If you’re looking to wow your family and friends with a show-stopping centerpiece, this Easter Ham with Cheddar and Thyme Glaze Recipe is exactly the dish to make. Combining the tender, smoky goodness of a bone-in ham with the rich sharpness of melted cheddar and the fresh herbal note of thyme, this recipe takes your traditional holiday ham to a heavenly new level. The sweet and tangy glaze marries beautifully with the savory cheese sauce, creating a harmonious balance that will have everyone asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try this recipe, your Easter gathering will never be the same.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easter Ham with Cheddar and Thyme Glaze Recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in creating a bold and balanced flavor profile. From the sweet tang of brown sugar and apple cider vinegar to the savory sharpness of cheddar, every component is essential for topping off this incredible dish.
- 5 pounds bone-in ham: The hearty base that delivers juicy, flavorful meat perfect for soaking up the glaze.
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese: Adds creamy sharpness that melts beautifully into a luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Provides a subtle tang and helps the glaze adhere to the ham.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the acidity in the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates a rich, velvety texture in the cheese sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick to elevate the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Imparts a deep caramel flavor essential for a beautifully sticky glaze.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Offers a bright acidity to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- 1/4 cup water: Helps dissolve the sugar and blend the glaze ingredients smoothly.
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves: Infuses the dish with fresh, aromatic herb notes that complement the ham’s richness.
How to Make Easter Ham with Cheddar and Thyme Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Getting the oven ready is crucial because it sets the stage for that slow, even roasting that will make your ham perfectly tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham
Place your 5-pound bone-in ham fat side up in a large roasting pan. This positioning helps the fat baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it moist and juicy.
Step 3: Coat with Dijon Mustard
Rub the ham all over with the Dijon mustard, ensuring every inch is covered. This not only adds a nice tang but also acts like a glue for the spices and glaze that come next.
Step 4: Season with Black Pepper
Sprinkle ground black pepper evenly over the mustard-coated surface and gently press it in. The pepper adds just enough heat to keep flavors lively without overpowering.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
Combine brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and honey in a small saucepan. Place it over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it slightly thickens, then take it off the heat and stir in fresh thyme leaves to bring that herby aroma to life.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheddar Sauce
In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sharp cheddar cheese and stir consistently until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. This luscious cheddar layer will add an irresistible richness to your ham.
Step 7: Combine and Roast
Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the mustard-and-pepper-rubbed ham. Then, place the ham in your preheated oven. Roast it for 1.5 to 2 hours, making sure to baste every 30 minutes with your thyme-infused glaze for an extra shiny, flavorful finish.
Step 8: Rest and Slice
Once the roasting is complete, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender. Then, carve into thick, beautiful slices and serve with any leftover glaze and cheese sauce for dripping deliciousness.
How to Serve Easter Ham with Cheddar and Thyme Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh thyme sprigs and some finely chopped parsley make fabulous garnishes, adding a pop of green and a fragrant herbal lift to your platter. For a little visual sparkle, scatter a few red pepper flakes or paprika around the serving plate for contrast.
Side Dishes
This ham shines best when paired with classic sides that complement its rich flavors. Think buttery mashed potatoes, roasted spring vegetables like asparagus or carrots, and a crisp green salad. A bright, citrusy cranberry sauce can also add a refreshing element that balances the savory cheddar and sweet glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve slices of ham layered on toasted croissants or alongside soft dinner rolls to make mini sandwiches. You can also elevate your presentation by serving the ham on a bed of sautéed spinach or hearty wild rice pilaf, allowing the glaze to drip beautifully over the sides.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the leftovers will stay fresh for up to 4 days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy that cheddar-thyme goodness again.
Freezing
Ham with cheese sauce can be frozen, but the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing. To freeze, wrap slices well in freezer-safe wrap and place in a heavy-duty freezer bag. Consume within 2 months for best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat leftover ham gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C), covered with foil to retain moisture. For the cheese glaze, warm it separately over low heat and drizzle on top after reheating the ham to keep that creamy texture perfect.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Absolutely, you can use a boneless ham if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind the cooking time may be slightly shorter since boneless hams tend to cook a bit faster.
Is there a substitute for fresh thyme?
If fresh thyme isn’t available, dried thyme works in a pinch. Use about one-third of the amount called for because dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the glaze and cheese sauce in advance and refrigerate them. When ready, coat the ham and roast as directed. This helps save time and ensures fresh flavors.
What type of cheddar cheese is best?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for this recipe because its bold flavor stands up well against the sweetness of the glaze and richness of the ham.
How do I know when the ham is fully cooked?
The ham should be heated through and reach an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) if pre-cooked, or 145°F (63°C) if it’s fresh. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Final Thoughts
I cannot recommend this Easter Ham with Cheddar and Thyme Glaze Recipe enough for your holiday celebrations. It’s a magical combination of flavors and textures that feel both classic and excitingly fresh. Give it a try and watch your guests delight in every juicy, cheesy, herb-kissed bite. Trust me, this recipe is destined to become your new holiday tradition.
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Easter Ham with Cheddar and Thyme Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 1h 30m
- Total Time: 1h 45m
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easter Ham and Cheddar recipe features a tender bone-in ham roasted to perfection with a flavorful Dijon mustard and black pepper rub, glazed with a sweet and tangy brown sugar, honey, and apple cider vinegar mixture infused with fresh thyme. Finished with a rich sharp cheddar cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for holiday celebrations and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Ham and Rub
- 5 pounds bone-in ham
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Glaze
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
Cheddar Cheese Sauce
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for roasting the ham evenly.
- Prepare Ham: Place the ham on a large roasting pan with the fat side up for optimal roasting results.
- Apply Mustard Rub: Rub the ham all over with the Dijon mustard, ensuring even coverage across the surface.
- Add Black Pepper: Sprinkle the ground black pepper evenly over the mustard-coated ham, gently pressing it into the surface to adhere.
- Prepare Glaze Mixture: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, water, and honey.
- Simmer Glaze: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve sugar.
- Thicken Glaze: Allow the glaze to simmer gently for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add Thyme: Remove the glaze from heat and stir in the fresh thyme leaves to infuse flavor.
- Melt Butter: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter to prepare for the cheese sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Add the sharp cheddar cheese to the melted butter, stirring continuously until it forms a smooth cheese sauce.
- Apply Cheese Sauce: Pour the prepared cheddar cheese sauce evenly over the mustard-rubbed ham.
- Roast Ham: Place the ham in the preheated oven and roast for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the prepared glaze to build flavor and moisture.
- Rest Ham: Once roasting is complete, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Serve: Slice the ham and serve with any remaining glaze and cheese sauce alongside.
Notes
- For best results, baste the ham regularly to keep it moist and flavorful.
- Use fresh thyme for a brighter herbal note; dried thyme can be substituted but reduce quantity.
- If sharp cheddar cheese is not melting smoothly, grate it finely and stir over low heat to prevent clumping.
- Adjust roasting time based on the actual size of the ham; ensure internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham.
- Allowing the ham to rest before slicing helps retain its juiciness and tenderness.
