When the holidays roll around, there’s one dish that takes center stage at my table: Jacques Pepin’s legendary glazed ham. 🔥 I’ve adapted this classic recipe to be both elegant and approachable, perfect for impressing guests without stressing about complicated techniques.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You start with a bone-in ham, score it in a diamond pattern, and stud it with cloves for that signature look. The real magic happens during glazing, when a mixture of brown sugar, mustard, and spices creates a caramelized crust that’s both sweet and savory.

By following Jacques Pepin’s method, you’ll achieve a perfectly cooked ham with a beautifully glazed exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. The aroma alone will have everyone anticipating the big meal. Let’s get started on creating this stunning holiday centerpiece!

Serve with your favorite sides and watch how this glazed ham becomes the star of your holiday gathering. The leftovers are just as great, if not better, for sandwiches and breakfast dishes.

Ingredients for jacques pepin ham

Here’s everything needed for Jacques Pepin’s elegant glazed ham recipe, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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For the best ham, visit your local butcher or high-end grocery store. Look for a bone-in ham with a nice fat cap for maximum flavor. For the glaze, use high-quality Dijon mustard and pure orange marmalade for the best results. Consider brands like Maille for mustard and St. Elizabeth for marmalade.

If you can't find whole cloves, you can omit them or substitute with ground cloves in the glaze. For a different twist, try adding a splash of bourbon or rum to the glaze for extra depth of flavor. You can also experiment with different marmalades like lemon or ginger for a unique taste.

Store leftover ham tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use it for sandwiches, omelets, or hash. The glaze can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Bring it to room temperature before using.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Jacques Pepin’s Glazed Ham

Follow my simple steps to create this stunning, flavor-packed ham for your holiday gathering.

🔥 Step 1: Score and Stud the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F. Place the 1 lb bone-in ham on a rimmed baking sheet or roasting pan. Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a diamond pattern, cutting about ¼ inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate and creates a beautiful presentation.

Now, stud the ham with 20 whole cloves at the diamond intersections. Press them in firmly so they stay in place during baking. I like to use a clove pattern that creates visual interest while helping to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the ham.

🍳 Step 2: Prepare the Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine 0.5 cup brown sugar, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 0.25 tsp ground cinnamon, 0.25 tsp ground cloves, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Whisk until smooth and bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Reduce the heat to low and let the glaze simmer gently for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. The mixture should be syrupy and fragrant, coating the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and set aside.

🥘 Step 3: Glaze and Bake the Ham

Brush the prepared glaze all over the scored ham, making sure to get it into the diamond cuts. I use a silicone brush for this as it helps work the glaze into all the nooks and crannies.

Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Baste the ham with the pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning.

🔥 Step 4: Finish with Orange Marmalade Glaze

During the last 20 minutes of baking, mix 0.25 cup orange marmalade and 2 tbsp honey into the pan juices. Brush this mixture over the ham to create a sticky, caramelized crust. The orange marmalade adds a lovely citrus note that complements the ham beautifully.

Return the ham to the oven and continue baking until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. Watch closely during this final stage to prevent burning.

👨‍🍳 Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. The resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the ham more tender and flavorful.

Garnish with 2 sprigs fresh thyme just before serving, if desired. Slice thinly against the grain and serve warm. The combination of the sweet glaze, aromatic spices, and savory ham creates a truly elegant centerpiece for your holiday table.

Jacques Pepin’s glazed ham recipe is a masterclass in elegance and simplicity. This iconic dish is perfect for the holidays, and with Pepin’s expert guidance, you’ll be able to create a stunning centerpiece for your dinner table 🎄. The key to this recipe lies in the balance of flavors and textures, with a sweet and sticky glaze complementing the salty, savory ham.

Preparing the Glaze 🔥

The glaze is a crucial component of Pepin’s recipe, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. To start, combine 1 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, and 2 tablespoons of honey in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens slightly ⏰.

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Assembling and Baking the Ham 🍖

To assemble the ham, score the fat layer in a diamond pattern, cutting about 1/4 inch deep. Place the ham in a roasting pan and brush the glaze all over the surface, making sure to get some into the scored lines. Bake the ham in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F 🌡️.

💡 Pro tip: To add an extra layer of flavor, you can stud the ham with cloves or pineapple rings before baking. Simply press the cloves or pineapple rings into the scored lines, and they’ll caramelize beautifully during baking.

With Pepin’s glazed ham recipe, you’ll be able to create a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday dinner. The combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the elegant presentation, is sure to impress your guests 😋.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Jacques Pepin’s Glazed Ham

These practical tips will help you create a stunning glazed ham that’s sure to impress your holiday guests.

Scoring Technique: When scoring the ham in Step 1, make sure to cut about ¼ inch deep to allow the glaze to penetrate while creating an attractive diamond pattern. This helps the flavors distribute evenly throughout the meat.

Glaze Preparation: In Step 2, simmer the glaze until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. This ensures a rich, sticky glaze that clings to the ham beautifully. You can make the glaze ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Basting Strategy: During baking, baste the ham with pan juices every 20 minutes to keep it moist and promote even browning. The pan juices mix with the glaze to create a delicious, caramelized crust.

Garnish Tip: For an elegant presentation, garnish with fresh thyme sprigs just before serving. The aromatic herbs complement the sweet and spicy flavors of the glaze perfectly.

This glazed ham makes an elegant holiday centerpiece while providing a satisfying main course. You’ll love the balance of savory ham and sweet, spiced glaze.

The ham is a great source of protein, while the brown sugar and orange marmalade add natural sweetness. The spices like cinnamon and cloves provide warm, aromatic flavors that are perfect for the holiday season.

While this dish is rich and flavorful, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced meal. The combination of protein and complex flavors makes it a satisfying choice for special occasions.