This Southern Honey Glazed Ham is a succulent and flavorful centerpiece, perfect for holiday feasts or special gatherings. Slow-roasted to perfection and finished with a sweet and smoky glaze, it’s sure to impress your guests.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

1 (8-pound) bone-in shank ham
4 cups water, or as needed
½ cup honey
½ cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons liquid smoke flavoring
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch ground cloves

Directions

Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
Place the ham in a roasting pan and pour in water to a depth of 2 inches. Cover with a tight-fitting lid.
Bake for 6 to 8 hours in the preheated oven.
Remove the ham from the oven and pour off the drippings, reserving them.
Skim the fat from the top of the drippings and discard the fat.
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of the reserved drippings with honey, brown sugar, liquid smoke, Worcestershire sauce, and ground cloves.
Pour this glaze over the ham, cover, and return to the oven.
Bake for an additional 30 to 60 minutes.
Let the ham stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrients

Per Serving (8 oz, precooked):

Calories: 67
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 5mg
Sodium: 110mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 15g
Protein: 2g

A Glimpse into the History of Honey Glazed Ham

The tradition of glazing ham dates back to ancient times. Ham, a cured and preserved meat, was a popular choice for both everyday meals and festive gatherings. The practice of glazing ham is believed to have evolved in the Southern United States, where ham was a common part of holiday meals. The honey glaze, in particular, was used to enhance the natural sweetness of the pork, adding a rich depth of flavor that complemented the savory characteristics of the meat.

Honey itself has been used as a sweetener in food for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians and Greeks, used honey in a variety of dishes, including meats. Over time, honey found its way into the culinary traditions of the American South, becoming a key ingredient in many dishes, particularly when paired with pork. This combination of honey, brown sugar, and savory elements like liquid smoke and Worcestershire sauce creates the signature glaze that elevates ham to new heights.

The Significance of Ham in Southern Cooking

In Southern cuisine, ham is more than just a piece of meat – it’s a symbol of tradition, family, and hospitality. Ham is often served at large family gatherings, especially during the holiday season. The slow-roasting process, which allows the ham to absorb the flavors of the glaze, is a hallmark of Southern cooking. This method ensures the ham remains moist and tender, even during long cooking times.

The versatility of ham makes it a great option for a wide range of dishes. It can be served as a standalone entrée or used in sandwiches, salads, and soups. However, the Southern Honey Glazed Ham stands out because of its sweet and savory profile that balances the saltiness of the ham with the rich, sugary glaze.

Why Choose Southern Honey Glazed Ham for Your Next Celebration

Southern Honey Glazed Ham is the ideal choice for any festive occasion or family gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or a special weekend meal, this dish can be the star of the show. There are several reasons why Southern Honey Glazed Ham should be at the top of your menu:

Flavorful and Tender: The long cooking process ensures that the ham becomes incredibly tender while absorbing the full depth of the glaze. The honey and brown sugar glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness, while the savory elements like Worcestershire sauce give the dish a well-rounded, complex flavor profile.
A Showstopper Dish: The visual appeal of a glazed ham cannot be understated. The shiny, caramelized glaze that coats the ham’s surface makes it an attractive centerpiece at any gathering. Its appearance alone is enough to make your guests excited for the meal ahead.
Easy to Prepare: Although this dish may sound complex, it’s actually quite simple to make. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, as the ham bakes slowly in the oven, allowing you to focus on other aspects of the meal. The glaze is easy to prepare, and the results are always impressive.
Perfect for Leftovers: The beauty of Southern Honey Glazed Ham is that it makes fantastic leftovers. After the holiday meal, you can use the leftover ham in sandwiches, omelets, soups, and more. It’s a versatile ingredient that ensures you can make the most out of your dish.
A Flavor Profile That Pleases All Ages: From young children to older adults, the combination of sweet and savory flavors in Southern Honey Glazed Ham is universally loved. The sweetness of the honey glaze makes it approachable for kids, while the complexity of the flavors appeals to adults.

Making the Perfect Honey Glaze for Ham

While the ham itself is an essential component of this dish, the glaze plays a pivotal role in determining the final taste. The perfect honey glaze is a balance of sweetness, acidity, and a touch of smokiness. The base of the glaze consists of honey, brown sugar, and Worcestershire sauce, with liquid smoke and ground cloves adding depth and warmth.

When making the glaze, it’s important to ensure that the sugar dissolves fully and the ingredients combine smoothly. You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the ham without being overly sticky or gooey. The key is to create a glaze that will caramelize as it bakes, forming a glossy, golden-brown coating that adds both flavor and visual appeal.

Another important consideration is the cooking process. The ham should be basted with the glaze multiple times during the final stages of baking. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and caramelize evenly, creating that signature shiny finish.

Variations of Southern Honey Glazed Ham

While the traditional Southern Honey Glazed Ham recipe is widely loved, there are several variations that can be made to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. Below are some popular variations of the dish:

Spicy Honey Glazed Ham: If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the glaze. This spicy variation adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.
Maple Glazed Ham: For a slightly different flavor, you can substitute maple syrup for the honey. This variation imparts a distinct maple flavor, making it a great option for those who want something a bit different from the traditional honey glaze.
Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham: Adding pineapple to the glaze is a popular twist that introduces a fruity element. Pineapple’s natural sweetness and acidity work well with the honey and brown sugar, creating a tangy yet sweet glaze.
Mustard and Honey Glazed Ham: For a tangy, more complex glaze, you can incorporate Dijon mustard into the mixture. The mustard’s acidity helps cut through the sweetness, creating a more balanced flavor profile.
Brown Sugar and Bourbon Glazed Ham: For those who enjoy rich, deep flavors, adding bourbon to the glaze provides an extra layer of complexity. The bourbon gives the glaze a smoky, caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory ham.

Serving Southern Honey Glazed Ham

Southern Honey Glazed Ham is typically served as the centerpiece of a meal, with a variety of sides to complement its rich flavor. Some classic side dishes that pair well with this ham include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, cornbread, and collard greens. The combination of the sweet, savory ham with the richness of these sides makes for a well-rounded meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Conclusion

Southern Honey Glazed Ham is more than just a delicious dish; it’s a tradition that brings people together. Its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, along with its tender texture, makes it a beloved centerpiece for any festive meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a holiday gathering or simply to treat your family to something special, Southern Honey Glazed Ham is sure to impress.

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