Creole Glazed Ham with Pecans

A Ham for Big Gatherings

This glazed ham is my go-to for a full table. It feels like a celebration. The sweet and savory smell fills the whole house. It makes everyone feel welcome and happy.

That smell tells a story of family and friends. It reminds me of my grandson’s first big Easter. He thought the pecans were little cookies on the ham. I still laugh at that. Food brings us together in the best way.

Why a Slow Start Matters

We start this ham low and slow. The gentle heat warms it all the way through. This keeps it wonderfully juicy. No one likes a dry ham!

Covering it with foil is like tucking it into a warm bed. It steams in its own goodness. This simple step makes all the difference. It turns a good ham into a great one.

The Magic of the Glaze

Now for the fun part! The glaze is where the magic happens. You mix sugar, mustard, and honey. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It’s sticky and sweet with a little kick.

Fun fact: Mustard helps cut the sweetness. It makes the flavor deeper. Then you stir in the pecans. They add a lovely crunch. What’s your favorite part of a holiday meal? Is it the sweet glazes or the savory sides?

The Grand Finale

When the ham is warm, you take off the foil. Then you pour that gorgeous glaze all over. Be generous! Get it into all those little slices.

Pop it back in the oven. In just ten minutes, it becomes shiny and bubbly. The pecans toast up perfectly. It looks so beautiful coming out of the oven. It’s a real show-stopper.

A Little Story for You

I once brought this ham to a church supper. A man told me it tasted just like his grandmother’s. That was the best compliment. It made my whole week.

That’s why these recipes matter. They carry love and memories. They connect us to our past and to each other. Do you have a food that reminds you of someone special?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

This recipe is simpler than it looks. The oven does most of the work. You just have to mix the glaze. You can do this!

Cooking for others is a way to show you care. That’s the most important ingredient. It’s never just about the food. Will you be making this for a holiday or a special Sunday dinner? I’d love to hear your plans.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spiral sliced, smoked ham	1 (10 to 12-pound)
Dark brown sugar	1/2 cup	Firmly packed
Stone ground mustard	1/2 cup
Honey	1/3 cup
Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning	1 tablespoon
Pecans	1 cup	Chopped

My Creole Glazed Ham with Pecans

Hello, my dear! Come sit with me in the kitchen. The oven is just warming up. I want to share my recipe for Creole Glazed Ham. It is a special dish for big family dinners. The sweet and spicy smell fills the whole house. It reminds me of my own grandma’s table. She always knew how to make everyone feel welcome. Let’s make some new memories together, shall we?

Here is how we make it. Just follow these simple steps. I will tell you a little story as we go.

Step 1: First, get your oven ready at 275°F. Place your ham flat-side down in a pan. Do not forget to add one cup of water to the pan. This keeps the ham from drying out. Then, cover it all up with foil. It is like tucking it into a warm bed. (My hard-learned tip: the water makes all the difference for a juicy ham!).

Step 2: Now, let’s make the magic glaze. Mix the brown sugar, mustard, honey, and Creole seasoning in a pan. Let it simmer for two minutes. Stir it often. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It is sweet and a little bit spicy. Then, take it off the heat and stir in the pecans. I still laugh at the time I used whole pecans. They rolled right off the ham! Chopped ones stick much better.

Step 3: Your ham should be warm now. Take it out and carefully take off the foil. Gently turn the ham onto its side. Pour that wonderful pecan glaze all over it. Be sure to get it in all those little slices. Pop it back in the oven for about 10 minutes. You will know it is done when the glaze is bubbly. Do you prefer sweet or savory glazes? Share below!

Cook Time: 2 ½ – 3 hours
Total Time: About 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: A big ham for 10-12 people
Category: Dinner, Holiday

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is wonderful as it is. But you can also play with it. I love to get creative in the kitchen. It keeps things fun and exciting. Here are a few ideas I have tried over the years. Each one gives the ham a whole new personality.

• Spicy Kick: Add an extra spoonful of Creole seasoning to the glaze. It will make your taste buds dance!
• Fruity Sweetness: Stir in a half-cup of crushed pineapple. It makes the glaze taste like a tropical vacation.
• Maple Twist: Use maple syrup instead of honey. It gives it a warm, cozy flavor perfect for fall.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

Now, what to serve with your beautiful ham? I always think about colors and textures. You want a little bit of everything on the plate. A creamy potato salad is my go-to side. Buttery cornbread muffins are a must for soaking up the glaze. For something green, simple steamed green beans are perfect. They look so pretty next to the ham.

And what will you drink? For the grown-ups, a chilled glass of sweet iced tea with a lemon slice is lovely. For a special treat, a crisp apple cider is wonderful for everyone. It just feels like celebration in a glass. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Glazed Ham Tasty Later

Let’s talk about storing your beautiful ham. First, let it cool completely. Then slice the rest off the bone. Store the slices in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay yummy for about four days.

You can also freeze it for later. Wrap slices tightly in foil. Then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps the ham from getting freezer burn. It will be good for up to two months.

Reheating is simple. Place slices in a baking dish. Add a little broth or water to keep it moist. Cover with foil and warm at 325°F until hot. I once reheated ham without liquid. It was a bit dry, so I learned my lesson!

This matters because a good meal shouldn’t go to waste. Planning ahead means a delicious dinner is always close by. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Ham Hiccups

Sometimes, cooking can have little problems. Do not worry. Here are easy fixes. First, if your glaze is too thick, just add a teaspoon of warm water. Stir until it is nice and pourable.

Second, if the pecans start to brown too fast, cover the ham loosely with foil. I remember when I burned my first batch of nuts. The kitchen smelled smoky for hours!

Third, if your ham seems dry, it might be over-baked. Always use a timer. Getting the temperature right makes the ham juicy and tender. This builds your cooking confidence. A perfect glaze also makes every bite full of flavor. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Ham Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, it is! Just check your Creole seasoning label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead?

A: You can make the glaze a day early. Keep it in the fridge until you need it.

Q: What if I do not have pecans?

A: Walnuts are a great swap. You can even leave the nuts out completely.

Q: Can I make a smaller ham?

A: Of course! Just cut the glaze ingredients in half for a smaller ham.

Q: Any extra tips?

A: Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before you slice it. This keeps all the juices inside. *Fun fact: letting meat rest makes it much more tender!* Which tip will you try first?

Sharing Your Kitchen Success

I hope you love making this glazed ham. It is a recipe that brings people together. Your family will gather around the table. That is the best part of cooking for me.

I would be so happy to see your creation. It makes my day to see your kitchen wins. Please share a picture of your beautiful dish. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Olivia Hartwell.