This Orange and Maple-Glazed, Pistachio-Crusted Easter Ham is the perfect way to elevate your holiday dinner. With a tender, salty ham base complemented by a sweet glaze of maple syrup, orange juice, and brown sugar, it’s already a standout dish. But what truly makes it special is the crunchy, nutty pistachio crust that adds both flavor and texture. It’s a simple recipe that offers impressive results in just under two hours.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Balance: The sweet, citrusy glaze perfectly complements the savory flavor of the ham.
- Texture Contrast: The pistachio crust brings a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender ham.
- Simplicity: With only a few key ingredients, this dish is easy to prepare but feels gourmet.
- Quick Cooking: Ready in about 1 hour and 45 minutes, making it perfect for a holiday meal.
What You Will Need
Ingredients
- 1 (7 to 8 pounds) spiral-sliced bone-in half ham
- 1 cup maple syrup
- ¾ cup fresh or refrigerated orange juice
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
- 1 cup chopped, roasted, and salted pistachios
Equipment Needed
- Roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Oven
How to Make Orange and Maple-Glazed, Pistachio-Crusted Easter Ham
Step 1. Prepare the Ham
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the spiral-sliced ham in a roasting pan, cut side down. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist during baking.
Step 2. Make the Glaze
In a small mixing bowl, combine maple syrup, orange juice, brown sugar, and softened butter. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and the sugar is dissolved.
Step 3. Roast the Ham
Place the ham in the oven and bake for about 1 hour, basting it with the glaze every 20 minutes to keep it moist and flavorful.
Step 4. Add the Pistachio Crust
After 1 hour of roasting, remove the ham from the oven and brush it generously with the remaining glaze. Sprinkle the chopped, roasted pistachios over the ham, pressing gently to ensure they stick to the glaze.
Step 5. Final Roast
Return the ham to the oven and continue baking, uncovered, for another 15 to 30 minutes, or until the pistachio crust is golden and slightly toasted.
Note: Make sure to baste the ham every 20 minutes to ensure the glaze infuses the meat thoroughly, creating a rich flavor.
Tips and Tricks
- Ham Size: You can use a larger or smaller ham, just adjust the cooking time accordingly. For each additional pound, add about 15 minutes to the roasting time.
- Pistachios: If you prefer, you can use unsalted pistachios for a less salty crust. Just make sure to chop them finely for an even coating.
- Leftovers: This ham is great for leftovers! Use it in sandwiches, salads, or even soups the next day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute boneless ham for a bone-in ham. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since boneless ham tends to cook faster.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before using it on the ham.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Summary
This Orange and Maple-Glazed, Pistachio-Crusted Easter Ham combines savory ham with a sweet and citrusy glaze, topped off with a nutty pistachio crust. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that’s perfect for any holiday meal.
How to Make Orange and Maple-Glazed, Pistachio-Crusted Easter Ham?
Ingredients
1 (7 to 8 pounds) spiral-sliced bone-in half ham
1 cup maple syrup
¾ cup fresh or refrigerated orange juice
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), softened
1 cup chopped, roasted, and salted pistachios
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the ham in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Roast for 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes with the glaze.
- Brush with remaining glaze and sprinkle pistachios over the ham.
- Continue roasting for 15 to 30 minutes until the crust is golden and toasted.
