Whether you’re preparing a holiday ham or just whipping up a weeknight dinner, glazing a ham is a great way to add flavor and moisture. But when it comes to timing, many cooks wonder: Should you glaze the ham before or after cooking it? Keep reading for a complete guide to glazing ham, including when and how to glaze for perfect results every time.
Should You Glaze a Ham Before or After Cooking?
The short answer is: Yes, you should cook the ham first before glazing it. Here’s why:
- Glazing before cooking can cause the glaze to burn or caramelize too much. This gives the ham an unpleasant bitter flavor.
- Cooking allows glazes and juices to absorb into the meat better for maximum flavor.
- Pre-cooked and cured hams only require glazing and gentle warming, not full cooking.
Glazing after cooking and initial resting lets you control caramelization and set the glaze without overcooking the ham. Follow the complete process below for perfectly glazed, tender ham.
How to Cook and Glaze a Fresh Ham
For fresh, uncooked hams like a bone-in pork leg, follow this process:
- Prep the ham by removing skin and trimming excess fat. Score the fat cap in a diamond pattern.
- Place ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and add 1 cup water. Cover tightly with foil.
- Roast in a 325°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, about 18-20 minutes per pound.
- Remove ham from oven and tent loosely with foil. Allow to rest for 30 minutes.
- In a small saucepan, prepare your glaze of choice. Apply glaze evenly over entire ham.
- Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Return glazed ham to oven for about 10-15 minutes until glaze is slightly caramelized.
- Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and allow to rest 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Glaze Ideas for Fresh Ham
- Brown sugar & maple syrup
- Stoneground mustard & figs
- Cherry jam & balsamic vinegar
- Orange marmalade & bourbon
- Honey & cumin
Glazing a Pre-Cooked Spiral Cut Ham
Spiral cut hams are fully cooked and cured, so glazing comes after gentle warming:
- Unwrap ham and place cut-side down in a baking dish. Cover with foil.
- Bake at 325°F for about 8-10 minutes per pound until heated through.
- Remove ham from oven, brush generously with your glaze, and return to oven uncovered.
- Bake for another 5-10 minutes until glaze is tacky and caramelized.
- Let rest 10-15 minutes before serving.
Easy Glazes for Spiral Ham
- Brown sugar & honey
- Sweet chili sauce
- Jelly & mustard
- Bourbon & maple syrup
- Cranberry sauce
Tips for the Perfect Glazed Ham
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Cook thoroughly first. Never skip the initial cooking before glazing. This ensures even cooking and seasoning penetration.
- Rest before glazing. Letting the ham sit after cooking allows juices to redistribute for moister meat.
- Score the fat cap. Cutting through the fat allows more glaze contact and crisping. No need to score a spiral ham.
- Brush generously. Thick, even glaze coverage means the best flavor and presentation.
- Add spices to glaze. Whole cloves, peppercorns, cinnamon sticks, or herbs infuse extra flavor.
- Caramelize the glaze. Quick oven time after glazing helps the glaze set up.
- Let glazed ham rest. Resting allows glaze to soak in for a candied texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you bake a ham covered or uncovered?
Cover the ham with foil during the initial cooking to prevent drying out. Remove foil during glazing so the glaze can caramelize.
What happens if you glaze a ham before cooking?
Glazing before cooking can lead to a burnt, bitter glaze and dry meat. Always cook ham first before glazing for the best flavor.
How long does it take to bake a 10 lb ham?
Cooking times vary, but plan on 18-20 minutes per pound for an uncooked, bone-in fresh ham. A 10 lb ham will take around 3-3.5 hours total.
What’s the best way to reheat glazed ham?
For glazed leftover ham, cover with foil and reheat at 325°F until warmed through, about 10 minutes per pound. Avoid overcooking to preserve moisture.
Can you freeze a baked glazed ham?
Yes, fully cooked hams freeze well for 2-3 months. Cool ham completely before freezing. Reheat straight from frozen by cooking covered in a 325°F oven.
The Bottom Line
Glazing a ham before cooking can lead to a disappointing dry, burnt mess. For the juiciest, most flavorful results, cook the ham completely first, rest, and then apply your glaze. Take the ham back up to 400°F just until the glaze sets for the perfect glistening presentation.
With the right technique, your glazed ham will be a mouthwatering centerpiece to any holiday meal or Sunday dinner. Experiment with sweet, spicy, or savory glazes to give this classic roast your own unique twist.
Cooking Time Chart for Ham
Use this chart as a guide for average cooked ham times:
| Ham Weight | Uncooked Ham Time at 325°F | Cooked Ham Warming Time at 325°F |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | 1.5 – 2 hours | 45-60 minutes |
| 7 lbs | 2 – 2.5 hours | 60-75 minutes |
| 10 lbs | 3 – 3.5 hours | 90-120 minutes |
| 12 lbs | 3.5 – 4 hours | 120-150 minutes |
| 15 lbs | 4.5 – 5 hours | 150-180 minutes |
Glazing Inspiration
Get creative with your ham glazes! Here are 10 delicious options:
1. Cherry Cola Glaze
Ingredients: cherry jam, brown sugar, lemon juice, cola
2. Sweet & Spicy Apricot Glaze
Ingredients: apricot preserves, Sriracha, mustard, brown sugar
3. Coca-Cola Glaze
Ingredients: Coca-Cola, brown sugar, mustard
4. Citrus & Herb Glaze
Ingredients: orange marmalade, rosemary, garlic
5. Blackberry Bourbon Glaze
Ingredients: blackberry jam, bourbon, brown sugar, mustard
6. Cranberry Pecan Glaze
Ingredients: cranberry sauce, chopped pecans, orange juice
7. Sweet & Savory Glaze
Ingredients: peach preserves, spicy brown mustard, pepper
8. Maple Bacon Glaze
Ingredients: maple syrup, brown sugar, bacon bits
9. Fig & Balsamic Glaze
Ingredients: fig jam, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar
10. Pineapple Teriyaki Glaze
Ingredients: pineapple jam, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil
Serving Suggestions for Glazed Ham
A glazed ham makes a gorgeous centerpiece to any meal. Here are ideas for sides and starters:
- Buttermilk biscuits or Hawaiian rolls
- Scalloped, baked, or mashed potatoes
- Green bean casserole or roasted Brussels sprouts
- Waldorf salad or spinach salad
- Macaroni and cheese or corn pudding
- Sweet potatoes or roasted root vegetables
- Deviled eggs, baked brie, or charcuterie
- Fruit compote, cranberry sauce, or apple chutney
Pair your ham with any combination of these delicious options for a festive meal. Addition of lighter sides like a salad provide balance.
In Summary
Glazed ham is delicious, but only if you use proper technique. Always cook the ham completely until fully heated and seasoned before applying a sweet, savory, or spicy glaze. Allow to rest, then glaze and return to the oven just to caramelize. This prevents dry meat and burnt glaze flavor. Use the timing and charts above for foolproof glazed ham. Feel free to get creative with the glaze ingredients to match your taste. Serve with hearty side dishes, fresh rolls, and lighter salads or veggies. Your holiday table or Sunday dinner will be centered around a juicy, glistening ham with amazing texture and taste. Enjoy!