Are you looking to add a touch of elegance to your holiday table or family dinner? This Apricot Citrus Stuffed Ham recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that will impress your guests and leave them coming back for seconds. The juicy apricots and zesty citrus infuse the ham with a burst of delightful taste, making it a standout dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe and create a mouthwatering centerpiece for your next gathering!
Apricot Citrus Stuffed Ham
Ingredients:
– 1 bone-in ham, about 8-10 pounds
– 1 cup apricot preserves
– 1/2 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup honey
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon ground cloves
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and place the ham in a large roasting pan, fat side up.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the apricot preserves, orange juice, honey, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and orange zest. Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and well combined, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped dried apricots, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
4. Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Be sure not to cut too deeply, just enough to create pockets for the stuffing.
5. Spoon the apricot and breadcrumb mixture into the scored areas of the ham, pressing gently to pack the stuffing into the crevices.
6. Brush the ham generously with the apricot glaze, making sure to cover the entire surface.
7. Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), basting occasionally with the pan drippings.
8. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and the ham to brown.
9. Once the ham is cooked through and beautifully glazed, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
10. Slice the ham and serve with any remaining glaze drizzled on top. Enjoy the juicy, flavorful Apricot Citrus Stuffed Ham with your favorite sides and watch as it becomes the star of your meal!
This Apricot Citrus Stuffed Ham is a delicious combination of sweet apricots, tangy citrus, and savory ham that will delight your taste buds and impress your guests. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to elevate a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Give it a try and savor the delightful flavors that come together in this mouthwatering dish. Happy cooking!
