Ham, that centerpiece of holiday feasts and Sunday suppers, deserves more than just a simple bake. The right topping can transform a good ham into a truly unforgettable culinary experience. But with so many options available, where do you even begin? This guide explores a delicious array of glazes and toppings, offering inspiration and advice to help you create the perfect ham for any occasion.
The Power of a Glaze: Sweet, Savory, and Everything In Between
A glaze is more than just a pretty face; it’s the key to infusing your ham with complex flavors and creating a beautiful, caramelized crust. The perfect glaze balances sweetness, acidity, and spice to complement the salty richness of the ham.
Sweet Glazes: The Classic Choice
Honey-based glazes are a timeless favorite. The natural sweetness of honey caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a glossy, golden-brown finish. Honey pairs exceptionally well with the smoky flavors of ham. For a simple honey glaze, combine honey with Dijon mustard and a touch of apple cider vinegar.
Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness, but with a deeper, more complex flavor profile. A maple glaze provides a rich, amber hue and a distinctively autumnal taste. Try combining maple syrup with brown sugar, a pinch of cinnamon, and a splash of bourbon for an extra layer of warmth.
Fruit preserves can also form the base of a delicious sweet glaze. Apricot, pineapple, and cherry preserves all add a vibrant fruity note and a beautiful sheen. Combine the preserves with a bit of vinegar or citrus juice to balance the sweetness and prevent the glaze from becoming cloying.
Brown sugar glazes are easy to make and add a nice depth of flavor to the ham. The molasses in brown sugar contributes to a rich caramelization. Brown sugar mixed with spices like cloves and ginger make a good sweet topping option.
Savory Glazes: Adding Depth and Complexity
For those who prefer a less sweet option, savory glazes offer a welcome change of pace. They rely on ingredients like mustard, soy sauce, and herbs to create a more robust and complex flavor profile.
Mustard glazes are incredibly versatile. Dijon mustard adds a tangy bite, while whole-grain mustard provides texture and a subtle sharpness. Combine mustard with brown sugar or honey for a touch of sweetness, or with Worcestershire sauce and garlic for a more savory experience.
Soy sauce glazes deliver a salty, umami-rich flavor that perfectly complements ham. Combine soy sauce with honey or brown sugar, ginger, and garlic for a classic Asian-inspired glaze. A touch of rice wine vinegar adds a pleasant acidity.
Herb-infused glazes add a fresh, aromatic element to your ham. Rosemary, thyme, and sage are all excellent choices. Combine fresh herbs with olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice for a simple yet flavorful glaze.
Spiced Glazes: Kicking Up the Heat
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, spiced glazes are the way to go. Chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and ginger add a fiery kick that balances the sweetness and savoriness of the ham.
Chili-honey glazes offer a sweet and spicy combination that is both addictive and delicious. Combine honey with chili flakes, ginger, and a touch of soy sauce for a glaze that is both sweet and savory.
Ginger glazes provide a warm, aromatic heat. Combine fresh ginger with honey, soy sauce, and garlic for a glaze that is both flavorful and fragrant.
Beyond Glaze: Creative Topping Ideas
While glaze is essential, toppings can add extra layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal to your ham. Think beyond the glaze for a ham that truly shines.
Fruit Toppings: A Colorful and Flavorful Addition
Fruit toppings add a burst of freshness and color to your ham. They also provide a welcome contrast to the richness of the meat.
Pineapple rings are a classic ham accompaniment. The acidity of the pineapple cuts through the richness of the ham, while the sweetness complements the glaze. Secure the pineapple rings with cloves for an added touch of flavor and visual appeal.
Cherries add a tart and sweet note that pairs beautifully with ham. Use fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved. Toss them with a bit of sugar and lemon juice before adding them to the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Apricots offer a sweet and slightly tart flavor that complements ham perfectly. Use fresh or dried apricots, halved or quartered. Toss them with a bit of honey and cinnamon before adding them to the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Cranberries provide a tart and festive addition to your ham. Use fresh or frozen cranberries, tossed with sugar and orange zest. Add them to the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Nut Toppings: Adding Texture and Flavor
Nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to your ham. They also provide a visual contrast to the smooth surface of the glaze.
Pecans offer a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with ham. Toast the pecans before adding them to the ham during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Walnuts provide a slightly bitter and earthy flavor that complements ham well. Toast the walnuts before adding them to the ham during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Almonds add a delicate, nutty flavor to your ham. Slivered or sliced almonds are best. Toast the almonds before adding them to the ham during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Herb Toppings: Aromatic and Flavorful
Fresh herbs add a fragrant and flavorful touch to your ham. They also provide a pop of color and freshness.
Rosemary sprigs add a woody, aromatic note to your ham. Place rosemary sprigs on top of the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Thyme sprigs offer a subtle, earthy flavor that complements ham well. Place thyme sprigs on top of the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Sage leaves provide a savory, slightly peppery flavor. Place sage leaves on top of the ham during the last 30 minutes of baking.
Tips for Glazing and Topping Your Ham
Applying a glaze or adding toppings to your ham doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some tips to ensure success.
