If you’re searching for a recipe that’s simple to prepare but will truly wow your guests, this Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham is a perfect choice! Combining the smoky, tangy notes of BBQ sauce with the sweet richness of honey and the fruitiness of apple cider, this ham turns out juicy and flavorful every time. The glaze caramelizes beautifully, creating a sticky, glossy exterior that pairs perfectly with the tender ham. Whether you’re planning a big holiday meal, hosting a weekend dinner party, or just looking to add a little something special to a Sunday supper, this ham is sure to impress!

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Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Flavorful Glaze: The combination of apple cider, BBQ sauce, and honey creates a perfect harmony of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors.
Low Effort, Big Results: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, this ham delivers a complex and delicious flavor profile without a lot of work.
Perfect for Holidays or Special Occasions: Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or a cozy family gathering, this ham is an excellent centerpiece that feels celebratory.
Versatile Pairings: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to mashed potatoes, salads, and even fresh fruit dishes.

Ingredients for Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham

To make this dish, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what makes this recipe shine:

1 boneless ham: A pre-cooked ham works best for this recipe. You can use a small ham or scale up for a larger gathering.
1 cup apple cider: The apple cider brings a sweet and slightly tart flavor to the glaze, complementing the richness of the ham.
1/2 cup BBQ sauce: Go for a sauce you love whether it’s sweet, smoky, or even a little spicy, the BBQ sauce adds depth to the glaze.
2 tablespoons honey: The honey brings extra sweetness and helps the glaze caramelize beautifully in the oven.

Step-by-Step Directions for Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham

1. Preheat the Oven

Before you get started, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating the oven ensures that the ham will cook evenly and that the glaze will caramelize properly, giving you that perfect blend of crispy and sticky on the outside while keeping the ham juicy and tender on the inside.

2. Prepare the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of apple cider, 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce, and 2 tablespoons of honey. This combination of flavors will serve as the sweet, tangy glaze that coats your ham, soaking in during the baking process. The apple cider provides a subtle fruity note, the BBQ sauce adds a savory, smoky element, and the honey delivers a gorgeous golden glaze as it bakes.

3. Prep the Ham

If you’re using a pre-cooked boneless ham, all you need to do is place the ham in a roasting pan. If your ham has a fat cap, you can score it lightly with a knife in a crisscross pattern—this helps the glaze to seep into the meat and ensures even caramelization on the surface.

4. Apply the First Layer of Glaze

Generously brush the ham with the apple cider BBQ glaze, ensuring that you cover the entire surface. The first layer will start to seep into the ham as it begins to warm up in the oven, infusing the meat with the delicious flavors of the glaze.

5. Bake the Ham

Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake it for 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the ham. A good rule of thumb is to cook the ham for 15-20 minutes per pound. During the cooking process, the glaze will begin to caramelize and develop a beautifully sticky, shiny coating.

6. Baste Every 20 Minutes

To ensure maximum flavor and that perfect caramelized crust, you’ll want to baste the ham every 20 minutes. Using a basting brush, apply another generous coat of the glaze over the surface of the ham, allowing the sugars in the cider, BBQ sauce, and honey to melt and thicken. Basting regularly helps build layers of flavor and prevents the ham from drying out.

Tips for the Perfect Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham

Choose the Right Ham: A pre-cooked boneless ham is the easiest option, but you can also use a bone-in ham if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly. Bone-in hams tend to have more flavor and moisture due to the bone, so it’s a great option for special occasions.
Don’t Skip the Basting: Basting the ham every 20 minutes is key to getting that glossy, caramelized exterior. The glaze will thicken and cling to the surface of the ham, creating a gorgeous sticky coating.
Score the Ham: If your ham has a fat cap, lightly scoring it will help the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat, creating more flavor throughout. Plus, it gives the surface of the ham a beautiful texture as it bakes.
Use a Meat Thermometer: If you’re concerned about doneness, a meat thermometer can help. The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F when heated through, as it’s already pre-cooked.
Customize the Glaze: Feel free to experiment with your glaze! You could add a splash of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist, or stir in a little Dijon mustard for extra tang.

What to Serve with Apple Cider BBQ Glazed Ham

This ham is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes balance the sweet and tangy ham perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus for a simple and delicious side.
Buttery Rolls: Soft, buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra glaze.
Fresh Green Salad: A crisp green salad with apples and walnuts makes a refreshing contrast to the rich ham.
Mac and Cheese: For something indulgent, serve this ham alongside creamy macaroni and cheese.

Make-Ahead Tips

If you’re prepping this ham for a special occasion or holiday, you can prepare the glaze ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook the ham, simply reheat the glaze in the microwave or on the stovetop, and proceed with brushing it onto the ham. The ham itself can also be cooked in advance and reheated in a low oven (around 300°F) until warmed through.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave or gently in a low oven. Leftover ham is great in sandwiches, soups, and even breakfast dishes like omelets or frittatas!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: ~250 kcal
Protein: 20g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fat: 10g