If you're looking for a new way to glaze your ham, try this delicious cherry and honey glaze with a hint of balsamic vinegar. The sweet and tart flavors of the cherries and honey complement the smoky flavor of the ham perfectly, and the balsamic vinegar adds a subtle depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham, bone-in or boneless
- 1 can of tart cherries, drained and juice reserved
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Score the surface of the ham with a sharp knife, making diamond shapes about 1/4 inch deep.
- Combine the reserved cherry juice, honey, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, mustard, and cinnamon in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the cherries and remove the glaze from heat.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze over the surface of the ham, making sure to get the glaze in between the scored lines.
- Roast the ham in the oven for 15 minutes per pound, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
- Serve the ham with any remaining glaze on the side.
Tips
- You can use fresh cherries instead of canned if they're in season. Just pit and chop them before adding to the glaze.
- If you don't have balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar instead.
- Leftover ham and glaze make great sandwiches.
Conclusion
This cherry and honey glazed ham is a delicious twist on a classic holiday recipe. The tartness of the cherries and the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar create a perfect balance of flavors, and the balsamic vinegar adds a subtle depth of flavor. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a new family favorite.
