Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham recipe

Every year, our family gatherings revolve around food, and without fail, the centerpiece that steals the show is always the ham. We’ve tried countless ham recipes over the years, from classic brown sugar glazes to smoky bourbon finishes, but nothing has quite captured our hearts (and taste buds) like this Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham. The first time I made it, the aroma alone was enough to draw everyone into the kitchen, a tantalizing blend of sweet peaches, warm ginger, and savory ham. The glaze, a vibrant, glistening coat, caramelized beautifully during baking, creating a sticky, flavorful crust that was simply irresistible. The ham itself remained juicy and tender, infused with the fruity and spicy notes of the glaze. From picky eaters to seasoned foodies, everyone at the table raved about it. It’s become our go-to ham recipe for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving – honestly, any excuse we can find to make it. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making, a dish that brings people together with its comforting aroma and unforgettable taste. This Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham isn’t just good; it’s truly exceptional, and I can’t wait to share the recipe with you so you can experience the same joy and deliciousness in your own home.

Ingredients

This Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham recipe is built upon simple, readily available ingredients, but the combination creates a symphony of flavors that is anything but ordinary. The key is the balance of sweet peaches, spicy ginger, and savory ham, creating a glaze that complements the ham without overpowering it. Here’s what you’ll need to create this show-stopping dish:

For the Ham:

• One 8-10 pound Bone-In Smoked Ham: Choosing a bone-in ham is crucial for maximum flavor and moisture. A shank portion or butt portion will work beautifully. Look for a fully cooked ham, as we’re primarily reheating and glazing it. Spiral-cut hams are also an option, though they can sometimes dry out slightly faster, so keep a close eye on them during baking. If you opt for a spiral-cut ham, you might want to reduce the baking time slightly.
• Whole Cloves (Optional): While optional, whole cloves add a classic, aromatic touch to the ham. They create small pockets of intense flavor and enhance the visual appeal of the finished dish.

For the Peach and Ginger Glaze:

• 1 cup Peach Preserves or Jam: The star of the glaze! Choose a good quality peach preserves or jam with visible fruit pieces for the best flavor and texture. If you prefer a smoother glaze, you can use peach jelly, but preserves or jam will offer a richer, more robust peach flavor. Make sure to check the label to ensure it’s primarily peach and not overly sweetened with other fruits.
• 1/2 cup Fresh Ginger, finely grated: Fresh ginger is essential for the vibrant, spicy kick that balances the sweetness of the peaches. Avoid using powdered ginger, as it lacks the brightness and complexity of fresh ginger. Peel the ginger root and grate it finely using a microplane or a fine grater. The finer you grate it, the more readily the ginger flavor will infuse into the glaze.
• 1/4 cup Soy Sauce (Low Sodium Preferred): Soy sauce might seem like an unexpected ingredient in a peach glaze, but it adds a crucial umami depth and saltiness that balances the sweetness and fruitiness. Low sodium soy sauce is recommended to control the overall saltiness of the glaze. If you don’t have low sodium, you can use regular soy sauce, but be mindful of the overall salt level and potentially reduce the amount slightly if you are sensitive to salt.
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the peaches and the richness of the ham. It also helps to tenderize the ham slightly and adds complexity to the glaze. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or rice vinegar if needed, but apple cider vinegar offers a particularly complementary flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to the glaze. It also acts as an emulsifier, helping to bind the glaze ingredients together. The slight tanginess of Dijon mustard works beautifully with the sweet and savory elements of the glaze. Don’t substitute with yellow mustard, as it has a different flavor profile.
• 2 tablespoons Honey or Maple Syrup: To further enhance the sweetness and add a touch of complexity, honey or maple syrup are excellent additions. Honey will provide a floral sweetness, while maple syrup offers a richer, more caramel-like sweetness. Either will work beautifully in this glaze. You can adjust the amount slightly to your sweetness preference.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce: Worcestershire sauce contributes a savory, umami depth that complements the other flavors and adds another layer of complexity to the glaze. Its tangy, savory notes enhance the overall flavor profile and prevent the glaze from being overly sweet.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle savory note that rounds out the glaze. While fresh garlic could be used, garlic powder disperses more evenly throughout the glaze and provides a consistent garlic flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the other flavors in the glaze. The pepper provides a counterpoint to the sweetness and adds a touch of warmth.