- Timing is everything. Apply the glaze during the last 30-45 minutes of baking. This allows the glaze to caramelize without burning. If using fruit, nut, or herb toppings, add them during the last 15-30 minutes of baking.
- Score the ham. Scoring the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and helps the ham retain moisture. Use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern across the surface of the ham.
- Baste frequently. Basting the ham with pan juices or additional glaze helps keep it moist and flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer. A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that your ham is cooked to the correct internal temperature. The recommended internal temperature for ham is 140°F (60°C).
- Let it rest. Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful ham.
Recipe Ideas for Amazing Ham Toppings
Here are some recipe ideas combining the elements we discussed:
Honey-Dijon Glazed Ham with Pineapple Rings
Combine 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 1 tablespoon brown sugar. Score the ham, and apply the glaze during the last 45 minutes of baking, basting frequently. During the last 30 minutes, secure pineapple rings with cloves on top of the ham.
Maple-Bourbon Glazed Ham with Pecan Crumble
Combine 1/2 cup maple syrup, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons bourbon, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves. Score the ham, and apply the glaze during the last 45 minutes of baking, basting frequently. For the pecan crumble, combine 1/2 cup chopped pecans, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Sprinkle the crumble over the ham during the last 15 minutes of baking.
Soy-Ginger Glazed Ham with Sesame Seeds
Combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons grated ginger, 1 clove minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar. Score the ham, and apply the glaze during the last 45 minutes of baking, basting frequently. During the last 15 minutes, sprinkle sesame seeds on top of the ham.
Experiment and Enjoy
The best way to discover your favorite ham topping is to experiment. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations of flavors and textures. With a little creativity, you can create a ham that is truly unique and memorable. Ultimately, what goes good on top of a ham is a matter of personal preference. So, gather your favorite ingredients, get creative, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious and memorable ham.
What is the purpose of glazing a ham?
Glazing a ham serves two primary purposes: enhancing flavor and improving its visual appeal. The glaze adds layers of sweet, savory, or spicy notes that complement the inherent taste of the ham, creating a more complex and enjoyable eating experience. It penetrates the surface, imparting its flavors and aromas.
Furthermore, the glaze creates a beautiful, glossy finish that makes the ham more presentable. As the glaze caramelizes during baking, it develops a rich color and sheen, adding to the overall visual appeal of the dish. This makes it a centerpiece-worthy addition to any holiday table or special occasion.
What are some popular glaze ingredients for ham?
Popular glaze ingredients typically include a combination of sweet, acidic, and savory elements. Sweeteners like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or fruit preserves provide a foundational sweetness. Acids like vinegar (apple cider, balsamic), citrus juice (orange, pineapple), or mustard balance the sweetness and add tanginess.
Savory components such as soy sauce, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, or spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg) provide depth and complexity. Many recipes combine these elements to create a well-rounded and flavorful glaze that complements the salty, smoky flavor of the ham.
How do I apply a glaze to my ham?
The key to applying glaze effectively is timing and technique. Typically, the glaze is applied during the last 30-60 minutes of the ham’s cooking time, after the ham has been heated through. This prevents the glaze from burning or becoming too thick.
Use a pastry brush to evenly coat the ham’s surface with the glaze. Repeat this process every 10-15 minutes, applying multiple layers to build up a rich, flavorful crust. Avoid overcrowding the pan, and keep a close eye on the ham to prevent over-browning.
Can I use a dry rub instead of a glaze on a ham?
Yes, a dry rub can be a flavorful alternative to a glaze, especially for those who prefer a less sweet or sticky finish. Dry rubs typically consist of a blend of spices, herbs, and sometimes sugar, which are massaged into the ham’s surface before cooking.
While dry rubs don’t create the glossy finish of a glaze, they infuse the ham with intense flavor and aroma. The spices penetrate the surface during cooking, creating a savory crust that complements the meat. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a robust and less traditional flavor profile.
What kind of ham is best for glazing?
A fully cooked, bone-in ham is often considered the best option for glazing. Fully cooked hams are convenient because they simply need to be reheated, and the bone adds flavor and moisture during the baking process. Spiral-cut hams are also popular as the glaze can easily penetrate between the slices.
However, a boneless ham can also be glazed successfully. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired presentation. A bone-in ham may require slightly longer cooking time, but it typically yields a more flavorful and moist result.
How do I prevent my ham glaze from burning?
Burning is a common issue when glazing hams, but it can be prevented with careful attention. Ensure the oven temperature isn’t too high, and avoid applying the glaze too early in the cooking process. Apply the glaze during the last 30-60 minutes, as this gives it time to caramelize without burning.
Consider tenting the ham with foil if the glaze starts to darken too quickly. This will help to shield it from direct heat and prevent it from burning. You can also lower the oven temperature slightly or move the ham to a lower rack in the oven. Regular checks and adjustments are key.
Can I make a glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely, making a glaze ahead of time is a great way to streamline your cooking process. Most glaze recipes can be prepared 1-2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the overall taste.
When ready to use, simply bring the glaze to room temperature or gently warm it on the stovetop to loosen it up if it has thickened in the refrigerator. This ensures it spreads easily and evenly over the ham. Making the glaze in advance saves time and stress on the day of cooking.