Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! 😊 With the holiday season just around the corner, I know many of you are scouring the internet, looking for that perfect main dish that will wow your guests. Well, look no further! Today, I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite Healthy Food Recipes: the irresistibly Spicy Root Beer Glazed Ham. This isn’t your grandma’s ham (though I do love grandma’s cooking); this is a delicious twist that’s bound to become a new classic in your home.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: a beautifully caramelized ham with a sweet and spicy glaze that’ll make your taste buds do a little happy dance. Besides being mouth-wateringly delicious, the best part is that this recipe is super simple, doesn’t require expert cooking skills, and can fit into your healthy food lifestyle with a few modifications.
But enough with the chatter—let’s get cooking!
### What You’ll Need
**Ingredients:**
– 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 7-9 pounds)
– 2 cups of root beer (yep, you heard me right!)
– 1/2 cup brown sugar
– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon hot sauce (adjust to taste—I like mine with a kick!)
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1 tsp ground ginger
For a healthier twist: Swap the brown sugar for coconut sugar or an alternative sweetener like monk fruit!
### Instructions
1. **Prep Your Ham:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C), and place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to penetrate.
2. **Make the Glaze:** In a medium saucepan, combine root beer, brown sugar, mustard, cider vinegar, hot sauce, cinnamon, and ginger. Whisk them together over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly – this will take about 10-15 minutes.
*Healthy Tip:* By choosing a diet root beer, you can cut down sugar content without sacrificing flavor.
3. **Glaze that Ham:** Brush a generous amount of your sweet and spicy glaze all over the ham. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
4. **Bake Time:** Pop it in the oven and let it cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes. Don’t forget to remove the foil for the last 20 minutes to achieve that beautifully caramelized finish.
5. **Ready to Serve:** Once done, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This will ensure you have the juiciest ham slices ever!
### Helpful Tips
– **Adjust the Spice:** If you’re serving kids or spice-averse adults, you might want to tone down the hot sauce. You can always serve additional glaze on the side for those who like it extra spicy!
– **Leftovers Galore:** This ham makes for the BEST leftovers. Think sandwiches, salads, or even a breakfast hash.
– **Make it a Family Affair:** Get everyone involved by having your kids whisk together the glaze or brush it on the ham. Cooking together makes the meal taste even better!
### Personal Insights
One thing I love about this recipe is how it brings everyone together—whether it’s the vibrant, mouthwatering aroma wafting through the house or the sweet-spicy flavor combo that tantalizes even the pickiest eater’s palate. Plus, it’s a great excuse to sneak in some healthier ingredients without anyone noticing! 😉
There you have it, a delightful and healthy take on a holiday classic! I hope this Spicy Root Beer Glazed Ham becomes one of your go-to Healthy Food Recipes just as it has in my household.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram! Until next time, happy cooking, friends! 🌟