If you’re ready to wow your guests with a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavor and a touch of smoky heat, look no further than this Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe. This recipe transforms a classic baked ham by layering it with a luscious, tangy-sweet raspberry glaze infused with smoky chipotle peppers that perfectly balance sweetness and spice. It’s an irresistible centerpiece for holiday dinners, family celebrations, or any occasion when you want to impress without fuss. The combination of fresh raspberry preserves, a hint of vinegar, and chipotle peppers creates an unforgettable glaze that caramelizes beautifully on the ham’s surface, making every bite juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe relies on a handful of simple but essential ingredients that come together to create an extraordinary flavor profile. Each item plays a vital role, from the jammy sweetness of raspberry preserves to the fiery depth of chipotle peppers, while the garlic adds a punch and the vinegar brightens the glaze wonderfully.
- 1 & 1/2 cups seedless raspberry preserves: Provides the sweet and fruity base for the glaze that gives this ham its signature flavor and rich color.
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar: Adds brightness and a slight tang to balance the sweetness of the preserves and enhance the chipotle’s smoky notes.
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (canned, chopped small): Offers a smoky, mildly spicy kick that takes the glaze to the next level—adjust to your preferred heat tolerance.
- 3 cloves garlic (smashed and minced): Infuses the glaze with a subtle savory depth, harmonizing all the flavors beautifully.
- 6 pound cooked ham (rump half or shank portion): The star of the dish, a pre-cooked ham that will soak up the glaze while warming to tender perfection.
- 24 whole cloves (optional for studding ham): Adds an earthy, aromatic touch if you want a classic look and an extra layer of flavor.
How to Make Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Glaze
Begin by preheating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oven warms, combine raspberry preserves, white vinegar, chopped chipotle peppers, and minced garlic in a small saucepan. This blend is where the magic starts, giving you that irresistible balance of sweet and smoky flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Glaze
Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture just to a boil, stirring occasionally. Then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. The mixture will thicken nicely and become glossy, reaching roughly 1 and 1/2 cups of glaze. This glaze will coat the ham with a beautiful, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Ham
Next, take a large roasting pan and place a rack inside to elevate the ham, ensuring it bakes evenly without sitting in its juices. Remove your cooked ham from the packaging, discarding any pre-packed glaze—this recipe’s raspberry chipotle glaze will far outshine it! Position the ham flat side down on the rack and use a sharp serrated knife to score diagonal diamond shapes about half an inch deep. This not only looks gorgeous but allows the glaze to seep in beautifully.
Step 4: Stud with Cloves (Optional)
If you love the subtle, warm aroma that cloves add, push one whole clove into the center of each diamond cut. This step is optional but highly recommended for an added touch of festive aroma and flavor.
Step 5: Glaze and Bake
Generously brush the ham with your homemade raspberry chipotle glaze, reserving some for later. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer into the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. Bake the ham at 325 degrees for 1 and 1/2 to 2 and 1/4 hours, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, the ham is already cooked; this process is simply to warm it through and develop a caramelized crust.
Step 6: Re-Glaze Before Finishing
About 20 minutes before the ham is finished baking, carefully remove it from the oven and brush another generous coat of glaze over the surface. Return it to the oven to finish baking, allowing the glaze to set and deepen in flavor and color.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
When your ham reaches 135 degrees, take it out of the oven and tent it with foil to rest before slicing. Resting keeps the meat juicy and lets the glaze finish settling. Serve the ham with any remaining glaze on the side for extra flavor at the table.
How to Serve Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate the presentation and add fresh contrast to your glazed ham. Consider fresh raspberry sprigs or thinly sliced green onions for a pop of color and brightness. A handful of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro also complements the smoky sweetness of the glaze wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe pairs brilliantly with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted sweet potatoes, or a vibrant green bean almondine. To balance the spicy sweetness of the glaze, serve a crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette or buttery dinner rolls that soak up every bit of the delicious juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive gathering, carve the ham into neat slices arranged on a large platter and drizzle with extra glaze. Surround the ham with seasonal fruits like orange slices or pomegranate seeds to play with color and flavor contrast. You can even hollow out the center of the ham and fill it with roasted vegetables or a homemade cranberry relish for a stunning centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from this Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe, store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 4 days while retaining their juicy texture and flavor.
Freezing
To enjoy the ham later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen ham slices can be kept for up to 3 months without sacrificing taste, allowing you to bring a touch of that raspberry chipotle magic back whenever you want.
