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Lemon Glazed Easter Ham

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This festive ham features a sticky, tangy lemon glaze that caramelizes beautifully, infusing each slice with sweet citrus and savory depth. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bone-in half ham (about 8–10 lbs), pre-cooked and spiral sliced if possible
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
  • 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2–3 lemons)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon zest
  • 1/4 cup honey (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (optional)
  • Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme sprigs (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Let ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Place ham flat side down in a large roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep. If spiral-sliced, separate slices slightly.
  3. In a small saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, Dijon mustard, ginger, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add smoked paprika, cayenne, and melted butter if using. Simmer over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.
  4. Brush half the glaze over the ham, getting into scored lines and between slices. Reserve the rest for basting. Cover loosely with foil.
  5. Bake for 1 hour, basting with pan juices every 20 minutes. For larger hams, add 10 minutes per extra pound.
  6. Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for 20-30 minutes more until glaze is caramelized and bubbling. Broil for 2-3 minutes for crispy edges if desired, watching closely.
  7. Check internal temperature; ham should reach 140°F.
  8. Transfer ham to a cutting board, tent with foil, and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
  9. Slice thinly along scored lines or spiral cuts. Arrange on a platter.
  10. Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs. Drizzle extra glaze from pan over top before serving.

Notes

For best results, baste the ham every 20 minutes and tent with foil if glaze starts to burn. Spiral-sliced hams make serving easier. The glaze can be customized with herbs or swapped for orange juice. Leftovers are great for sandwiches and salads. Always check ham and glaze ingredients for gluten if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: Easter ham, lemon glaze, holiday recipe, glazed ham, spring dinner, festive ham, citrus ham, easy ham recipe

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/lemon-glazed-easter-ham-recipe-perfect-for-festive-dinners/