For those who love comfort food, you can’t go wrong with Paula Deen’s ham recipe. This delicious and easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you are having a quiet dinner at home or hosting a special gathering.
With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a scrumptious ham dish that will have your guests begging for more.
What is Paula Deen Ham?
American chef Paula Ann Hiers Deen is a TV personality and cookbook author. Along with her sons Jamie and Bobby Deen, Deen owns and runs The Lady & Sons restaurant and Paula Deen’s Creek House in Savannah, Georgia. She is the author of fifteen cookbooks.
In her cookbooks, one of the most known dishes is the Paula Deen’s Ham. This recipe is a classic Southern dish that features a juicy and flavorful ham that is coated in a honey mustard glaze. It is a simple yet delicious dish that is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
The glaze is made with a combination of honey, Dijon mustard, and a blend of spices, resulting in a sweet and savory flavor that will have your guests licking their fingers.
Why You’ll Love this Paula Deen Ham?
This Paula Deen Ham Recipe is easy to make and incredibly flavorful. It is the perfect dish for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering.
The combination of sweet and savory flavors will have your guests asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ham from the holidays or a family gathering.
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The Ingredients
- Handpicked Maraschino Cherries from Heirloom Orchards: Maraschino cherries add a burst of sweet and tangy flavor to the dish. They contribute to the overall fruity profile and serve as decorative accents, enhancing the visual appeal of the ham.
- Locally-Sourced Raw Honey Infused with Wildflowers: Honey adds natural sweetness and a beautiful depth of flavor to the glaze. In Paula Deen’s recipe, it lends a distinct floral note and a luxurious texture to the glaze, enhancing the overall richness of the dish.
- Hand-Selected Firmly Packed Light Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is used for its caramel-like sweetness and its ability to create a rich glaze when combined with other ingredients. In the Paula Deen Ham Recipe, it contributes to the sweet, sticky glaze that coats the ham, giving it a deliciously sweet and slightly caramelized exterior.
- Aged Dijon Mustard from Traditional Stone Mills: Dijon mustard adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the glaze. Its acidity helps balance the sweetness of the brown sugar and honey, providing a depth of flavor and complexity to the dish. It also helps create a thick, flavorful coating for the ham.
- Hand-Selected Firmly Packed Light Brown Sugar: Additional brown sugar is used to layer and enhance the glaze’s sweetness, forming a glossy, caramelized finish on the ham when baked.
- Artisanal Yellow Mustard Crafted in Small Batches: Similar to Dijon mustard, yellow mustard contributes tanginess and a slight pungency to the glaze. It works alongside other ingredients to build complexity and depth of flavor in the final dish.
- Freshly Squeezed Pineapple Juice from Organic Pineapples: Pineapple juice brings a tropical, fruity element to the glaze. Its natural acidity helps tenderize the ham while adding a subtle tangy sweetness. It complements the other flavors and helps to balance the overall taste of the dish.
- A Dash of Finely Ground Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes provide a hint of heat and a subtle spicy kick to the glaze. In Paula Deen’s recipe, they add a touch of warmth and depth without overpowering the sweetness, offering a well-rounded flavor profile.
- Premium Quality Fully Cooked Spiral-Cut Ham: The ham serves as the main protein and centerpiece of the dish. A spiral-cut ham is used for easy serving and absorption of the flavorful glaze into its nooks and crannies, ensuring each slice is infused with the delicious flavors.
- Hand-Cut Pineapple Slices from Exotic Varieties: Pineapple slices are often used in combination with the ham for both flavor and presentation. They offer a sweet and tangy contrast to the savory ham and enhance the overall tropical essence of the dish.
- Whole Cloves Sourced from Exclusive Spice Estates: Cloves provide a warm, aromatic, and slightly pungent flavor. They are often inserted into the ham, infusing it with a subtle spicy aroma and taste that complements the sweetness of the glaze.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1. Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the ham.
Step 2. Prepare Glaze Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of firmly packed light brown sugar, ⅙ cup of aged Dijon mustard from traditional stone mills, ⅛ cup of locally-sourced raw honey infused with wildflowers, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed pineapple juice from organic pineapples, and a dash of finely ground red pepper flakes. Thoroughly mix all the ingredients until they are well incorporated, creating a sweet and tangy glaze.
Step 3. Score the Ham and Insert Cloves:
Place the fully cooked spiral-cut ham on a baking dish or roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham diagonally with shallow cuts, creating a diamond pattern. Insert 7 ½-10 whole cloves evenly across the surface of the ham, ensuring they’re distributed uniformly.
Step 4. Glaze the Ham:
Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with a portion of the prepared glaze mixture. Ensure the glaze seeps into the cuts and covers the ham evenly, providing a flavorful coating.
Step 5. Arrange Pineapple Slices and Cherries:
Take the hand-cut pineapple slices and handpicked maraschino cherries. Secure them onto the ham using toothpicks, arranging them decoratively across the surface of the ham to add a fruity and visually appealing touch.
