festive ham with orange-clove glaze

Christmas ham

festive ham with orange clove glaze

By:

Savory Touch

Published:

27 May 2025
festive ham with orange-clove glaze
This holiday season, skip the same-old dinner routine and bring a burst of citrusy sunshine to your table with this spectacular Festive Ham with Orange-Clove Glaze. Forget dry, boring ham; this recipe delivers a moist, flavorful, and visually stunning centerpiece that's sure to impress your family and friends. It's simpler than you might think, and the aroma alone is worth the effort. One Christmas a few years ago, I made this ham, and the family just loved it. Even my picky aunt asked for the recipe!
whole baked ham with orange slices and cloves
The key to this recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors. The orange-clove glaze infuses the ham with a warm, festive essence, while the honey adds a touch of sweetness that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Don't be afraid to get creative with your presentation too! Studding the ham with whole cloves and garnishing with fresh orange slices elevates it to a true showstopper. Once, I even added a bit of cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth!
close-up of orange-clove glaze being brushed on ham

Required Equipments

  • Roasting Pan
  • Basting Brush
  • Small Saucepan
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Aluminum Foil

Festive Ham with Orange Clove Glaze: Frequently Asked Questions

Festive Ham with Orange Clove Glaze

Elevate your holiday feast with a Festive Ham featuring a luscious Orange-Clove Glaze. This show-stopping centerpiece combines sweet and savory flavors, promising a moist, flavorful, and visually impressive dish that everyone will adore.

⏳ Yield & Time

Yield: 10-12 servings

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 135 minutes

Total Time:

🍽 Ingredients

📖 Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). This is crucial for ensuring the ham cooks evenly without drying out.
  2. Remove the ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a skin, score it in a diamond pattern; this helps the glaze penetrate and creates a beautiful presentation.
  3. In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the glaze thickens slightly – about 5-7 minutes. This will create a luscious, sticky consistency.
  4. Brush about half of the glaze evenly over the ham. Make sure to get into all those lovely scores you made earlier!
  5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 2-2.5 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 140°F (60°C). Basting the ham with pan juices every 30 minutes will keep it moist and flavorful.
  6. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking, and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. This will caramelize the glaze and give the ham a beautiful, glossy finish. Keep an eye on it, so it doesn't burn!
  7. Once the ham reaches 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
  8. Carve the ham against the grain into thin slices and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh orange slices and a sprig of rosemary for a festive touch. And remember to save the bone for making soup later!

📝 Notes

  • For a deeper flavor, stud the ham with whole cloves before glazing.
  • If the glaze starts to darken too quickly, reduce the oven temperature slightly.
  • Use leftover ham in sandwiches, salads, or omelets.
  • Sometimes, I like to add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for an extra kick!

🍎 Nutrition

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 25 g

Fat: 15 g

Carbohydrates: 30 g

Fiber: 1 g

Calcium: 50 mg

The best memories are made gathered around the table, sharing good food and laughter.

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