Glazed to Perfection: Delicious Roasted Ham Recipe

While you may have encountered numerous ham glaze recipes, I can confidently promise that none compare to the delectable taste of my cranberry chipotle brown sugar glaze! In Mexico, ham is particularly popular during Christmas and other special occasions. And let’s be honest, an easter dinner or brunch certainly qualifies as a special occasion worthy of this beloved American culinary tradition. Enjoy a fabulous oven-baked ham recipe with a simple glaze for a delicious ham.

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What makes unique this whole ham recipe?

The best glaze! Who doesn’t love those brown edges on the ham and the bright, shiny color on the surface of the ham? This brown sugar glaze is made with brown sugar and a unique twist: chipotle! Chipotle brings a smokey, chili-sweet flavor that complements perfectly with ham. This recipe is easy to make and perfect for your holiday meal.

What kind of ham should I get?

Here’s what you need to know for a picture-perfect ham straight out of a cooking magazine! When you’re at the grocery store, go for a fully cooked, bone-in ham without the spiral cut—it guarantees a juicy ham and a delicious centerpiece for your dinner table. The cooking process and time depend on the type and weight of your chosen ham.  You can choose from different types of ham, such as:

• smoked ham 
• uncooked ham 
• spiral-cut ham  
• boneless ham
• pre-cooked ham
• Whole bone-in hams 
• Diamond pattern

What is the right ham? If you want delicious, juicy ham without spending a lifetime in the kitchen, go for a bone-in, fully-cooked ham. 

Glaze Ingredients:

Your preferred ham

• 2 cans sliced pineapples
• 1 bottle maschiato cherries
• 2 chipotle chiles
• 1/2 cup cranberry sauce
• 1 fully cooked whole ham or half ham, depending on how many people eat.
• 1 cup brown sugar or the glaze package that comes with the ham
• 1 1/2 cups of the juices that come out of the ham, or you can use the juice from the canned pineapple.

How to cook a whole ham?

• Let’s start by preparing the ham. Please place it in a large roasting pan and remove any covering bag, usually marked with cooking instructions. While following the package directions for cooking time is wise, you’ll find a detailed guide later in this post. Don’t forget to hold onto the envelope containing the glaze accompanying the ham.

• Next, pour the ham juices into a blender along with the chipotle and cranberry sauce. You’ll need approximately one and a half to two cups of juice. You can substitute canned pineapple juice if the ham doesn’t yield enough juice.

• Blend the mixture until smooth, then generously coat the ham with it. If time permits, marinate the ham overnight or for at least 20 minutes, occasionally basting it with the mixture. For overnight marination, consider using a Reynolds baking bag in the refrigerator instead of an alright airtight container for space-saving convenience. You can quickly flip the bag containing the ham whenever you need to access the fridge.

• Now, set the oven temperature to 300°F | 150°C.
• Place the ham in a baking tray, cover it with aluminum foil, and bake for 30 minutes cook time.

• After 30 minutes of baking, carefully remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F | 220°C.
• Take approximately 1.5 cups of the juices from the bottom of the tray and transfer them to a saucepan. Add the brown sugar and cook at medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring the bottom of the pan to dissolve the sugar.

• Arrange pineapple slices around the ham, securing them with toothpicks, and place a cherry in the center.
• Finally, generously brush the top of the ham and pineapple with the brown sugar glaze. Please return to the oven and bake uncovered for 15 minutes, being mindful not to let it burn.

• Remove from the oven, brush again with pan juices, and return to the oven until it reaches the desired golden brown.
• Save the remaining glaze to serve on the table as a gravy for ham slices.

What can I do with leftover ham?

• Amiga let’s make some tortas! Tortas are famous Mexican sandwiches, and you know what? Tortas de jamon are a real hit! You can use pan bolillo, pan de faces, or even ciabatta bread for this. Cut the bread to a wide length, then heat it up on a grill. Spread mayo generously on both sides and add avocado slices on one side. Top the ham in the middle with crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and flavorful onion slices. Enjoy your delicious torta!
• Let’s make Huevos con Jamon! Begin by dicing the ham steak into small squares. Crack a couple of eggs into a bowl and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add the diced ham, and let it sizzle until heated. Then, pour in the seasoned eggs and scramble everything together until the eggs are cooked to perfection. Enjoy your delicious and hearty scrambled eggs with ham!

What sides go well with this recipe?

For roasted ham, here are some delicious side dish options:

1. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with roasted ham. You can add garlic, cheese, or herbs for extra flavor.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Roast vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, or asparagus alongside the ham. They add color, flavor, and nutrition to the meal.
3. Scalloped Potatoes: Layers of thinly sliced potatoes baked in a creamy sauce make a rich, comforting side dish that beautifully complements the ham.
4. Green Bean Casserole: A classic green bean casserole with crispy fried onions on top adds a deliciously savory element to the meal.
5. Glazed Carrots: Honey or maple-glazed carrots are a sweet and savory side dish that pairs well with the saltiness of the ham.
6. Baked Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy baked macaroni and cheese is a comforting side dish that will surely be a hit for kids and adults.
7. Cranberry Sauce: Tangy cranberry sauce adds a pop of color and flavor to the plate, balancing out the richness of the ham.
8. Cornbread: Serve warm, buttery cornbread alongside the ham for a deliciously satisfying side dish.
9. Salad: A refreshing green salad with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, red onion, and avocado slices provides a light and refreshing contrast to the savory ham.
10. Rolls or Biscuits: Soft dinner rolls or flaky biscuits are perfect for soaking up the juices from the ham and rounding out the meal.

If it is your first time cooking ham, you have nothing to worry about! I have you covered with this holiday ham that I am sure is about to become a family tradition.

If it is your first time cooking ham, you have nothing to worry about! I have you covered with this holiday ham that I am sure is about to become a family tradition.