Ham is a traditional part of holiday meals for many families. Whether you’re making a ham for the first time this year to keep a family tradition alive or looking to try something new, here is an easy and delicious glazed ham recipe that you’ll surely love! There’s even an option to adapt the recipe for a smaller, 4-5lb ham. Or make an 8-10lb ham and wrap-up leftovers to share with friends and neighbors.

The real sugar in this recipe serves multiple purposes. The sugar in the jam or jelly aids in retaining moisture and preventing spoilage. This sugar also participates in caramelizing when the jam or jelly is added to the glaze. The brown sugar in this recipe is primarily included for its impact on the ham’s texture. Sugar is a natural tenderizer and helps ensure the ham is not tough or chewy. The brown sugar also contributes to the browning of the skin giving the finished ham a mouth-watering, shiny brown exterior.

Ingredients:

• 1 (~8 lbs) whole cured, smoked, bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup jam/jelly/marmalade of your choosing (apricot or peach recommended)
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Let ham sit at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Preheat oven to 350°.
3. Place a rack in a large roasting pan and cover the rack with foil. Pour 2 cups water in the bottom of roasting pan and place ham on the foil on the rack.
4. In a small bowl, stir together jam, brown sugar, mustard, and red pepper flakes.
5. Brush ham with some of the glaze and roast, basting with more glaze every 30 minutes, until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 140°, about 1.5 hours. 
6. Let rest 20 minutes before carving.

Pro tip: Scale down this recipe by using a smaller ham, glazing every 15 minutes and beginning checking with a meat thermometer at 1 hour. All other ingredient measurements remain the same.