Celebrate with our Blackberry Dijon Ham, a decade-long family favorite known for its irresistible sweet and tangy glaze.
Serve Blackberry Dijon Ham up on holidays or special occasions with your favorite sides like cheesy potato casserole, macaroni and cheese, fruit salad, broccoli casserole, deviled eggs, and homemade rolls. Enjoy the leftovers on sandwiches or in omelets.
Table of Contents
A Family Tradition
We’ve been making this holiday ham for over 10 years, and I finally snapped a few quick photos before we served it. The glaze is simple: blackberry preserves, Dijon mustard, and apple juice. But man, it’s tasty! Sweet, tangy, and caramelizes as it bakes.
This recipe was scaled down for a smaller ham (since we’re a small family) but can be easily doubled if serving a crowd. This delicious ham is sure to be the star of your next get-together or holiday party! It makes a great Christmas ham or Easter ham.
Why We Love This Glazed Ham
- This Blackberry Dijon Ham recipe is easy to follow and fool-proof.
- Blackberry Dijon Ham is perfect for holidays and special occasions.
- It uses simple, readily available ingredients.
Recipe Ingredients
- Seedless Blackberry Preserves: Sweet and fruity, these preserves add a rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture.
- Dijon Mustard: Spicy and sharp, Dijon mustard provides a tangy kick.
- Apple Juice: Adds depth and moisture to the glaze.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Ham Variation: Using a spiral ham is recommended. If you use a regular ham, make sure to trim the fat and the rind first, then score the outside of the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This allows the glaze to adhere more easily.
- Herb and Spice Infusion: Add a teaspoon of rosemary, thyme, or sage to the glaze for an aromatic twist. A pinch of cinnamon or cloves can also add a warm, spiced depth to the flavor.
How to Make Blackberry Dijon Ham
Step 1: In a mini food processor, combine the blackberry preserves, Dijon mustard, and apple juice. Pulse until smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step 2: Place ham in a roasting pan with about ½ inch of water in the bottom. Glaze with a pastry brush and place in the oven to bake at 275°F (135°C) for 15 minutes per pound, glazing every 20 minutes.
Expert Tips
- Score the Ham: Lightly score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, enhancing flavor.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the internal temperature of the ham reaches 140°F (60°C) for fully cooked ham. This guarantees it’s heated through without drying out.
- Frequent Basting: Baste the ham every 20 minutes with the glaze. This keeps the ham moist and enhances the flavor by building layers of the sweet and tangy glaze.
FAQs
A fully cooked, bone-in ham is ideal for this recipe. It provides the best flavor and texture, and the bone helps keep the blackberry glazed ham moist during baking.
While fresh blackberries can be used, they need to be cooked down with sugar to create a jam-like consistency. This ensures the blackberry ham glaze has the right texture and sweetness.
Storage Info
To STORE Blackberry Dijon Ham, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also FREEZE it for up to 2 months; wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag.
To REHEAT, thaw if frozen, then warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven for 10-15 minutes per pound, covered with foil to retain moisture. You can also microwave individual slices on medium power until heated through.
More Delicious Holiday Meals to Try
Blackberry Dijon Ham Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 c. seedless blackberry preserves
- 1/4 c. dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup apple juice
For the Ham:
- 4-8 lb. ham
Instructions
- In a mini food processor, combine the blackberry preserves, Dijon mustard, and apple juice. Pulse until smooth, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Place ham in a roasting pan with about ½ inch of water in the bottom. Glaze with a pastry brush and place in the oven to bake at 275°F (135°C) for 15 minutes per pound, glazing every 20 minutes.
The glaze took this ham to the next level. Juicy, flavorful, and perfect for the holidays.
Our favorite holiday ham!! I love the flavor! It’s a quick sauce to make, when your ham is all ready!
This looks delicious! Ii can’t wait to try it this Sunday!