This honey-glazed ham has it all—flavor, beautiful color, and a crackling crust that gives a delightful sound with every bite. A simple glaze brings out the best in the ham, with just the right mix of sweet and spicy notes.
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C)
Pour water into the bottom of a roasting pan and add star anise and cloves.
Place a roasting rack inside the pan and set the ham on the rack.
Score the top of the ham in a crisscross pattern, making cuts about ¼ inch deep and spaced ½ inch apart.
Place the ham in the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
While the ham is baking, whisk together the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and cayenne pepper in a bowl until smooth and thick.
Remove the ham from the oven and brush a generous layer of glaze over the entire surface.
Return the ham to the oven and continue baking, reapplying the glaze every 20 minutes.
Bake for about 2 hours and 10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the ham registers at least 145°F (63°C).
For a final touch, use a kitchen torch to carefully caramelize the glaze on the ham. Gently move the torch over the surface until the glaze is crispy and golden, which should take around 2 to 5 minutes.
Servings 16
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
