Gluten-Free Honey Glazed Ham

Gluten-Free Honey Glazed Ham

Julia

This Gluten-Free Honey Glazed Ham is the centerpiece your holiday table deserves. A succulent bone-in ham is transformed into a show-stopping dish with a glossy, caramelized glaze that combines the natural sweetness of honey with tangy Dijon mustard and warm spices. The result is a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors that penetrate deep into the tender meat, creating a memorable dining experience that everyone can enjoy.

While glazed ham has been a traditional centerpiece for festive occasions across Europe and America for centuries, this version is carefully crafted to be completely gluten-free without sacrificing any of the classic flavors. By using naturally gluten-free ingredients like pure honey, gluten-free Dijon mustard, and simple spices, this recipe ensures that those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity can fully participate in the celebration.

The key to this recipe's success lies in the scoring technique and the multiple basting sessions during cooking. Scoring the ham creates pockets for the glaze to seep into, while frequent basting builds up layer upon layer of that irresistible sticky-sweet coating. The ham emerges from the oven with a beautiful mahogany finish and an aroma that will have your guests gathering around the kitchen long before dinner is served.

Perfect for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special gathering, this ham serves 10-12 people and pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. Leftovers make incredible sandwiches, can be added to soups, or enjoyed cold straight from the refrigerator.

Julia

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

2 hours 15 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 12.00g
Carbs 22.00g
Protein 48.00g

Ingredients

8 lbsbone-in ham, fully cooked
3/4 cuphoney
1/4 cupgluten-free Dijon mustard
1/2 cupbrown sugar, packed
2 tbspapple cider vinegar
1 tspground cinnamon
1/2 tspground cloves
1/2 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
20 Nonewhole cloves, for studding (optional)
2 tbspfresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

Cutting board
Oven
Whisk
measuring spoons
measuring cups
paper towels
aluminum foil
medium saucepan
meat thermometer
pastry brush
serving platter
sharp knife
large roasting pan

Clean Eating

This recipe aligns with clean eating principles by using whole, minimally processed ingredients like honey, fresh herbs, and a high-quality ham, avoiding artificial additives and focusing on natural flavors.

Gluten-Free Diet

This recipe is perfectly suited for a gluten-free diet, using naturally gluten-free ingredients like honey, mustard, and spices. The recipe explicitly notes its gluten-free status and carefully avoids any gluten-containing ingredients.

Intermittent Fasting

A protein-rich ham dish that can fit well into intermittent fasting eating windows, providing a satisfying, nutrient-dense meal during allowed eating times.

Low-Carb Diet

While not strictly low-carb due to honey and brown sugar, this recipe can be modified for low-carb diets by reducing or replacing the sweet glaze with a sugar-free alternative. The ham itself is a great low-carb protein source.

Instructions

1

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third of the oven to accommodate the ham.

1 min
2

Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it completely dry with paper towels. Place the ham on a cutting board with the flat side down.

2 min
3

Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making cuts about 1/4-inch deep and spaced 1 inch apart. Be careful not to cut too deeply into the meat.

5 min
4

If using whole cloves, insert one clove at each intersection of the diamond pattern across the ham surface for added flavor and presentation.

3 min
5

Place the scored ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Add 1 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent drippings from burning.

1 min
6

Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil, ensuring it's completely sealed to trap moisture and prevent the ham from drying out.

1 min
7

Place the covered ham in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour. This initial covered baking helps the ham heat through evenly.

1h
8

While the ham is baking, prepare the honey glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, gluten-free Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and black pepper.

2 min
9
4 min

Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the glaze ingredients together constantly until the mixture is smooth and the brown sugar has completely dissolved, about 3-4 minutes.

10
3 min

Bring the glaze to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.

11

After the ham has baked covered for 1 hour, carefully remove it from the oven. Remove and discard the aluminum foil.

1 min
12

Using a pastry brush, generously brush about one-third of the honey glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into the scored lines.

2 min
13

Return the uncovered ham to the oven and bake for 20 minutes. The glaze will begin to caramelize and create a beautiful shine.

20 min
14

Remove the ham from the oven again and brush with another third of the glaze, coating all surfaces thoroughly.

2 min
15

Return to the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. The glaze will continue to build up and caramelize further.

20 min
16

Remove the ham one final time and brush with the remaining glaze. If the glaze has thickened too much, gently rewarm it on the stovetop.

2 min
17

Return the ham to the oven for a final 15-20 minutes, until the glaze is deeply caramelized and the internal temperature reaches 140°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

20 min
18

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

15 min
19

Transfer the ham to a serving platter and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Slice and serve warm.

5 min

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