Oh boy, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Easter tradition—making the most glorious Garlic Herb Crusted Ham! Every spring, my family gathers around the table, and this ham always steals the show. Picture this: a succulent, sweet-honey glazed ham, studded with garlic and fresh herbs, filling the house with aromas that make your taste buds dance. Honestly, who can resist a perfectly glazed ham?
The memory of my first attempt at making this dish still makes me chuckle. I was a nervous wreck; visions of an overcooked ham haunted me! But once I pulled that beauty out of the oven and saw the caramelization glistening, I knew it was worth every moment of worry. And let me tell you, the way everyone dug in and sang its praises made every nerve wracking second worth it! This recipe is not just food; it’s a centerpiece of joy during our family gatherings.
What’s in Garlic Herb Crusted Ham?
Let’s break down these delicious ingredients that come together to make magic in your kitchen.
Fully Cooked Bone-In Ham: The star of the show! A good quality ham (about 8-10 pounds) is essential as it offers flavor and texture. Bone-in hams tend to be juicier, giving you that classic taste.
Brown Sugar: This adds that sweet caramelization that we all crave! It also balances the savory garlic and herbs beautifully.
Honey: More sweetness, plus an extra layer of flavor. Who can say no to honey?
Dijon Mustard: This gives the glaze a slight tang, cutting through the sweetness and adding depth.
Worcestershire Sauce: A little bit of umami magic! It enhances the overall flavor of the glaze.
Garlic: Freshly minced, of course! 6 cloves might seem like a lot, but trust me, it amplifies the aroma and taste of the ham.
Fresh Herbs (Rosemary, Thyme, Parsley): These bring that vibrant flavor and fragrant notes that we can’t resist. They’re also a great excuse to hit up the herb garden!
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that finish off the glaze nicely.
Whole Cloves (optional): I love to stud the ham with cloves for an extra pop of flavor, and they also look fancy!
Is Garlic Herb Crusted Ham Good for You?
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it—this ham isn’t the healthiest option out there, but it does have a few redeeming qualities!
Ham: A great source of protein, it provides essential amino acids and minerals like zinc and iron. Just watch out for sodium depending on how it’s processed.
Garlic: A wonderful health booster! Garlic can contribute to a healthy immune system and may even help lower blood pressure.
Fresh Herbs: Loaded with antioxidants, herbs like rosemary and thyme can bring their own health benefits, lending flavor without extra calories.
A quick note: Moderation is key! Paired with a fresh salad or some steamed veggies, this delicious ham can surely make its way into a balanced meal!
Ingredients List
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/2 cup honey
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
– 6 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
This recipe serves about 12-15 people, so there’ll be plenty for leftovers—if you’re lucky!
How to Make Garlic Herb Crusted Ham?
Alright, let’s dive into how to make this glorious centerpiece!
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts about 1-2 inches apart. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves for that extra flair and flavor.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper to make a gorgeous glaze.
4. Place the ham in a roasting pan and generously brush half of the glaze all over the surface. Nothing says love like a well-glazed ham!
5. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and pop it in the oven to bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
6. Remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Turn up the heat to 400°F (200°C) and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and bubbly.
7. Once done, take the ham out and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows all those juicy flavors to redistribute—trust me, it makes a world of difference!
8. Serve it warm with your favorite sides (a fresh salad or roasted veggies never hurt anyone) and enjoy the accolades!
Fancy Touches and Tips
Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom to elevate your ham game!
– If you love that smoky flavor, try adding a touch of liquid smoke to your glaze. Just a little bit goes a long way!
– Want to keep the glaze from burning too quickly? You can tent it with foil during the final caramelization stage.
– Leftovers? Don’t you dare throw them away! They’re perfect for sandwiches, omelets, or ham and cheese casseroles.
I really hope you give this Garlic Herb Crusted Ham a whirl at your next gathering! Cooking is all about creating memories, and this ham will surely bring you and your loved ones together in the most wonderful way. Don’t forget to share your made-with-love ham moments with me; I’d love to hear how it turns out! Happy cooking!