Instructions

Creating this Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham is surprisingly straightforward, even for novice cooks. The key is to prepare the glaze properly and apply it generously to the ham during baking. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a guaranteed delicious result:

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat Oven to 325°F (160°C): Start by preheating your oven to a moderate temperature of 325°F (160°C). This temperature is ideal for gently reheating the ham and allowing the glaze to caramelize without burning. Ensure your oven rack is positioned in the center of the oven.
2. Score the Ham (Optional but Recommended): While not strictly necessary, scoring the ham in a diamond pattern allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat and creates visually appealing caramelized edges. Using a sharp knife, lightly score the surface of the ham in a shallow diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Be careful not to cut too deeply, as you don’t want to separate the ham slices completely, especially if using a pre-sliced spiral ham. For a bone-in ham that is not spiral cut, scoring is more beneficial.
3. Insert Cloves (Optional): If using cloves, insert them into the points of the diamond pattern created by scoring the ham. This is primarily for visual appeal and a subtle aromatic touch. You can space them evenly across the ham for a decorative effect.
4. Place Ham in Roasting Pan: Place the ham in a roasting pan. A roasting pan with a rack is ideal, as it allows air to circulate around the ham, promoting even cooking and caramelization. If you don’t have a roasting rack, you can use crumpled foil balls to elevate the ham slightly off the bottom of the pan. Add about 1 cup of water or apple cider to the bottom of the pan. This helps to create steam and prevent the ham from drying out during baking. Cover the ham loosely with foil at this stage to retain moisture during the initial reheating process.

Step 2: Prepare the Peach and Ginger Glaze

1. Combine Glaze Ingredients in a Saucepan: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the peach preserves (or jam), grated fresh ginger, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Simmer and Reduce Glaze: Bring the glaze mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the preserves melt and all ingredients are well combined. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes, or until the glaze has slightly thickened and the flavors have melded together. Simmering allows the ginger to infuse deeply into the glaze and the flavors to harmonize. Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning (Optional): Taste the glaze and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, you can add a bit more honey or maple syrup. If you want more tang, add a touch more apple cider vinegar. For a spicier glaze, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit more fresh ginger.

Step 3: Glaze and Bake the Ham

1. Remove Foil from Ham: After about 1 hour of baking (for an 8-10 pound ham), remove the foil from the ham. This allows the glaze to adhere properly and caramelize beautifully.
2. Brush Ham with Glaze: Generously brush about half of the prepared peach and ginger glaze all over the ham, ensuring you coat all surfaces, including the sides and bottom if accessible. If you scored the ham, make sure to get the glaze into the scoring.
3. Return Ham to Oven: Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue to bake for another 30-45 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) and the glaze is beautifully caramelized and sticky. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate temperature reading. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
4. Baste with Remaining Glaze (Optional): About halfway through the final baking time, you can baste the ham with the remaining glaze for an even richer and more flavorful crust. This is optional, but it will enhance the glaze and create a deeper, more pronounced flavor.
5. Rest Before Carving: Once the ham is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10-15 minutes before carving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product. Tent the ham loosely with foil during the resting period to keep it warm.

Step 4: Carve and Serve

1. Carve the Ham: Carve the ham against the grain for the most tender slices. For a bone-in ham, you can carve around the bone. For a spiral-cut ham, simply separate the pre-sliced pieces.
2. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham warm. Spoon any pan juices or extra glaze over the carved ham for added flavor and moisture. This ham is delicious served with a variety of side dishes, as outlined in the “How to Serve” section below.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Estimated)

Please note that these are estimated nutrition facts and can vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving sizes. This is based on an estimated serving size of approximately 4 ounces of cooked ham, excluding the bone, and a reasonable amount of glaze per serving.

• Servings: Approximately 16-20 servings (depending on ham size and serving portion)
• Calories Per Serving: Approximately 350-450 calories (estimated)

Approximate Breakdown (Per Serving):

• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams (depending on ham type and fat content)
• Saturated Fat: 5-10 grams (depending on ham type)
• Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
• Sodium: 800-1200 mg (can vary greatly depending on ham and soy sauce)
• Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams (primarily from glaze)
• Fiber: 1-2 grams
• Sugar: 15-25 grams (primarily from glaze)

Important Note: These are rough estimates. For precise nutritional information, you would need to use a nutrition calculator and input the specific brands and quantities of all ingredients used. Ham varieties can vary significantly in fat and sodium content. The glaze is the primary source of carbohydrates and sugars in this recipe.

Preparation Time

This Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham recipe is relatively hands-off, with most of the time spent baking in the oven. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time:

• Prep Time: 20-25 minutes (This includes gathering ingredients, grating ginger, making the glaze, scoring the ham (optional), and preheating the oven).
• Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes (This includes the initial reheating covered in foil and the final glazing and caramelizing time. Baking time can vary slightly depending on the size and type of ham and your oven).
• Resting Time: 10-15 minutes (Essential for juicy and tender ham).
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours to 2 hours 25 minutes

How to Serve

This Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. It’s a showstopper centerpiece for any holiday meal or special occasion, but it’s also delicious for a more casual Sunday dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal:

