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Citrus-Bay Glazed Ham with Mustard & Clove

Brined and baked to golden perfection, this ham is glazed with a botanical reduction of orange, bay laurel, mustard, and spice — deeply savory with glistening, citrus-bright finish. Luxe Entrée
Course Entree
Cuisine European
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
rest time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings 12 Based on a 6–8 lb bone-in, fully cooked ham
Calories 270kcal

Ingredients

  • Ham & Seasoning
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham, 6–8 lbs (unsliced or semi-sliced)
  • 2 tbsp whole grain mustard
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or softened butter
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • 🍊 Bay Laurel Citrus Glaze
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice ≈ 2 oranges
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • ¼ cup Swerve® Brown Sugar Substitute or golden allulose syrup
  • 3 –4 fresh bay leaves bay laurel, Laurus nobilis
  • 4 whole cloves
  • ½ tsp cinnamon or allspice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard adds complexity
  • Optional: Zest of 1 orange for stronger aroma

Instructions

  • Step 1: Prepare the Ham
  • Preheat oven to 325°F (adjusted for commercial convection).
  • Score ham in a diamond pattern if not pre-sliced.
  • Rub outside with olive oil or butter and whole grain mustard. Sprinkle with black pepper.
  • Step 2: Make the Bay-Citrus Glaze
  • In a small saucepan, combine orange juice, vinegar, sweetener, bay leaves, cloves, cinnamon, and Dijon.
  • Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes, until reduced and slightly syrupy.
  • Remove bay leaves and cloves. Keep warm.
  • Step 3: Roast & Glaze
  • Place ham on a roasting rack in a large pan with ½ cup water or broth in the bottom.
  • Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
  • Remove foil, brush with glaze. Continue roasting 30–45 more minutes, glazing every 10–15 minutes until deeply caramelized and internal temp reaches 140°F.
  • Let rest 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (per 6 oz serving, glazed)

(FDA-compliant, estimated)
  • Calories: 270
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Total Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 3 g
    • Sugar Alcohols: 2 g
    • Net Carbs: 1 g

📦 Storage & Reuse

  • Refrigerated: 3–4 days
  • Frozen: Slices freeze well up to 2 months
  • Leftovers: Ideal for omelets, soups, or low-carb hash

✨ Botanical & Culinary Notes

  • Bay laurel (Laurus nobilis) provides deep herbal warmth with subtle eucalyptus and woodsy spice — especially effective when simmered.
  • Orange juice and mustard cut richness and brighten the glaze.
  • Swerve or golden allulose offers caramelization without sugar.
  • Clove and cinnamon create a classic holiday base note without overpowering.

🛡️ Consumer Safety Note

⚠️ Notice: This glaze contains whole bay leaves (Laurus nobilis), which are for infusion only and should not be eaten whole due to their sharp edges. Remove before serving. Ensure sweeteners used are labeled for food use.