Appleton Farms ham is a delicious choice for any special occasion or holiday meal. While the ham itself is packed with flavor, preparing an Appleton Farms ham glaze takes it to the next level. A sweet, sticky glaze adds another layer of taste and helps keep the ham tender and moist.
If you’re cooking an Appleton Farms spiral cut ham creating the glaze is simple. The ham comes with a seasoning packet that makes whipping up a glaze easy. With just a few extra ingredients and some simple steps you can prepare a restaurant-worthy glazed ham.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to prepare foolproof Appleton Farms ham glaze. Let’s get started!
Appleton Farms ham glaze is a sweet, sticky mixture that beautifully lacquers the ham as it cooks It contains
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Sweeteners like brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup that caramelize and add flavor.
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Spices and herbs like cinnamon, cloves, and mustard powder that provide depth.
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Thickeners like cornstarch that help the glaze coat the ham nicely.
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Fruit juices or vinegar that balance out the sweetness.
The exact ingredients vary between recipes but combine to create a subtly sweet, beautifully glossy glaze. When prepared correctly, the glaze forms a crunchy, candied exterior on the ham while keeping the inside juicy.
Ingredients Needed to Prepare Appleton Farms Ham Glaze
To prepare a basic Appleton Farms ham glaze, you’ll need:
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup pineapple or orange juice
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
For a spicier glaze, add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. For an earthier taste, use molasses instead of honey. The possibilities are endless!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Appleton Farms Ham Glaze
Follow these simple steps to prepare flawless Appleton Farms ham glaze:
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In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, dry mustard, ground cloves and pineapple or orange juice.
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Whisk in the cornstarch until no lumps remain.
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Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
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Once the glaze has thickened, remove it from the heat.
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After the ham has baked for 30 minutes, brush on a layer of the glaze.
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Continue baking, brushing with more glaze every 10-15 minutes.
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Bake until the ham’s internal temperature reaches 140°F.
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Remove from oven, cover loosely with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing to serve.
Tips for Applying Appleton Farms Ham Glaze
Here are some handy tips to ensure your ham glaze comes out perfect:
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Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking before applying glaze to prevent burning.
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Use a basting brush or spoon to evenly coat the ham.
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If the glaze is too thick, thin it with more juice, water or broth.
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For a shiny finish, brush the ham with honey or maple syrup at the end.
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Add glaze in stages for an even coating on larger hams.
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Watch the ham carefully as it cooks and lower heat if glaze starts to burn.
Serving Suggestions for Glazed Appleton Farms Ham
A beautifully glazed Appleton Farms ham makes a gorgeous centerpiece for your dinner table. Serve it with these classic pairings:
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Scalloped or au gratin potatoes to soak up the tasty ham drippings.
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A green bean or Brussels sprouts casserole for color and crunch.
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Warm dinner rolls or biscuits to round out the meal.
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Add a spinach salad with dried cranberries and nuts for a pop of flavor.
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Spooned over the ham, cranberries make the perfect fruity-tart accompaniment.
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Slice leftovers for tasty ham sandwiches or omelets the next day!
Storing Leftover Glazed Ham
Follow these tips for storing leftover glazed ham safely:
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Allow the ham to cool completely before storing.
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Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate.
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Use within 3-5 days for best quality and taste.
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Leftover sliced ham can be frozen for 2-3 months.
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Reheat thawed ham gently in the oven until warm; don’t overcook.
With this handy guide, you can prepare Appleton Farms ham glaze with confidence. The result is a juicy, glistening ham that looks and tastes amazing!