Golden Ham
A flavorful grilled ham glazed with a sweet and tangy marinade featuring ginger ale, orange juice, and spices, perfect for entertaining or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Score the fat edge of the ham.
- Combine ginger ale, orange juice, brown sugar, vegetable oil, wine vinegar, dry mustard, ground ginger, and ground cloves to make the marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the ham in a shallow baking dish.
- Refrigerate overnight or let stand at room temperature for 1 hour, spooning marinade over the ham several times.
- Place the ham on a grill over slow coals.
- Cook for 15 minutes on each side, brushing frequently with the marinade.
- Heat the remaining marinade and serve with the ham.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the ham for up to 24 hours. If you don't have ginger ale, substitute with lemon-lime soda or even apple juice for a different twist. Adjust the brown sugar based on your sweetness preference. Consider adding pineapple juice for a tropical note. For grilling, ensure the coals are hot enough to create a nice sear but not so hot that the sugar burns.
Serving Suggestions
This Golden Ham pairs beautifully with side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Easy, Cheesy Brunch Casserole or Over Stuffed Potatoes. For a festive touch, complement it with a citrus salad or a tangy coleslaw. Drizzle with the warmed marinade before serving for added flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, slice the ham and warm it gently in a pan over low heat with a splash of the reserved marinade or a little water to keep it moist. You can also wrap it in foil and heat in a preheated oven at 325°F until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Golden Ham contains roughly 317 calories, with 4g protein, 68g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (49% of the Daily Value), iron (33% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. It also contributes 14g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 any type of cooked ham, such as honey-baked or smoked. Just ensure it is thick-sliced for best results. Adjust cooking times as necessary based on the thickness and type of ham you choose.
Is it necessary to grill the ham, or can I bake it?
Grilling adds a unique charred flavor, but you can also bake the ham in the oven. Place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes, basting with the marinade periodically. This method will also keep it moist and flavorful.
What can I serve with the Golden Ham?
Great side dishes include roasted vegetables, coleslaw, or quinoa salad. It also pairs well with traditional American recipes like mashed potatoes or baked beans. For a special touch, add a fruit-based side like a citrus salad to complement the ham's flavors.
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).