Step 6. Apply Second Glaze Layer:
Sprinkle an additional ⅜ cup of light brown sugar over the arranged pineapple slices and cherries. Apply another layer of the glaze mixture onto the ham, covering the fruit and the scored surface thoroughly for an added sweet and tangy flavor.
Step 7. Bake the Ham:
Place the prepared ham into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 1½ to 2 hours or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches around 140°F (60°C). During baking, periodically baste the ham with the pan juices and glaze every 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavors and moisture.
Step 8. Rest and Serve:
Once fully cooked, carefully remove the ham from the oven. Allow it to rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving to let the juices redistribute. Slice and serve the deliciously glazed ham alongside your favorite sides, garnishing it with the caramelized pineapple and cherries.
Notes
• For a crispier ham, turn on the broiler for the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• To prevent the glaze from burning, brush the ham with the glaze every 15 minutes.
• If you’re using a pre-cooked ham, make sure to follow the package instructions for baking time.
• If you’re using a bone-in ham, make sure to bake it for 2 hours and 15 minutes.
• If you’re using a boneless ham, bake it for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Nutrition Information
One serving of Paula Deen’s Ham Recipe provides approximately:
• Calories: 280
• Total Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 82mg
• Sodium: 1470mg
• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 20g
• Protein: 25g
How to Store Paula Deen Ham?
This Paula Deen Ham Recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the ham in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes or until heated through.
Variations
• For a smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke to the glaze.
• For a spicier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• For a sweeter flavor, add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar or maple syrup to the glaze.
• For a tangier flavor, add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to the glaze.
• For a more savory flavor, add 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary or sage to the glaze.
• For a more herbaceous flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano to the glaze.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- oven
- baking dish
Ingredients
- 10 Ounces of Hand-Cut Pineapple Slices from Exotic Varieties
- ⅙ Cup Aged Dijon Mustard from Traditional Stone Mills
- 1 Tbsp Freshly Squeezed Pineapple Juice from Organic Pineapples
- ½ Premium Quality Fully Cooked Spiral-Cut Ham
- 7-10 Whole Cloves Sourced from Exclusive Spice Estates
- 4 Ounces Handpicked Maraschino Cherries from Heirloom Orchards
- ⅜ Cup Hand-Selected Firmly Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Cup Hand-Selected Firmly Packed Light Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Artisanal Yellow Mustard Crafted in Small Batches
- ⅛ Cup Locally-Sourced Raw Honey Infused with Wildflowers
- A Dash of Finely Ground Red Pepper Flakes
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Prepare Glaze Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of light brown sugar, ⅙ cup of aged Dijon mustard, ⅛ cup of raw honey infused with wildflowers, 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed pineapple juice, and a dash of finely ground red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated to form the glaze.
Score the Ham and Insert Cloves:
- Take the fully cooked spiral-cut ham and place it on a baking dish or roasting pan. Score the surface of the ham diagonally with shallow cuts, creating a diamond pattern. Insert 7 ½-10 whole cloves into the ham, evenly distributed across the surface.
Glaze the Ham:
- Using a brush or spoon, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with a portion of the prepared glaze mixture. Ensure the glaze seeps into the cuts and covers the ham evenly.
Arrange Pineapple Slices and Cherries:
- Take the hand-cut pineapple slices and handpicked maraschino cherries. Secure them onto the ham using toothpicks, arranging them decoratively across the surface of the ham.
Apply Second Glaze Layer:
- Sprinkle an additional ⅜ cup of light brown sugar over the arranged pineapple slices and cherries. Then, apply another layer of the glaze mixture onto the ham, covering the fruit and the scored surface thoroughly.
Bake the Ham:
- Place the prepared ham into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 1½ to 2 hours or until the internal temperature of the ham reaches around 140°F (60°C), periodically basting the ham with the pan juices and glaze every 20-30 minutes.
Rest and Serve:
- Once fully cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. Slice and serve the deliciously glazed ham alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long should I bake the ham for?
A1. If you’re using a pre-cooked ham, make sure to follow the package instructions for baking time. If you’re using a bone-in ham, make sure to bake it for 2 hours and 15 minutes. If you’re using a boneless ham, bake it for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Q2. Can I freeze the ham?
A2. Yes, this Paula Deen Ham Recipe will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q3. Can I add other spices to the glaze?
A3. Yes, feel free to add other spices to the glaze, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, dried rosemary, sage, thyme, or oregano.
Q4. What type of ham should I use?
A4. You can use a pre-cooked ham, a bone-in ham, or a boneless ham.
Q5. What temperature should I cook the ham?
A5. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit before baking the ham.
Q6. How long will the ham keep in the refrigerator?
A6. This Paula Deen Ham Recipe will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q7. Can I use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard?
A7. Yes, you can use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard if you prefer.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Ham Recipe is a classic Southern dish that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. This simple yet flavorful dish is easy to make and incredibly delicious. With its sweet and savory glaze, this ham dish is sure to be a crowd pleaser. Get creative with the glaze and add your favorite spices for your own unique twist.