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Coffee Herb Glazed Ham

This ham recipe involves roasting a cured ham with a flavorful glaze made from brewed coffee and fresh herbs. The cooking process creates a tender, juicy interior with a caramelized, crusty exterior that is both savory and aromatic. The final dish showcases a glossy, flavorful crust and moist, sliced meat with vibrant herbal notes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Modern
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large cured ham (whole or half) preferably pre-cooked
  • 1 cup fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, parsley) chopped finely
  • 1 cup brewed coffee strong and hot
  • 1/4 cup honey for sweetness and caramelization
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce for depth of flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

Equipment

  • Roasting pan
  • Basting brush
  • Kitchen thermometer
  • Small saucepan

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, scored in a diamond pattern if desired, to help the glaze penetrate and create appealing surface texture.
  2. Combine the finely chopped herbs, brewed coffee, honey, soy sauce, and black pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes fragrant—about 5 minutes. This creates your flavorful glaze.
  3. Use a basting brush to generously apply the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, ensuring it gets deep into the scored cuts and all over the exterior. Let this sit for 10 minutes to absorb some flavor.
  4. Place the ham in the oven and bake uncovered. Baste with the glaze every 20-25 minutes, turning the pan to promote even caramelization. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), about 1 to 1.5 hours depending on ham size. The glaze will darken and develop a beautiful, shiny crust.
  5. Once the ham is cooked through and the crust is beautifully caramelized, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for about 10 minutes; this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
  6. Slice the ham into thick, juicy pieces, revealing the moist, tender interior contrasted with the glossy, herbal crust. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs if desired.

Notes

You can customize the herbs to your preference or add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for extra complexity. Keep an eye on the glaze during baking to avoid burning; tent with foil if necessary toward the end.