• Classic Holiday Sides:
  • Creamy Mashed Potatoes: A timeless pairing, the richness of mashed potatoes complements the sweet and savory ham perfectly.
  • Green Bean Casserole: A holiday staple that adds a comforting and familiar element to the meal.
  • Sweet Potato Casserole: The sweetness of sweet potatoes echoes the peach glaze, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
  • Stuffing or Dressing: Choose your favorite stuffing recipe, whether it’s bread-based, cornbread-based, or wild rice stuffing.
  • Cranberry Sauce: The tartness of cranberry sauce cuts through the richness of the ham and glaze, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Fresh and Vibrant Sides:
  • Roasted Asparagus: A simple and elegant side dish that adds a touch of freshness and green to the plate.
  • Broccoli Salad: A crisp and refreshing salad with a creamy dressing that balances the richness of the ham.
  • Spinach Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Almonds: The citrusy sweetness of mandarin oranges complements the peach glaze beautifully.
  • Quinoa Salad with Roasted Vegetables: A healthy and flavorful side dish that adds texture and nutrients to the meal.
  • Cornbread: A slightly sweet cornbread is a fantastic accompaniment to ham, especially with a touch of honey butter.
• Bread and Rolls:
  • Dinner Rolls: Warm, soft dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious pan juices and glaze.
  • Biscuits: Flaky biscuits are another great option for serving alongside ham.
  • Cornbread Muffins: Individual cornbread muffins are a convenient and tasty side.
• Serving Occasions:
  • Easter Dinner: Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham is a beautiful and flavorful centerpiece for Easter celebrations.
  • Christmas Dinner: A festive and memorable dish for your Christmas holiday feast.
  • Thanksgiving: While turkey is traditional, ham can be a delicious alternative or addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
  • Sunday Dinner: Elevate your Sunday dinner with this special ham recipe.
  • Special Occasions: Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, or any gathering where you want to impress your guests.

Additional Tips for Perfect Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham

To ensure your Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham is a resounding success, here are five additional tips to keep in mind:

1. Don’t Overbake the Ham: Since most hams are pre-cooked, the goal is to reheat them gently and glaze them beautifully without drying them out. Overbaking can result in a dry and tough ham. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and remove the ham from the oven as soon as it reaches 140°F (60°C). Remember, the ham will continue to cook slightly as it rests.
2. Customize the Glaze to Your Taste: Feel free to adjust the glaze ingredients to suit your personal preferences. If you like a spicier glaze, add more fresh ginger or a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a sweeter glaze, increase the honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a tangier glaze, add a bit more apple cider vinegar or Dijon mustard. Taste the glaze before applying it to the ham and adjust accordingly.
3. Use Quality Peach Preserves or Jam: The quality of your peach preserves or jam will directly impact the flavor of the glaze. Choose a brand that you enjoy and that has a pronounced peach flavor. Look for preserves or jam with visible fruit pieces for a richer texture.
4. Let the Ham Rest Properly: Resting the ham after baking is crucial for tender and juicy results. Allowing the ham to rest for at least 10-15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from running out when you carve it. Tent the ham loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm.
5. Make Extra Glaze for Serving: The Peach and Ginger Glaze is so delicious, you might want to make a little extra to serve alongside the carved ham. This allows guests to add more glaze to their servings if desired and is especially helpful if you want to use the pan juices but they are too salty. You can simply double the glaze recipe to ensure you have plenty.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham to help you achieve perfect results every time:

Q1: Can I use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely use a spiral-cut ham for this recipe. In fact, the glaze often penetrates spiral-cut hams very nicely due to the pre-cut slices. However, spiral-cut hams can sometimes dry out a bit faster than whole hams, so keep a close eye on it during baking and consider reducing the baking time slightly. You may also want to baste it more frequently with the glaze to keep it moist.

Q2: Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the peach and ginger glaze up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the ham, simply reheat the glaze gently in a saucepan or microwave until it’s pourable. Making the glaze ahead of time can save you time on the day you plan to bake the ham.

Q3: What if I don’t have fresh ginger? Can I use ground ginger?

A: While fresh ginger is highly recommended for the most vibrant and authentic flavor, you can use ground ginger in a pinch. However, ground ginger lacks the brightness and complexity of fresh ginger. If using ground ginger, start with about 1 teaspoon and adjust to taste. Fresh ginger will always provide a superior flavor profile in this glaze.

Q4: How do I store leftover Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham?

A: Store leftover Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best results, slice the ham and store it with some of the pan juices or glaze to keep it moist. You can reheat leftover ham in the microwave, oven (covered with foil to prevent drying out), or enjoy it cold in sandwiches or salads.

Q5: Can I freeze leftover Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover Peach and Ginger Glazed Ham. For best quality, slice the ham and wrap it tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Freezing may slightly alter the texture of the ham, but it will still be flavorful and safe to eat. Reheating gently in the oven with a little moisture will help to restore some of its original texture.

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