Champagne Baked Ham is a luxurious and flavorful dish that adds an elegant touch to any holiday or special occasion meal. This recipe features a succulent ham baked to perfection, infused with the subtle sweetness and delicate effervescence of champagne. The champagne, combined with brown sugar and Dijon mustard, creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes as the ham bakes, resulting in a tender, juicy ham with a perfectly glazed exterior. The combination of savory ham and the light, fruity notes of the champagne glaze makes this dish a standout centerpiece for any feast. Serve it with your favorite sides for a truly memorable meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup champagne or sparkling wine
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the oven rack in the lower third of the oven.
- Prepare the Ham:
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife, making shallow cuts about 1/4 inch deep. If desired, stud the intersections of the cuts with whole cloves.
- Make the Champagne Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, combine the champagne, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and ground black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Bake the Ham:
- Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Brush a generous amount of the champagne glaze over the entire surface of the ham.
- Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until heated through, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Glaze and Finish:
- For the final 20-30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham with more glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a golden-brown crust.
- Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
- Serve the Champagne Baked Ham with the remaining glaze on the side.
Enjoy your Champagne Baked Ham, a show-stopping dish that combines the festive flavors of champagne with the rich, savory taste of ham, perfect for any special celebration!
