Glazed Orange Marmalade Baked Ham

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If you ask me, there’s nothing quite like a baked ham during the holidays.

This orange marmalade version puts a bright, citrusy spin on the classic Sunday dinner favorite. Sweet and slightly tart marmalade creates a glossy glaze that adds just the right amount of flavor to the smoky meat.

The ham gets brushed with the sticky-sweet mixture throughout cooking, letting those orange notes seep into every bite. A sprinkle of brown sugar helps create that nice caramelized exterior we all love.

It’s the kind of no-fuss recipe that fills your home with good smells and brings everyone to the table, perfect for special occasions or when you’re craving something a bit more special than your usual dinner.

What Kind of Ham Should I Use?

For this recipe, you’ll want to start with a fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham, which comes pre-sliced in a spiral pattern around the bone. These hams are available at most grocery stores and come in two main styles – “city ham” which is the most common and has a mild, wet-cured flavor, or “country ham” which is dry-cured and significantly saltier. I recommend sticking with a city ham for this recipe since it pairs better with the sweet glaze. The bone adds extra flavor during cooking and helps keep the meat moist, while the pre-cut spiral slices make it easy for the glaze to seep between the layers. Look for a ham labeled “with natural juices” rather than “water added” for the best quality and flavor.

Options for Substitutions

This glazed ham recipe can be adapted with a few simple swaps if needed:

• Orange marmalade: If you don’t have orange marmalade, you can use apricot preserves or peach jam plus 2 tablespoons of orange zest. Another option is to mix 1/2 cup of orange juice with 1/2 cup of any light-colored jam.
• Honey: You can replace honey with maple syrup or light corn syrup. Agave nectar works too, but use about 25% less since it’s sweeter than honey.
• Brown sugar: Out of brown sugar? Mix 1 cup of white sugar with 1 tablespoon of molasses. Plain white sugar works too, but you’ll miss some of that deep caramel flavor.
• Spiral ham: While spiral ham is ideal for this recipe, you can use a regular bone-in ham. Just score the surface in a diamond pattern so the glaze can seep in. Boneless ham works too, but reduce cooking time by about 30 minutes since it tends to heat faster.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Baking

The biggest mistake when baking a glazed ham is cooking it at too high a temperature, which can dry out the meat and burn the sugary glaze – keep your oven at 325°F and use a meat thermometer to monitor doneness.

Timing is crucial with the glaze: applying it too early in the cooking process can lead to a burnt, bitter exterior, so wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to brush on your orange marmalade mixture.

To prevent your ham from drying out, make sure to cover it tightly with foil for most of the cooking time, only removing the foil during the final glazing period.

A common oversight is not letting the ham rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking – this step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making each slice juicier and more flavorful.

What to Serve With Baked Ham?

A sweet and savory baked ham calls for classic side dishes that balance out its rich flavors. Creamy mashed potatoes make the perfect base for soaking up all that delicious honey-orange glaze, while green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts add a nice fresh element to the plate. For a complete holiday-style spread, add some warm dinner rolls and a simple mac and cheese – these sides are always crowd pleasers with ham. You might also want to include a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the meat.

Storage Instructions

Keep Fresh: After your holiday feast, place leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. It’ll stay good in the fridge for 4-5 days. The sweet orange glaze helps keep the meat moist, making it perfect for sandwiches throughout the week!

Freeze: Got more ham than you can handle? Cut it into smaller portions, wrap them well in plastic wrap and foil, then pop them in freezer bags. Your ham will keep its flavor for up to 2 months in the freezer. Don’t forget to label the bags with the date!

Reheat: To warm up your leftover ham, place it in a baking dish with a splash of water or juice, cover with foil, and heat at 325°F until it reaches your desired temperature. For smaller portions, a quick zap in the microwave works too – just cover it to keep the moisture in.

Preparation Time	15-20 minutes
Cooking Time	75-90 minutes
Total Time	90-110 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Medium

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 4000-4500
• Protein: 300-350 g
• Fat: 150-180 g
• Carbohydrates: 600-700 g

Ingredients

• 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral ham (6 to 8 lbs)
• 1 cup tightly packed brown sugar
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup orange marmalade

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Ham

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Once preheated, place the ham in a shallow roasting pan or baking dish, ensuring it’s ready to receive its delicious glaze.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, honey, and orange marmalade.

Stir the mixture until well combined.

Continue stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle bubble.

Once bubbling, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.

Step 3: Apply the First Layer of Glaze and Bake

Carefully spoon half of the prepared glaze over the ham, ensuring it is evenly coated.

Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 1 hour.

This allows the glaze to caramelize slightly and penetrate the surface of the ham.

Step 4: Apply Second Layer of Glaze and Finish Baking

After one hour, remove the ham from the oven and spoon the remaining glaze over it.

Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15-30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reads 140°F (60°C) and the ham is fully heated through.

Note: An 8-pound ham might take a bit longer, so ensure to check the internal temperature to avoid undercooking.

Step 5: Serve the Glazed Ham

Once the ham is fully cooked and glazed, remove it from the oven.

Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

Enjoy this sweet and savory dish as a delightful centerpiece for your meal!