Sweet and Spicy Glazed Ham

Welcome to my West Virginia Kitchen!  When it comes to centerpiece-worthy dishes, nothing beats the irresistible combination of sweet and spicy flavors on a perfectly bakes ham.  

This recipe combines the tangy sweetness of orange marmalade with the smokey heat of chipotle peppers in adobo to create a glaze that will have your guests coming back for seconds (or thirds)!

Whether you're preparing for a holiday gathering or simply want to elevate a weeknight meal, this Sweet and Spicy Glazed Ham is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.  I can't wait to share it with you so...

Let's Get Started!

For this Sweet and Spicy Glazed Ham Recipe you will need to gather a few simple ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

For the Ham:

• 1 Fully Cooked, Bone-In Ham (8-10 pounds)
• 1 cup Water or Orange Juice (for baking)

For the Glaze:

• 1 jar (12-16 ounces) Orange Marmalade
• 2 Chipotle Pepper in Adobo Sauce (adjust for spice level)
• 1/4 cup Honey or Brown Sugar
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard (optional, for extra depth)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Ham:  Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).  Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.  Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.  Add 1 cup of water or orange juice to the bottom of the pan to keep it moist during baking.  Cover loosely with foil. 
2. Make the Glaze:  In a medium saucepan, combine the orange marmalade, chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, honey (or brown sugar), Dijon mustard, and garlic powder.  Heat over medium-low, stirring until the marmalade melts and the ingredients are well combines.  Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld the flavors.  Remove from heat and set aside.  
3. Bake the Ham:  Bake the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound (around 1.5-2 hours for an 8-10 pound ham).  After the first hour, remove the foil and begin basting the ham with glaze every 15-20 minutes.  Use brush or spoon to coat the ham generously ensuring the glaze seeps into the scoring.  
4. Caramelize the Glaze:  During the final 15-20 minutes of baking, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).  This will help the glaze caramelize and create a sticky, glossy finish.  Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
5. Rest and Serve:  Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.  This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and flavorful bite.  Garnish with orange slices or fresh herbs for presentation, and serve with your favorite sides. 

STEP-BY-STEP PHOTOGRAPHS:

Whoops!  I forgot to get a picture with the foil on.  

PRO TIPS FOR THE PERFECT GLAZE:

• Balance the Heat:  If you prefer a milder glaze, use just one chipotle pepper or skip the extra adobo sauce.  
• Enhance the Sweetness:  Add a splash of pineapple juice or sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.  
• Leftovers:  The sweet and spicy ham slices are fantastic in sandwiches, breakfasts omelets, or even a ham and cheese quesadilla!

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

The combination of orange marmalade and chipotle peppers strikes the perfect balance between sweet and smokey heat.  The marmalade provides a citrusy tang and natural sweetness, while the chipotles add depth and subtle kick.  The glaze caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a golden-brown crust that contrasts perfectly with the tender, juicy ham inside.

This recipe is easy to prepare, but tastes like a gourmet masterpiece, making it perfect for impressing your guests without spending hours in the kitchen.  

Sweet and Spicy Glazed Ham is more than just a dish--it's an experience.  With minimal effort and a handful of simple ingredients you can transform an ordinary ham into a star-worthy meal.  

Ready to give this recipe a try?  Le me know how it turns out in the comments below!  And don't forget to share this post with your foodie friends. 

And as always...

Happy Eatin' Y'all!
~The Kitchen Wife~