Bluegrass Bliss: Savor Kentucky-Style Honey Glazed Baked Ham

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In Kentucky, where culinary traditions are steeped in southern hospitality and flavor, one dish that shines on dinner tables across the state is the Honey Glazed Baked Ham. A true classic of Bluegrass cuisine, this dish is more than just a centerpiece—it's a celebration of flavor, history, and heartwarming family gatherings.

Kentucky’s rich food culture is known for combining sweetness with savory notes, which makes this Honey Glazed Baked Ham a favorite at special occasions like holiday feasts, Sunday dinners, and even Derby Day celebrations. It’s the perfect harmony of flavors, with the sweetness of honey and brown sugar balanced by a tangy kick from Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just cooking for your family, this recipe is sure to leave a lasting impression.

The Heart of Kentucky Cuisine

The use of simple, high-quality ingredients is central to the Kentucky cooking philosophy, and this baked ham is no different. Fresh local honey is often preferred, adding a touch of the state’s agricultural bounty to the dish. The sweet glaze, flavored with ground cloves and apple cider vinegar, infuses the ham with warmth and depth, while the low and slow baking process ensures each bite is tender and moist.

This ham is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, making it the perfect dish for a variety of occasions. Pair it with classic southern sides like green beans, cornbread, or mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a meal that’s as satisfying as a Kentucky sunset.

Recipe: Kentucky-Style Honey Glazed Baked Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked ham (8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the Ham: Place your fully cooked ham in a large roasting pan, and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out during the cooking process.
3. Make the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, water, and ground cloves. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the brown sugar has completely dissolved, and the glaze is smooth and well-combined.
4. Glaze the Ham: Once the glaze is ready, brush a generous amount of it over the surface of the ham, making sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
5. Bake the Ham: Bake the ham in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours. Every 30 minutes, open the oven and baste the ham with more of the glaze. This will give the ham a rich, sticky coating and lock in moisture.
6. Carve and Serve: When the ham is done baking, let it rest for about 10 minutes before carving. Slice it to your desired thickness and serve it alongside your favorite Kentucky sides.

A Kentucky Tradition for All Occasions

Whether it's the centerpiece of a holiday feast or the star of a casual family meal, this Honey Glazed Baked Ham brings a piece of Kentucky tradition to the table. The tender meat, paired with the sticky-sweet glaze, delivers that unbeatable balance of sweet and savory flavors that Kentucky cuisine is known for.

So, the next time you’re looking to bring a touch of southern charm to your table, look no further than this Honey Glazed Baked Ham. It’s a dish that’s sure to become a family favorite, just as it has in homes across Kentucky for generations.

If you're looking for the best way to create a sweet and savory Honey Glazed Baked Ham, you'll be happy to know it's a favorite across kitchens, especially during the holiday season. The key to a perfect glaze lies in balancing sweetness from honey and brown sugar with a bit of tang from Dijon mustard and apple cider vinegar.

This method of slow-roasting the ham while basting it with the glaze ensures the meat stays juicy and flavorful. It's important to glaze the ham multiple times throughout the cooking process, as this allows the glaze to caramelize and coat the meat fully, enhancing both flavor and appearance. Additionally, covering the ham loosely with foil during the first part of baking prevents it from drying out, while uncovering it toward the end helps develop that mouth-watering golden-brown crust​(Averie Cooks)​(Taste of Home).

For some creative twists, you can experiment with spices like cloves or even add a splash of bourbon to give the glaze a richer flavor profile. If you're pressed for time, making the glaze ahead is possible, but it's best to apply it freshly during the final stages of baking for the most impact​(Erren's Kitchen)​(The Kitchn).

You can find further details and variations on honey glazed ham recipes from sites like (Erren's Kitchen)ps​(The Kitchn)chen.c​(Taste of Home)/), The Kitchn, and Taste of Home.