Praline Honey Ham Marinade Recipe for Sweet Savory Flavor

There’s something truly magical about a perfectly glazed ham, especially when it’s infused with a rich and nutty praline honey marinade. This recipe combines the sweet, buttery notes of praline with the natural floral sweetness of honey, creating a mouthwatering glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking.

Whether you’re preparing for a holiday feast, family gathering, or just a special weekend meal, this praline honey ham marinade elevates your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Marinating your ham not only enhances its flavor but also ensures every bite is juicy and tender. The mixture of brown sugar, honey, pecans, and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg adds a depth of flavor that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Ready to learn how to make this show-stopping marinade? Let’s dive into the details!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This praline honey ham marinade recipe is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it blends classic Southern flavors with a sweet twist, giving your ham an irresistible glaze that’s both crispy and sticky.

The use of real pecans adds a delightful crunch and buttery richness, making every slice memorable.

Second, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With simple pantry staples like brown sugar, honey, and warm spices, you can whip up this marinade in under 10 minutes.

Plus, the marinade doubles as a glaze during baking, saving you time and effort.

Lastly, this recipe works beautifully on both bone-in and boneless hams, making it versatile for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and incredibly rewarding.

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup honey (preferably raw or wildflower)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (adds a slight tang)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 (5-7 lb) bone-in ham, or equivalent size boneless ham

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl for combining marinade ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife for scoring the ham
• Baking dish or roasting pan
• Basting brush to apply marinade
• Aluminum foil for covering the ham while baking
• Oven preheated to 325°F (163°C)
• Serving platter and carving knife

Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, honey, chopped pecans, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is incorporated into a thick, sticky mixture.
2. Score the ham: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4-inch deep. This allows the marinade to penetrate and creates an attractive presentation.
3. Marinate the ham: Place the ham in your baking dish or roasting pan. Using a basting brush or your hands, evenly coat the entire ham with the praline honey marinade. Make sure to rub some marinade into the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
4. Let it rest: Cover the ham loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld deeply into the meat.
5. Bake the ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the plastic wrap and cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for about 15 minutes per pound, basting every 20 minutes with the remaining marinade to build up a luscious glaze.
6. Glaze and finish: During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and become sticky. Keep a close eye to prevent burning; if the glaze gets too dark, loosely cover the ham again.
7. Rest and serve: Once cooked through (internal temperature should reach 140°F/60°C for pre-cooked ham), remove from oven and let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps retain juiciness.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute the pecans with extra brown sugar or crushed pretzels for a sweet and salty crunch.

Toasting the pecans before adding them to the marinade enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and golden.

If you want to add a citrusy brightness, stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh orange juice or zest into the marinade. This adds a lovely fresh contrast to the rich praline notes.

For an extra smoky flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke to the marinade.

Using a bone-in ham provides more flavor and moisture, but boneless ham works just as well if you’re short on time or space.

Nutrition Facts

Note: Nutrition facts will vary depending on the size of the ham and exact ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

This praline honey ham pairs beautifully with classic sides that complement its sweet and nutty profile. Consider serving it alongside creamy mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a tangy coleslaw to balance the richness.

For a fresh contrast, a crisp green salad such as our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas works wonderfully. You can also explore lighter vegetarian options like the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide to round out your meal.

Don’t forget to include fresh dinner rolls or crusty bread to soak up the delicious glaze!

Conclusion

The praline honey ham marinade recipe is a fantastic way to elevate your ham with a sweet, nutty, and warmly spiced glaze that’s sure to impress your guests. Its combination of rich brown sugar, sticky honey, and crunchy pecans creates a beautiful balance of textures and flavors.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this marinade brings out the best in your ham. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and versatile enough to suit different types of ham.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with variations like citrus or smoky spices to make it your own.

For more inspiring recipes to complement your feast, check out our collection of Vegan Recipes No Tofu: Delicious Plant-Based Meals and discover new flavors to delight your family and friends.

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