Ham Recipes With Cloves for Delicious Holiday Meals

Ham and cloves have been a classic pairing in kitchens around the world for centuries. The warm, aromatic flavor of cloves perfectly complements the savory, smoky richness of ham, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant.

Whether you’re preparing a holiday feast or a simple family dinner, ham recipes with cloves bring a unique depth of flavor that will impress your guests and delight your taste buds.

In this post, we explore several delicious ham recipes featuring cloves, from the traditional clove-studded baked ham to more creative twists like glazed ham with clove-spiced fruit sauces. Each recipe highlights how cloves enhance the natural flavors of ham, adding a subtle sweetness and a hint of spice.

You’ll also find tips on selecting the best ham, mastering the perfect glaze, and serving suggestions to make your meal memorable.

Ready to bring the magic of cloves to your next ham dish? Let’s dive into these flavorful recipes that celebrate the perfect marriage of ham and cloves.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ham recipes with cloves offer a wonderful balance of savory and sweet flavors. The cloves add a fragrant spice that cuts through the richness of the ham, making each bite more complex and satisfying.

These recipes are incredibly versatile, suitable for festive occasions like Christmas or Easter, or simply to elevate a weekend dinner. Cloves also act as a natural preservative and flavor enhancer, ensuring your ham stays juicy and flavorful throughout cooking.

Moreover, these dishes are straightforward to prepare, even for novice cooks, with clear steps and accessible ingredients. You’ll find that the cloves not only enhance the taste but also add an inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, creating an irresistible atmosphere.

Ingredients

• Bone-in ham (6-8 pounds)
• Whole cloves (40-50 pieces)
• Brown sugar (1 cup)
• Honey (1/2 cup)
• Dijon mustard (2 tablespoons)
• Pineapple slices (optional, 8-10 slices)
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
• Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon)
• Orange juice (1/2 cup)
• Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Butter (2 tablespoons, melted)

Equipment

• Roasting pan with rack
• Sharp paring knife
• Meat thermometer
• Brush for glazing
• Aluminum foil
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving platter

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven.
2. Prepare the ham by removing any packaging and patting it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp paring knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. This scoring will help the glaze penetrate the meat.
3. Stud the ham with cloves by inserting whole cloves at the intersections of the scored diamonds. Distribute them evenly to infuse the flavor throughout the ham.
4. Place the ham on a roasting rack in a roasting pan, fat side up. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during the initial cooking phase.
5. Bake the ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for pre-cooked ham. If using a raw ham, cook until it reaches 145°F (63°C), then let it rest.
6. Make the glaze by combining the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and melted butter in a mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth.
7. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of baking. Brush the ham generously with the glaze every 10 minutes to build a sticky, caramelized coating.
8. Optional: Arrange pineapple slices over the ham with toothpicks during the glazing process for added sweetness and presentation flair.
9. Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist.
10. Slice and serve the ham warm, spooning any extra glaze over the slices for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

For best results, use a bone-in ham as it retains moisture better and flavors the meat during cooking.

Experiment with different glazes by adding ingredients like maple syrup, mustard seeds, or cloves-infused apple cider for a unique twist. You can also try incorporating other spices such as star anise or allspice to complement the cloves.

If you want a smoky flavor, consider adding a splash of liquid smoke to your glaze or finishing the ham on a grill for a few minutes at the end of baking.

For a quicker version, use a fully cooked ham and focus on glazing and broiling it for a caramelized crust within 20-30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This clove-studded ham pairs beautifully with classic sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted root vegetables, or a fresh green bean almondine. The sweet glaze also complements fruity sides like cranberry sauce or apple chutney.

For a festive touch, serve with warm dinner rolls and a crisp salad featuring citrus segments to brighten the meal. Leftover ham can be repurposed into delicious sandwiches or added to soups and salads.

Conclusion

Ham recipes with cloves bring a timeless flavor combination that elevates any meal. The aromatic cloves not only enhance the taste but also add a beautiful presentation element with their studded pattern.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a comforting family meal, these recipes offer a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes to satisfy every palate.

With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, anyone can create a stunning ham dish that smells as incredible as it tastes. Don’t hesitate to experiment with glazes and sides to make the recipe your own.

Enjoy the warmth and joy this classic dish brings to your table year-round.

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