Reheating
For the best results when reheating, gently warm the ham slices in a covered dish in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. You can brush them again with leftover glaze to revive the luscious flavors and keep the ham moist and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a rump half or shank portion works wonderfully, you can use other pre-cooked hams like spiral-cut or boneless. Just adjust baking time based on weight and shape, always aiming for that perfect 135-degree internal temperature.
How spicy is the chipotle glaze?
The glaze has a gentle smoky warmth rather than overwhelming heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just one chipotle pepper and taste the glaze before adding more. The chipotle also adds beautiful depth beyond just heat.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes! The glaze can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated in an airtight container. Warm it slightly before glazing the ham to ensure it brushes on smoothly and caramelizes during baking.
What if I don’t want to use cloves?
That’s totally fine! The cloves add a lovely earthy aroma and look festive, but skipping them won’t affect the deliciousness of the glaze or the ham itself. It’s all about your personal preference.
Can I double the glaze recipe for a bigger ham?
Yes, doubling the glaze is a great idea if you have a larger ham or just love having extra to brush on and serve alongside the meat. This Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe is very forgiving when it comes to glaze amounts.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe is a joyful celebration of bold, layered flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a fun twist on a beloved classic, perfect for making any meal feel special. I encourage you to try this recipe for your next gathering—it’s sure to become a treasured favorite that sparks smiles around the table every time.
Print
Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze is a perfect blend of sweet and smoky with a hint of heat from chipotle peppers. The ham is scored and studded with cloves for added flavor, then generously brushed with a vibrant raspberry chipotle glaze before being baked to perfection. Ideal for festive gatherings or holiday dinners, this recipe yields tender, flavorful ham with a beautifully caramelized exterior.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 cups seedless raspberry preserves
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped small
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed and minced
Ham
- 6 pound cooked ham (rump half or shank portion)
- 24 whole cloves (optional, for studding ham)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F to prepare for baking the ham.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine raspberry preserves, white vinegar, chipotle peppers, and minced garlic. Start with one chipotle pepper if concerned about spiciness, then adjust to taste.
- Cook the Glaze: Cook and stir over medium-high heat until boiling. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, until the glaze thickens to about 1 and 1/2 cups. Set aside.
- Prepare Roasting Setup: Place a rack inside a large roasting pan. If unavailable, use an oven-safe cooling rack over a half baking sheet with raised edges to keep the ham elevated from the pan’s liquids.
- Prepare the Ham: Remove the packaging from the ham and discard any included glaze packet.
- Place Ham on Rack: Set the ham flat-side down on the rack in the roasting pan.
- Score the Ham: Using a sharp serrated knife, make diagonal cuts in a diamond pattern about a half inch deep across the ham’s surface.
- Optional Clove Studding: If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections of the diamond cuts for added earthy flavor.
- Glaze the Ham: Brush the ham generously with the raspberry chipotle glaze, reserving some for later.
- Insert Thermometer: Place an oven-safe meat thermometer into the center of the ham, avoiding any bone, to monitor internal temperature during baking.
- Bake the Ham: Bake in the preheated oven for 1 1/2 to 2 1/4 hours, or about 20-25 minutes per pound, until the thermometer reads 135 degrees F. The ham is pre-cooked, so this step warms and crisps the exterior.
- Glaze Midway: Approximately 20 minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven and brush with the remaining glaze, then return it to bake.
- Finish and Rest: When the ham reaches 135 degrees F, remove it from the oven and tent loosely with foil. Let rest until ready to serve.
- Serve: Serve the ham with any remaining raspberry chipotle glaze on the side.
- Bonus Tip: Use the leftover ham bone to make flavorful Split Pea Soup, which benefits greatly from the chipotle flavor left in the bone.
Notes
- Adjust chipotle pepper quantity to your preferred spice level; start with one pepper and add more if desired.
- Clove studding is optional but adds a nice earthy undertone to the ham.
- Use an oven-safe meat thermometer to ensure perfect temperature without overcooking.
- Ham is pre-cooked, so baking is primarily for heating and glazing; avoid exceeding 135 degrees F internal temperature for best texture.
- Elevate the ham using a rack to avoid sogginess from pooling juices in the pan.
- Leftover ham bone is excellent for making soups or stocks, adding depth with smoky chipotle flavor.
