Zesty Plum-Glazed Easter Ham
Delight your family and friends this Easter with a stunning Zesty Plum-Glazed Ham. This delectable dish features a combination of sweet and spicy flavors, with a luscious glaze made from rich plum preserves, refreshing citrus juices, and a hint of ginger. Perfectly glazed and slow-baked, the ham is juicy and infused with flavors that will leave your guests asking for seconds. Serve it warm with a vibrant garnish of fresh pineapple, kiwi, green onions, and sesame seeds for an eye-catching centerpiece that embodies the spirit of the holiday.
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Plum preserves
1 (cup)
Orange juice
1/2 (cup)
Lime juice
2 (tablespoons)
Yellow mustard
1 (tablespoon)
Honey
1 (tablespoon)
Fresh ginger, minced
2 (teaspoons)
Red pepper flakes
1/2 (teaspoon)
Smoked fully cooked bone-in ham
7 (lbs)
Pineapple, for garnish
as needed (sliced)
Kiwi, for garnish
as needed (sliced)
Green onion, for garnish
as needed (chopped)
Sesame seeds, for garnish
as needed (sprinkled)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine the plum preserves, orange juice, lime juice, yellow mustard, honey, minced ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to mix the ingredients.
2
On medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a boil while constantly stirring to prevent burning.
3
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, continuing to stir frequently, and simmer until the preserves are completely melted and the glaze is smooth and blended, about 5-7 minutes.
4
Remove half of the plum glaze and set it aside in a microwave-safe bowl for later use.
5
Prepare the ham by trimming the excess fat to about 1/8 inch thickness. Use a sharp knife to cut shallow diamond patterns all over the surface of the ham, which allows the glaze to penetrate.
6
Place the ham on a rack in a foil-lined roasting pan to catch any drippings. Brush the outer surface with the remaining warm plum glaze from the saucepan.
7
Bake the ham uncovered in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) on the lower rack for 1 ½ hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
8
After 1 ½ hours, loosely cover the ham with aluminum foil and continue baking for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes, basting every half an hour.
9
Check the internal temperature of the ham using a meat thermometer; it should read 140°F (60°C) in the thickest portion.
10
Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.
11
While the ham rests, warm the reserved plum glaze in the microwave. Serve the ham with the heated glaze drizzled over the top.
12
Transfer the sliced ham to a serving platter and garnish with slices of fresh pineapple and kiwi, chopped green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a colorful presentation.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
15
Carbs
22
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Plum-Glazed Easter Ham?
It is a flavorful holiday main dish featuring a smoked bone-in ham coated in a sweet and spicy glaze made from plum preserves, citrus, and ginger.
What type of ham is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for a 7 lb smoked fully cooked bone-in ham.
What ingredients are in the plum glaze?
The glaze consists of plum preserves, orange juice, lime juice, yellow mustard, honey, minced fresh ginger, and red pepper flakes.
How do I prepare the plum glaze?
Combine the glaze ingredients in a saucepan, bring to a boil while stirring, and simmer for 5-7 minutes until smooth.
Should I use all the glaze at once?
No, you should remove half of the glaze and set it aside to be warmed and drizzled over the ham before serving.
How do I prepare the ham for the oven?
Trim the fat to 1/8 inch thickness and cut shallow diamond patterns across the surface to help the glaze penetrate.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The ham should be baked at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the ham bake uncovered?
The ham bakes uncovered on a roasting rack for the first 1.5 hours.
How often should I baste the ham?
You should brush the ham with the plum glaze every 30 minutes during the baking process.
When should I cover the ham with foil?
After the initial 1.5 hours of baking, cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil.
What is the total baking time after covering?
After covering, bake for an additional 1 hour and 45 minutes.
What is the target internal temperature for the ham?
The ham is ready when a meat thermometer reads 140°F (60°C) in the thickest portion.
Why must the ham rest after cooking?
Resting the ham for 15 minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and juicy.
How should the reserved glaze be served?
Warm the reserved glaze in the microwave and drizzle it over the sliced ham just before serving.
What garnishes are suggested for presentation?
Garnish the serving platter with fresh pineapple slices, kiwi slices, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
Is the Zesty Plum-Glazed Ham spicy?
It has a mild spicy kick due to the inclusion of red pepper flakes and fresh ginger.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this ham dish?
Each serving contains approximately 22 grams of protein.
How much fat is in the Zesty Plum-Glazed Ham?
The dish contains about 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use bottled ginger?
The recipe specifically recommends 2 teaspoons of minced fresh ginger for the best flavor profile.
What purpose does the yellow mustard serve?
Yellow mustard adds a necessary tanginess that balances the sweetness of the plum preserves and honey.
What kind of pan should I use for roasting?
Use a foil-lined roasting pan with a rack to catch drippings and ensure even heat distribution.
Is this recipe suitable for a large family dinner?
Yes, a 7 lb ham is ideal for family gatherings and is tagged as a family dinner recipe.
Can I substitute lime juice?
While lime juice is recommended for its specific citrus profile, lemon juice could be used as a substitute if needed.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 12 total ingredients including the main meat, glaze components, and garnishes.
What is the prep for the pineapple and kiwi?
The pineapple and kiwi should be sliced and used as a vibrant, fresh garnish on the serving platter.
Does the glaze contain honey?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of honey is included to add sweetness and a glossy finish to the glaze.
Is the ham bone-in or boneless?
This specific recipe is designed for a bone-in ham, which often provides more flavor during roasting.
Should the glaze be stirred while boiling?
Yes, you should stir the mixture constantly while bringing it to a boil to prevent burning.