Irresistible Spicy Mexican Glazed Ham Recipe You’ll Love

When you think of holiday feasts, what comes to mind? A table overflowing with vibrant dishes, laughter echoing through the room, and the intoxicating aroma of something special wafting in the air. Picture this: a Spicy Mexican Glazed Ham, glistening under the soft light, ready to steal the show. Its sweet and spicy glaze dances on your palate, making every bite a celebration of flavor.

Now, let me take you on a little trip down memory lane. I remember one year when my family decided to spice up our traditional holiday dinners. My uncle dared to add some flair with a Spicy Mexican Glazed Ham that had everyone doing a happy dance around the table. It was not just a meal; it was an experience that brought us all closer together. If you want to create unforgettable moments at your next gathering, this dish is your ticket.

I still chuckle when I think about how my cousin tried to take the first slice and ended up with half the ham on his plate—let’s just say he learned quickly that sharing is caring!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Bone-in Ham: Choose a bone-in ham for richer flavor; aim for 8-10 pounds for larger gatherings.
• Brown Sugar: It adds sweetness; opt for light brown sugar for a milder taste.
• Honey: Use good quality honey; it enhances the glaze’s sweetness and depth.
• Chili Powder: Select a mild chili powder unless you love intense heat.
• Cayenne Pepper: Just a pinch brings extra heat; adjust according to your spice tolerance.
• Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; ensure it’s fresh for the best results.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice brightens flavors; do not use bottled lime juice.
• Mustard: Adds tanginess; Dijon is perfect here, marrying well with the sweetness.
• Pineapple Juice: Use unsweetened pineapple juice; it gives a tropical twist and moistness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Spicy Mexican Glazed Ham

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). This temperature ensures even cooking while preserving juiciness in your ham.

Prepare Your Glaze: In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, lime juice, mustard, and pineapple juice until smooth. The mixture should have a nice thick consistency that clings well.

Score Your Ham: Place your ham on a roasting rack in a large pan. Score diamond patterns into the surface using a sharp knife—this helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat.

Add The Glaze: Generously brush half of the prepared glaze all over the scored ham. Make sure it gets into those little cuts for maximum flavor infusion.

Bake With Love: Cover your ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove foil and baste with remaining glaze every 20 minutes until caramelized and heated through—about another 30-45 minutes.

Let It Rest: Once done baking (internal temperature should reach 145°F or 63°C), let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Get ready for some flavorful bites that will have everyone asking for seconds!

It’s time to gather around this beautiful centerpiece that’s not only delicious but also tells stories of warmth and laughter shared over meals with family and friends.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by scoring the ham, then brush on that spicy glaze while baking for juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Try adding pineapple juice or chipotle peppers to the glaze for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover ham in an airtight container, reheating gently in the oven at 325°F.

My cousin once told me this ham was the best thing he’d ever tasted—nothing like a little family pressure to elevate your cooking game!

FAQ

Can I use a different type of glaze?

Absolutely! Honey or maple syrup can create a sweeter profile for your ham.

How long should I bake the ham?

Bake your ham for about 15-18 minutes per pound at 325°F.

What sides pair well with Spicy Mexican Glazed Ham?

Consider serving it with rice, grilled veggies, or a fresh salad for balance.

Print

Spicy Mexican Glazed Ham

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Elevate your holiday feast with this Spicy Mexican Glazed Ham, a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors that will leave your guests raving. The glossy glaze infuses the ham with warmth and zest, making it the centerpiece of any gathering. Perfect for creating cherished memories, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone together around the table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 90 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 12 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
• 1 cup brown sugar (light)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together brown sugar, honey, chili powder, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, lime juice, mustard, and pineapple juice until smooth.
3. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.
4. Generously brush half of the glaze over the scored ham.
5. Cover loosely with foil and bake for about 1 hour. Remove foil and baste with remaining glaze every 20 minutes for another 30-45 minutes until caramelized.
6. Let rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 oz (113g)
• Calories: 330
• Sugar: 23g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: <1g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: For added depth of flavor, experiment by adding chipotle peppers to the glaze. Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently in the oven.