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Citrus Thyme Glazed Ham

This ham is coated with a bright, flavorful glaze made from orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme, resulting in a glossy, caramelized exterior. The cooking process involves scoring, baking, and basting to develop a sticky, aromatic crust that balances savory and citrus notes. The final dish boasts a tender, juicy interior with a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Holiday
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole ham (fully thawed) preferably bone-in
  • 1/2 cup orange juice freshly squeezed for brightness
  • 1/4 cup honey for natural sweetness and caramelization
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard adds a sharp, tangy depth
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme fragrant herb infusing the glaze
  • to taste salt seasoning to enhance flavors
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground, for seasoning
  • 1 tsp lemon zest optional, adds brightness
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar for richer caramel flavor, optional

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Saucepan
  • Sharp Knife
  • Basting brush
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F). Place the ham on a sturdy cutting board and score it in a diamond pattern, about 1 inch apart, using a sharp knife. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates a beautiful presentation.
  2. Combine orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and thyme sprigs in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened and fragrant, with the thyme releasing its aroma.
  3. Remove the thyme sprigs from the glaze and stir in lemon zest and brown sugar if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The glaze should be smooth, glossy, and slightly sticky.
  4. Place the scored ham in a roasting pan, and brush generously with the warm glaze using a basting brush. Make sure to cover all the scored surfaces for maximum flavor and shine.
  5. Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 20 minutes with more glaze to build a thick, caramelized coating. The aroma of citrus and thyme will fill your kitchen as it cooks.
  6. In the last 10 minutes, increase the oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) to deepen the caramelization, watching closely to prevent burning. The glaze should turn a beautiful, glossy amber.
  7. Check the internal temperature of the ham with a meat thermometer; it should reach about 60°C (140°F). Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  8. Carve the ham into slices, then serve with any remaining glaze drizzled over the top. The result is a juicy, tender ham with a bright, sticky, citrus-herb crust that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.

Notes

Keep a close eye during the last 10 minutes to prevent the glaze from burning. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or citrus level by tweaking the amount of honey and lemon zest to suit your taste.