Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

Introduction

Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham is a classic, delicious dish that brings together the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The caramelized sweetness of brown sugar and the tangy zest of mustard create a rich glaze that infuses the ham with mouthwatering flavor. This recipe provides a Halal alternative, ensuring that there’s no pork, bacon, wine, or alcohol used, making it suitable for all dietary preferences and occasions.

Whether you’re preparing a festive meal for a holiday gathering, an elegant dinner for family and friends, or just want a flavorful main dish for a weekend feast, Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham is the perfect choice. Its tender texture, combined with the sweet and tangy glaze, makes it a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. Plus, this recipe is easy to make, requiring minimal preparation time, while delivering an unforgettable flavor.

Perfect for:

• Holiday feasts
• Family gatherings
• Weekend dinners
• Special occasions
• Serving a crowd

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham will become your new go-to main dish:

• Perfect Balance of Sweet and Savory: The rich sweetness of brown sugar perfectly complements the tangy mustard, creating a glaze that adds a burst of flavor to the ham.
• Tender and Juicy: The slow-baked ham absorbs all the glaze, resulting in a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes each bite a delight.
• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients and an oven, you can create a dish that looks impressive and tastes amazing.
• Great for Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, this ham can be repurposed into sandwiches, salads, or even soups.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is completely Halal, meaning it’s made with only permissible ingredients, and is free from pork, bacon, wine, or any alcohol.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 2 hours
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Baking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Servings: 10-12 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

To make the perfect Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the Ham:
  • 1 whole halal bone-in ham (about 6-8 pounds)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for searing)
  • 2 cups water (for roasting)
• For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ½ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for a milder flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, for extra warmth)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional, for a subtle zing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• Halal Bone-In Ham: This ham provides a rich, juicy texture, perfect for slow roasting. You can easily find Halal-certified ham at specialty markets or halal butcher shops.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly balances the tangy mustard in the glaze.
• Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard offers a mild yet tangy flavor that blends beautifully with the brown sugar for a perfect glaze. You can swap for yellow mustard if you prefer a more subtle taste.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds acidity to cut through the richness of the ham, giving the glaze a bright, refreshing kick.
• Spices: Cinnamon, cloves, and ginger (optional) enhance the flavor of the glaze, adding warmth and complexity to the overall taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make the perfect Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham:

Prepare the Ham:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). This temperature ensures the ham cooks evenly and slowly, becoming tender and flavorful.
2. Trim the Ham (Optional): If desired, trim excess fat from the ham, leaving about ¼-inch of fat for flavor and moisture during roasting. Score the fat in a crisscross pattern with a sharp knife, being careful not to cut too deep into the meat. This will allow the glaze to penetrate the ham.
3. Sear the Ham: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, sear the ham for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned. This step helps to lock in flavor and gives the ham a beautiful crust.
4. Roast the Ham: Transfer the seared ham to a roasting pan. Add 2 cups of water to the pan to create moisture while the ham roasts. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven.

Prepare the Glaze:

5. Mix the Glaze: While the ham is roasting, whisk together the brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Bake the Ham:

6. Roast the Ham: Roast the ham for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting it every 30 minutes with the juices in the pan. The slow roasting will allow the flavors to meld and the ham to become tender.
7. Glaze the Ham: After 1 hour 30 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and carefully brush the glaze over the surface. Be generous, ensuring the entire ham is coated. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, for another 15 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize and set.

Serve:

8. Rest the Ham: Once the ham is golden and caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the ham stays moist and tender.
9. Slice and Serve: Slice the ham against the grain into thin slices. Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips, or Brussels sprouts for a balanced and flavorful meal.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide the perfect base to soak up the delicious glaze from the ham.
• With Rice Pilaf: A light, herbed rice pilaf can complement the richness of the ham, adding a touch of freshness to the meal.
• With Salad: A crisp, green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps to balance the sweetness of the ham, creating a refreshing contrast.
• Sandwiches: Leftover ham makes the perfect filling for sandwiches, especially with a dollop of mustard and pickles.

Additional Tips for Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham turns out perfectly:

• Choose the Right Ham: For the best results, choose a bone-in ham that is pre-cooked or partially cooked. This ensures the ham is tender and juicy when roasted.
• Basting is Key: Make sure to baste the ham every 30 minutes while roasting to keep it moist and infuse it with flavor.
• Rest the Ham Before Slicing: Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to ensure that the juices stay inside, preventing the ham from drying out.
• Don’t Overcook: Ham can dry out if overcooked. Keep an eye on the roasting time and check for tenderness with a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the glaze to your preferences. Add more mustard for a tangier kick, or stir in a bit of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness.

Recipe Variations of Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

Here are a few variations you can try to customize your Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham:

1. Honey Mustard Ham: Replace some of the brown sugar with honey for a sweeter, more fragrant glaze that adds depth to the flavor.
2. Spicy Brown Sugar Mustard Ham: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the glaze for a subtle spicy kick that complements the sweetness.
3. Herb-Infused Ham: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the roasting pan for an aromatic flavor that infuses the ham as it cooks.
4. Citrus Glazed Ham: Add the juice of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a fresh, zesty flavor that brightens up the sweet mustard and brown sugar.
5. Maple Glazed Ham: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness that pairs beautifully with the mustard.

Freezing and Storage for Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

• Freezing: Leftover ham can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw the ham overnight

in the refrigerator and heat it gently in the oven.

• Storage: Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can enjoy it cold in sandwiches or reheat it in the oven to bring back its juicy, tender texture.

Special Equipment for Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

Here are some essential tools to make the perfect Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham:

• Roasting Pan: A large roasting pan is essential for roasting the ham evenly.
• Sharp Knife: A sharp carving knife is important for slicing the ham into neat, tender slices.
• Basting Brush: A basting brush helps you evenly coat the ham with the glaze during the roasting process.
• Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer ensures the ham is cooked to the right temperature without overcooking it.
• Aluminum Foil: Use foil to cover the ham while roasting to retain moisture and prevent it from drying out.

FAQ Section about Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham

1. Can I use a boneless ham instead of bone-in?
   Yes, boneless ham can be used, but bone-in ham tends to be juicier and more flavorful.
2. Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon mustard?
   Yes, yellow mustard will work, but it will provide a milder flavor compared to Dijon mustard.
3. Can I make this recipe in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the ham in advance, roast it, and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in the oven before serving.
4. Can I make the glaze spicier?
   Absolutely! You can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the glaze for a spicy twist.
5. Can I make this dish in a slow cooker?
   While this recipe is designed for the oven, you can also cook the ham in a slow cooker on low for 4-6 hours, basting with the glaze every hour.

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Conclusion

Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham is a flavorful, tender, and juicy dish that will elevate any meal. The sweet and tangy glaze adds an irresistible layer of flavor, while the Halal ingredients ensure that everyone can enjoy it. Whether for a holiday feast, family dinner, or any special occasion, this dish will always be a hit. With its simple preparation and delicious results, Brown Sugar Mustard Baked Ham is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!