Citrus-Molasses Glazed Ham is a show-stopping main dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or Sunday dinners. This succulent ham is coated with a sweet and tangy glaze made from molasses, fresh citrus juice, Dijon mustard, and aromatic spices, creating a beautiful caramelized crust that locks in the juices. The blend of orange and lemon zest adds a refreshing citrus note that balances the richness of the molasses, while cloves infuse the ham with a subtle, warm spice. Easy to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this Citrus-Molasses Glazed Ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad, making it a delicious centerpiece for any meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup molasses
- 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 orange
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan and let it sit at room temperature while you prepare the glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the molasses, orange juice, lemon juice, orange zest, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, ground cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Score the Ham (Optional): If desired, use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. If using whole cloves, insert them into the intersections of the scoring for added flavor and decoration.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush the ham generously with the prepared citrus-molasses glaze, ensuring it gets into all the nooks and crannies. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
- Bake: Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or about 10 minutes per pound, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes. Remove the foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize and the ham to develop a golden-brown crust.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping the ham moist and flavorful.
Enjoy this Citrus-Molasses Glazed Ham as a flavorful and festive main dish. Its combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any special occasion!
