The Best Easter Dinner Recipe: Sweet and Savory Glazed Ham

Easter is such a special time of year, don’t you think? The air is filled with the promise of spring, flowers are blooming, and families are gathering around the table for a festive meal. One of the stars of our Easter dinner recipe has always been this beautifully glazed ham. It’s sweet, savory, and oh-so comforting. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes makes even the most chaotic of family gatherings feel warm and inviting.

When I make this recipe, I often reminisce about my childhood Easter dinners. My mom would put this ham in the oven early in the morning, and by the time we were ready to sit down for lunch, it was gooey with the delicious glaze I couldn’t wait to dig into. Sure, I sometimes have a messy kitchen after cooking it (who doesn’t?), but that just means the recipe is worth every splash and spill!

Background & Origin

Glazed ham has its roots in various culinary traditions across the globe, particularly in Europe and the United States. It became a popular dish in American homes during the mid-20th century, especially on festive occasions like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The combination of sweet and savory flavors plays beautifully off the saltiness of the ham — it just works!

What sets this recipe apart is the simple glaze mixture of brown sugar, honey, mustard, and pineapple juice. It’s easy to whip up and delivers that classic glazed taste without requiring any fancy techniques. Plus, who wouldn’t love the idea of infusing ham with tropical pineapple sweetness? This version is designed to be beginner-friendly, so even if you’ve never cooked a whole ham before, you’ll find it simple and rewarding!

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Ingredients

• 1 whole ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 cups pineapple juice
• Cloves (optional)

Helpful Notes

• Make sure to let your ingredients come to room temperature for better mixing.
• If possible, finely chop or soften ingredients for easier incorporation into the glaze.
• Cloves are optional if you want a more subtle spice.
• Don’t hesitate to substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and place it in a roasting pan. The scoring helps the glaze seep into the meat.
3. In a bowl, mix together brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice. This creates a thick, sticky mixture.
4. Pour the mixture over the ham, ensuring it gets into the scored areas. Don’t be shy – you want that glaze everywhere!
5. If desired, insert cloves into the intersections of the diamond pattern for added flavor.
6. Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting occasionally. This helps keep the meat juicy and flavorful.
7. Remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize. You should see it turn a beautiful golden brown.
8. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This is an essential step; it allows the juices to redistribute.

Pro Tips & Common Mistakes

• For extra flavor, consider adding spices like ground ginger or cinnamon to the glaze.
• Don’t overbake! If the ham dries out, it loses a lot of its charm. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
• Prep-ahead tip: You can prepare the glaze the night before and store it in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.
• If you find yourself pressed for time, buy a pre-glazed ham and enhance the glaze with your own ingredients for a personal touch.

Variations & Substitutions

• For a vegan or dairy-free option, you could try using a plant-based ham substitute and make a glaze with maple syrup and apple juice.
• Opt for gluten-free Dijon mustard if you need to avoid gluten.
• Looking for a lighter dish? Try a lower-sugar glaze using coconut sugar instead of brown sugar.
• If you want to spice it up, add some chili flakes to the honey mixture for a kick of heat.
• If you’re on a budget, ham steaks are a great alternative and cook much quicker than a whole ham.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your delicious ham with sides that complement its sweetness – think creamy mashed potatoes, garlic green beans, or a crisp salad with citrus dressing. Homemade rolls or cornbread can round out your Easter dinner nicely! For drinks, a crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling cider can be delightful companions.

Simple plating can elevate your table’s appeal; arrange the ham on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs or sliced pineapples for that homey touch.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Leftover ham can be kept in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Just wrap it tightly! If you want to extend its life, freeze slices for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply place slices in a baking dish with a bit of water or stock, cover with foil, and heat in a 325°F (165°C) oven until warmed through. This keeps it moist and delicious!

Nutrition & Health Notes

This ham recipe typically serves about 8 to 10 people, with each serving ranging from 250 to 300 calories, depending on the size of the slices. You can opt for serving smaller portions or pair with sides rich in vegetables to balance out the meal.

Looking for healthier swaps? Try reducing the sugar in the glaze or using a leaner cut of ham to cut down on calories.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make this Easter Dinner Recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the glaze and even score the ham the night before.
• How do I thicken or thin it? Add more brown sugar for thickness or a bit more pineapple juice to thin it out.
• What substitutions work best? You can use maple syrup instead of honey for a unique flavor shift.
• Can I double or halve the recipe? Yes, just scale your glaze ingredients accordingly; no problem at all!
• What cookware should I use? A deep roasting pan works best for capturing drippings and allowing for easy basting.
• Can I make it dairy-free or meat-free? Yes! Substitute with a vegan ham or simply roast a hearty veggie dish alongside.
• What sides go well with it? Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and roasted vegetables make excellent companions.

Conclusion

Cooking this glazed ham for Easter dinner is truly a labor of love that fills your home with warmth and happiness. It’s all about bringing loved ones together around the table and enjoying delicious food. If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Please leave a comment below, share your thoughts, or even share your family’s favorite side dish to serve with it. Happy cooking!