We all love a good honey baked ham this time of year – and here’s an Asian-inspired twist to this favorite holiday meal. 

This miso-glazed ham is coated with delicious brown sugar, miso, and sweet honey glaze. It pairs perfectly with traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese. But you could serve it with anything you like. It’s easy to make the day-of and will impress everyone at your table. In fact, it could start a new family tradition!

 

Why we love these ingredients

Miso is packed with gut-friendly probiotics which reduces gas and bloating and keeps your digestive system running smoothly. More good bacteria in your gut also means a healthier immune system. 

Miso also contains lecithin, a plant-based substance that helps strengthen blood vessels and reduce cholesterol.

Ginger is among the healthiest (and most delicious) spices on the planet. It’s been used to aid digestion, reduce nausea, and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few of its purposes. 

The secret to ginger’s array of health benefits is gingerol, a natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory benefits. Ginger also helps increase such “feel good” brain hormones as serotonin and dopamine, so it can help improve mood and ease anxiety. 

Cloves have been used in traditional Chinese medicine to strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion. It’s also an age-old remedy for toothaches—thanks to a compound called Eugenol.  Eugenol is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial which kills bacteria, viruses, and pathogens. 

 

Some pro tips to get you started

This recipe calls for a 5-lb pre-cooked ham, which is easily available at your local supermarket. Essentially, you’re warming up your ham in the oven. The thickest part of the ham needs to be cooked to 145 degrees, which takes about 90 minutes.

To adjust the roasting time for smaller or larger ham, calculate 20 minutes per pound.  Serving size is about ½ lb. of ham per person.  

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. You can eat it cold or reheat it in the oven or microwave. And yes, you can freeze it! Wrap the ham tightly in foil and put in the freezer. Thaw in refrigerator overnight. 

There are 3 basic types of miso: white, yellow and red. White is the mildest, yellow is more fermented, and red miso has the most assertive fermented flavor. This recipe uses red miso, but feel free to use a lighter one if you wish.

 

Honey and Miso-Glazed Baked Ham

Prep Time: 20 mins

Cook Time: 1 hr. 30 mins

Total Time: 1 hr. 50mins

Servings: 10 

INGREDIENTS 

For Ham:

1 (5 pound) precooked ham

¼ cup whole cloves 

 

For The Glaze:

• ½ cup raw turbinado sugar or light brown sugar 
• 3 ¼ tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 3 tbsp red miso paste 
• 3 tbsp honey 
• 1 tbsp dry white wine 
• 1 tbsp spicy brown mustard
• 1 tsp powdered ginger
• 1 tsp Chinese five spice (substitute allspice if unavailable)

 INSTRUCTIONS

1. Take ham out of the refrigerator and allow to rest at least 30 minutes before cooking. Preheat oven to 325.
   
   
2. Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. If scoring the ham, lightly score the top into diamond shapes and place the ham in the pan. If using whole cloves, put them in between the lines you scored, but remove them before cutting and eating. 
   
   
3. Cook glaze: Heating all ingredients for the glaze in a medium saucepan on medium low heat.
   
   
4. Brush the glaze on top and create a foil tent over the ham. Bake the ham according to how many pounds you have. Usually 15 minutes per pound. Brush the glaze over the ham every 15 minutes.
   
   
5. Remove the foil tent once your ham is all cooked. Caramelize the top by turning the oven to broil and letting the ham get dark for about 3-5 minutes. Then, remove the ham from the oven and pour remaining glaze over the top.
   
   
6. Rest the ham for another 30 mins. Then, cut into slices and enjoy.