Festive Baked Ham
A festive baked ham glazed with brown sugar and cherry filling, infused with spices and fruit flavors, perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine apple cider and water in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Set aside.
- Remove skin from the ham.
- Place the ham, fat side up, on a cutting board.
- Score the fat in a diamond pattern and stud with cloves.
- Place the ham in a shallow baking pan, fat side up, and coat the top with brown sugar.
- Insert a meat thermometer into the ham, making sure it does not touch fat or bone.
- Bake the ham uncovered at 325°F for 22 to 25 minutes per pound, about 2 hours, basting every 20 to 30 minutes with the cider mixture.
- Combine cherry pie filling, raisins, and orange juice in a saucepan; bring to a boil.
- Serve the sauce with sliced ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using spiced apple cider or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the glaze. If you don’t have raisins, dried cranberries or apricots work as great substitutes. When scoring the ham, be careful not to cut too deep; just score through the fat. Basting regularly is key to keeping the ham moist and flavorful, so don't skip that step.
Serving Suggestions
Slice the ham and serve it warm, drizzled with the cherry sauce for a delicious contrast. Pair it with sides like Easy Ranch Vegetables or Green Vegetable Salad for a festive meal. This dish also complements mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the ham and place it in a baking dish with a splash of apple cider or orange juice to keep it moist. Cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Festive Baked Ham contains roughly 1599 calories, with 12g protein, 406g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (194% of the Daily Value), iron (116% of the Daily Value), and calcium (93% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use a bone-in or boneless ham, but cooking times may vary. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it's fully cooked. A spiral-cut ham is also a great option as it allows for easy slicing and serving.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
The ham is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for precooked ham. Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. Remember to account for carryover cooking once you take it out of the oven.
Can I prepare the glaze in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cherry sauce a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stove before serving. This saves time on the day of your event and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).