Honey and Orange Baked Leg Ham

Directions:

1. Prepare the Ham:

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a roasting pan, making sure it has a rack to allow air circulation around it. If your ham has a thick layer of skin, you’ll want to score the fat in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Be careful not to cut into the meat itself. Scoring the fat helps the glaze penetrate the surface and caramelize beautifully. Optionally, you can stud the ham with whole cloves by inserting them into the intersections of the diamond cuts.

2. Make the Honey and Orange Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine the honey, fresh orange juice, Dijon mustard, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to combine, and let the glaze simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The glaze should have a balanced sweetness with a hint of tang from the orange.

3. Glaze the Ham:

Once the glaze is ready, brush a generous layer over the ham, making sure to cover the scored fat evenly. Reserve some glaze for basting later.

4. Bake the Ham:

Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the ham is heated through and the glaze is beautifully caramelized. Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes during the baking process to build up layers of flavor and create a delicious, sticky exterior.

As the ham bakes, the glaze will turn into a beautiful golden-brown crust. Keep an eye on it during the last 20 minutes of cooking to ensure the glaze doesn’t burn. If the ham is getting too dark, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.

5. Rest the Ham:

Once the ham is finished baking (it should have an internal temperature of about 140°F), remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes it easier to carve.

6. Serve:

Transfer the ham to a cutting board and slice against the grain into thick or thin slices, depending on your preference. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the sliced ham for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh orange slices and serve.

Tips for Perfect Honey and Orange Baked Ham:

• Choose the Right Ham: If you’re unsure which type of ham to buy, look for a bone-in ham that’s pre-cooked. This recipe works best with a ham that has a little bit of fat, as it adds flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
• Baste Often: Basting the ham throughout the cooking process is key to building a flavorful crust. Don’t skip this step!
• Use Fresh Orange Juice: While you can use bottled orange juice, fresh juice provides the most vibrant and natural flavor. The combination of fresh orange and honey creates a glaze that’s rich and full of depth.
• Leftovers: Leftover ham is incredibly versatile. You can use it in sandwiches, salads, soups, or breakfast omelets. Just store any remaining ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Glaze Variations: Feel free to customize the glaze! For an added depth of flavor, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum, or switch out the Dijon mustard for whole grain mustard for a bit of texture.

What to Serve with Honey and Orange Baked Leg Ham:

This ham is rich, flavorful, and a great main dish, so pairing it with the right sides will make your meal even better. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside your honey and orange baked leg ham:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes complement the sweet-savory flavor of the ham.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a little garlic or rosemary will balance the richness of the ham.
• Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw with a tangy dressing adds a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the ham.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.
• Crispy Roasted Potatoes: For a more hearty side, try crispy roasted potatoes with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.

Conclusion:

Honey and Orange Baked Leg Ham is the perfect recipe for special occasions when you want to serve something that’s both impressive and comforting. The combination of honey and orange creates a sweet and tangy glaze that beautifully caramelizes on the surface of the ham, locking in moisture and flavor. The result is a juicy, tender ham that’s bursting with deliciousness.

Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a family gathering, this recipe is sure to be a hit. It’s easy to make, and the leftovers will keep you coming back for more. Try it today, and enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked ham in your kitchen!