Cooking With Beer, Whiskey and Spirits

Rum-Glazed Holiday Ham

This Rum-Glazed Holiday Ham combines the sweetness of brown sugar, the warmth of spices, and the complexity of dark rum to enhance the natural flavor of the ham. The rum glaze balances sweetness with a hint of smokiness, creating a delicious harmony that complements the savory ham. Whether for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion, this ham is sure to impress your guests with its beautiful, caramelized crust and rich, spiced flavor.

Ingredients (Serves 10-12)

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully selected to create a well-balanced glaze and enhance the ham’s natural flavors. Here’s a breakdown of each component:

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 lbs): Bone-in ham is ideal for roasting because it retains more moisture, resulting in a juicier final product. A fully cooked ham means it only needs reheating, not cooking from raw, so it’s both convenient and flavorful.
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham): Cloves add a subtle aromatic flavor and a festive appearance. Studding the ham with cloves also helps the glaze seep into the meat.

For the Rum Glaze:

• 1 cup dark rum (such as spiced or dark rum): Dark rum has a rich flavor profile with caramel and vanilla notes, adding depth and warmth to the glaze. Spiced rum works well for extra flavor, but you can use any good-quality dark rum.
• 1 cup brown sugar (packed): Brown sugar is the primary sweetener for the glaze, adding caramel undertones and helping the glaze form a glossy, sticky crust.
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup: Honey or maple syrup adds a different layer of sweetness, balancing the brown sugar and providing a slight floral note.
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard adds tanginess and balances the sweetness of the glaze, giving it a more complex flavor.
• 1/4 cup orange juice: Orange juice adds acidity and a hint of citrus, which pairs beautifully with the rum and spices. Freshly squeezed orange juice is best for a vibrant flavor.
• Zest of 1 orange: Orange zest enhances the citrus flavor, adding freshness and brightness to the glaze.
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon: Cinnamon brings warmth and depth, enhancing the holiday feel of the dish.
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional): Ground cloves add an extra layer of spice, complementing the whole cloves used to stud the ham.
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger: Ginger adds a subtle spiciness that balances the sweetness and enhances the warmth of the glaze.
• Pinch of salt: Salt balances the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness of the ingredients.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ham and OvenPreheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and place a roasting rack inside. This setup helps the ham cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the pan.
2. Score and Stud the Ham (Optional)If you’d like a traditional look, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. Make shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. If you want extra flavor and aroma, stud each diamond with a whole clove by gently pressing it into the ham.
   • Why Score the Ham? Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, ensuring that the flavors reach the meat below the surface. It also creates a beautiful pattern on the ham’s exterior.
3. Make the Rum GlazeIn a medium saucepan, combine the rum, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves (if using), ginger, and a pinch of salt. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently until the brown sugar is fully dissolved and the glaze begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Consistency of the Glaze: The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a little more orange juice or water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer.
   • Flavor Balance: Taste the glaze and adjust as needed. Add more brown sugar for sweetness, more mustard for tang, or more rum for depth. The glaze should be a harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and spiced flavors.
4. Apply the First Layer of GlazePlace the ham on the roasting rack, flat-side down. Brush a generous amount of the rum glaze over the entire ham, covering it thoroughly. The initial layer of glaze will start the caramelization process as it bakes.
   • Using a Brush: A pastry brush works well for applying the glaze evenly. Make sure to get glaze into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
5. Bake the HamCover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven. For an 8-10 lb ham, bake for about 1.5-2 hours, or 10-12 minutes per pound. Baste the ham with additional glaze every 20-30 minutes.
   • Why Baste the Ham? Basting with the glaze ensures that the ham stays moist and flavorful, while also building layers of caramelized flavor on the surface. Each basting step allows the glaze to thicken and create a glossy, sticky coating.
6. Remove the Foil and CaramelizeDuring the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize fully. Brush on a final layer of glaze and continue basting every 10-15 minutes until the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
   • Golden-Brown Finish: Removing the foil allows the glaze to thicken and develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning, especially if the glaze contains honey or syrup, which can caramelize quickly.
7. Rest the HamOnce the ham reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a moist, flavorful result.
8. Garnish and ServeTransfer the ham to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs, orange slices, or additional cloves for presentation. Serve with any remaining glaze on the side as a sauce.
   • Serving Suggestion: Slice the ham thinly to allow each piece to be infused with the glaze’s flavor. The ham pairs wonderfully with classic holiday sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce.

Tips for Perfect Rum-Glazed Ham

• Choose the Right Rum: A dark or spiced rum works best for this recipe, as it provides deeper, richer flavors with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Avoid light or white rums, as they lack the complexity needed for the glaze.
• Adjust the Glaze Consistency: If the glaze is too thick, add a bit more orange juice or water. If too thin, let it reduce further on the stovetop. The right consistency is thick but pourable, allowing it to coat the ham evenly.
• Studding with Cloves: Studding the ham with whole cloves is optional but adds a classic look and a touch of festive aroma. If you’re not a fan of cloves, you can skip this step or reduce the amount.
• Temperature and Timing: Use a meat thermometer to check the ham’s internal temperature, especially if it’s a larger cut. For a fully cooked ham, aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Overheating can dry out the meat, so monitor closely.
• Resting for Juiciness: Resting the ham after baking allows the juices to settle, ensuring that each slice is moist and flavorful. Cover the ham loosely with foil to retain warmth while resting.

Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas

1. Spiced Honey Rum Glaze: For an even spicier twist, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the glaze. These spices add warmth and holiday flavor.
2. Pineapple Rum Glaze: Substitute the orange juice with pineapple juice and add pineapple rings on top of the ham for a tropical-inspired variation. Pineapple pairs wonderfully with rum, adding a fresh, tangy flavor.
3. Serve with a Citrus Salad: Complement the ham’s flavors by serving it alongside a light citrus salad with oranges, grapefruits, and mixed greens. The acidity of the citrus cuts through the richness of the ham, adding a refreshing contrast.
4. Ham Sandwiches with Leftovers: Use leftovers to make delicious sandwiches with a touch of extra glaze, sliced cheddar cheese, and Dijon mustard on a crusty roll. This is a great way to enjoy the flavors of the rum-glazed ham beyond the main meal.

This Rum-Glazed Holiday Ham is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion where you want a standout centerpiece. The glaze’s combination of rum, brown sugar, and spices creates a beautiful golden crust that complements the ham’s natural flavors. With each slice infused with the richness of dark rum and the warmth of spices, this ham will be a memorable addition to your holiday feast. Enjoy with family and friends for a festive, delicious celebration!