Heat gently until mixed.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring to get into the score marks.
- Roast the ham according to package instructions, basting with extra glaze every 30 minutes.
- Finish roasting until the ham is heated through and caramelized, typically about 2-3 hours.
- Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.