Creating a stunning and flavorful holiday centerpiece can feel daunting, but with the right recipe, it’s surprisingly simple. If you’re looking to impress your guests with a show-stopping dish, look no further than the Pioneer Woman Ham Glaze recipe. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s approachable and delicious cooking style, this glazed ham is not only easy to make but also guarantees rave reviews. Even if you’re new to preparing large cuts of meat, this guide will walk you through each step to create a beautifully glazed ham that will be the highlight of your holiday table. Get ready to master this recipe and bring a touch of Pioneer Woman charm to your next gathering.
Preparing Your Ham for Glazing
Close-up of a ham being scored with diagonal cuts
Before we dive into the luscious Pioneer Woman ham glaze, let’s start with the ham itself. Choosing the right ham and preparing it properly are crucial first steps. For this recipe, you’ll need one large bone-in ham (about 8-12 pounds) or two boneless half hams. The choice between bone-in and boneless depends on your preference; bone-in hams often offer more flavor, while boneless hams are easier to carve. Ensure you purchase an uncut ham so you can create the signature diamond pattern that not only looks elegant but also helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
Close up of diagonal cuts being made on a ham with a knife
To begin, take a sharp chef’s knife or a long serrated knife – a bread knife works exceptionally well for its grip on the meat. Score the ham by making diagonal cuts across the surface, about ½ inch deep. These cuts are essential as they allow the flavorful Pioneer Woman ham glaze to seep into the ham, keeping it moist and infusing it with deliciousness from the inside out.
Ham with diagonal cuts going in one direction
Next, rotate the ham and make another set of diagonal cuts in the opposite direction. This will create the classic diamond pattern we’re aiming for. This step is not just for aesthetics; it maximizes the surface area for the glaze to adhere to, ensuring every slice is coated in sweet and tangy goodness.
Close up of whole cloves
Now for a touch of aromatic flair – whole cloves. Gather a handful of whole cloves; these will add a subtle spice note and enhance the visual appeal of your glazed ham.
Ham decorated with cloves in the center of each diamond pattern
Insert a whole clove into the center of each diamond where the cuts intersect. Push them in gently until they are securely placed. While the cloves impart a hint of warm flavor, their primary purpose here is decorative, adding a traditional and festive touch to your Pioneer Woman ham glaze masterpiece.
Ham fully decorated with cloves and ready for baking
Place the prepared ham in a roasting pan or a large glass baking dish, ensuring it’s snug but not overcrowded. Using a roasting pan is ideal as it allows for better air circulation and even cooking. Keeping the ham in its own juices during baking is crucial for preventing it from drying out and maintaining its tenderness.
Ham covered in foil in a roasting pan
Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This step is essential for trapping moisture and ensuring the ham cooks evenly and remains juicy. Bake in a preheated oven at 300-325°F (150-160°C) for approximately 15 minutes per pound. For a 10-pound ham, this translates to about 2.5 hours of baking time. Always refer to the packaging instructions on your ham for specific cooking times, and remember the mantra: “low and slow” is key to a perfectly cooked, moist ham.
Crafting the Coca-Cola Glaze: The Star of the Show
Saucepan with Coca-Cola glaze ingredients being whisked
While your ham is baking to tender perfection, it’s time to prepare the star of the dish – the Coca-Cola glaze. This Pioneer Woman ham glaze is what elevates a simple ham into an unforgettable culinary experience. The unique blend of sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced flavors creates a glossy, irresistible coating.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine 1.5 cups of brown sugar, 1.5 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar, and 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard. If you are preparing a larger ham (over 12 pounds), you may want to double the glaze recipe to ensure you have enough to generously coat the entire surface.
Close up of Coca-Cola being poured into a saucepan with glaze ingredients
Pour in half a can of Coca-Cola (about 6 ounces). While the original recipe from The Pioneer Woman suggests Dr. Pepper as an alternative, Coca-Cola works wonderfully, imparting a classic sweetness. The key is to use a regular, non-diet dark soda, as the sugar content is crucial for creating the glaze’s syrupy texture and shine.
Close up of Coca-Cola glaze simmering in a saucepan
Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk the mixture continuously until it begins to foam. Once foamy, immediately reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer gently for 20-25 minutes. As it simmers, you’ll notice the glaze thickening and reducing into a rich, glossy syrup. Remember, the glaze will continue to thicken even more as it cools off the heat.
Glazing and Finishing Your Holiday Ham
Close up of glaze being brushed onto a baked ham
After the ham has baked for the first hour, it’s time to begin the glazing process. Remove the ham from the oven and carefully take off the foil. Using a pastry brush, generously brush the Pioneer Woman ham glaze all over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the diamond-shaped cuts.
Close up of a glazed ham with a golden brown glossy finish
Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and continue baking. Every 20 minutes, remove the ham and apply another layer of glaze. Repeat this process 4-6 times over the remaining baking time. While it might seem like a bit of effort to glaze repeatedly, this step is what creates that beautiful, multi-layered glaze that penetrates deep into the ham and results in an incredibly flavorful and moist final product.
Finished glazed holiday ham garnished with parsley and lemon
Reserve a bit of the glaze for the very end. Once the ham is fully cooked and beautifully glazed, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. Just before serving, brush the reserved glaze over the ham to give it an extra glossy, show-stopping shine. Garnish your Pioneer Woman ham glaze masterpiece with fresh parsley sprigs and lemon wedges on the platter for an elegant presentation that will impress your guests.
Sliced glazed ham on a platter
For serving, you can either carve the ham at the table or pre-slice it and arrange the slices on a platter, brushing a little extra glaze between the pieces for added flavor and visual appeal. Pair this delectable Pioneer Woman ham glaze with classic holiday sides like macaroni and cheese, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a fresh slaw for a complete and memorable holiday feast. Enjoy the compliments as your guests savor every bite of this stunning centerpiece!
