Sweet and Smoky Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Ham

Prepare to discover your new favorite holiday centerpiece! This incredible baked ham recipe is remarkably simple to prepare, yet it delivers a show-stopping flavor that will impress everyone at your table. The secret lies in our signature Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze, a harmonious blend of sweet raspberry preserves, tangy notes, and a tantalizing smoky kick from chipotle peppers. This unique glaze transforms an ordinary ham into an exceptionally juicy and tender masterpiece, guaranteed to be devoured. And the best part? The flavorful leftovers are absolutely phenomenal, perfect for elevating a hearty split pea soup or enriching a comforting pot of beans. Get ready to bake a ham that’s far from basic!

Originally posted April 2, 2012. Updated for enhanced flavor and clarity.

Life is full of unexpected passions. For some, it’s the thrill of a galaxy far, far away. Just last Friday, my husband Eric sent me an urgent text: “Gaaaaahhhhh new Star Wars Trailer!!!!!” When he arrived home that evening, he was genuinely surprised I hadn’t already streamed it on YouTube. So, he gathered our entire family in the living room, brought it up on the TV, and we watched it together. His eyes were wide with excitement as he asked, “Karen, didn’t you get CHILLS?? I have chills. Let’s watch it again.”

Truth be told, I didn’t get chills. Neither the first nor the second time. Are you a devoted Star Wars enthusiast? I’d categorize my own enthusiasm as a solid B- at best. When you consider the truly fervent fans out there – those who practically live and breathe the Force – my appreciation feels quite moderate in comparison. It’s all about perspective, right?

Despite my ‘moderate’ status, I grew up in a household steeped in Star Wars lore. My family owned original Millennium Falcon toys from the 70s, collected every Taco Bell figurine when Episode I premiered, and even displayed a ten-foot painting of the Death Star on one of our bedroom ceilings. I’m fairly certain a life-size Chewbacca cutout still resides in that same bedroom at my parents’ house to this day. Even as a casual fan, I sometimes wonder how outlandish I sound to those who haven’t embraced the saga. My brother Nate once sent Eric and me this brilliant piece of fan theory, and it perfectly encapsulates the fervent discussions among enthusiasts.

I mean… it makes total sense, right?

I excitedly shared this theory with a couple of friends, who, bless their hearts, had to feign interest until I remembered that they both decidedly dislike Star Wars. This is how reputations are built, my friends. Unless you’re Eric, whose reputation stems from unabashedly displaying “Star Wars: The Essential Guide to Weapons and Technology” prominently on our bookshelf. We’re practically advertising our delightful geekiness to the world.

A Holiday Ham That Will Steal the Show

Even if Star Wars isn’t your universe, I’m confident that a perfectly cooked, succulent oven-roasted ham is something everyone can appreciate. If you’re still searching for the ultimate main course for your next holiday feast, whether it’s Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner, look no further! This Raspberry Chipotle Glazed Ham recipe is not just a suggestion; it’s a heartfelt recommendation. I’m practically yelling because I feel that strongly about it! This was one of the very first hams I ever prepared independently, and its unforgettable flavor left an indelible mark.

The original inspiration for this recipe comes from a tiny, easily overlooked paragraph in an old Better Homes and Garden’s Cookbook. It was listed as an “alternate flavor” – a hidden gem tucked away from the main featured ham recipe. I adore discovering those little nuggets of culinary wisdom. Sometimes, those tiny paragraphs unveil truly extraordinary ideas, like this incredible glaze!

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to one of the original photos from when I first shared this ham recipe back in 2012. My 24-year-old self had some very strong opinions about it, and they still ring true today:

“This ham is da bomb. It is nice and sweet, just like an Easter ham should be, but has a little kick from the chipotle. I think the flavor is fabulous. I may never bother to make another baked ham recipe because I love this one so much. You can sub any kind of seedless preserves that you want; I’ve used both blackberry and plum. Happy almost Easter! (Come back on Wednesday for my awesome mashed potatoes that go perfectly with…anything. Including this ham.)”

That same day, I also prepared my Oven Roasted Asparagus with Balsamic Browned Butter, another recipe I’ve since updated to perfection. And, of course, the now legendary Heavenly Mashed Potatoes, which are indeed delicious. However, they’ve recently been surpassed in my regular rotation by Aunt Shirley’s Famous Creamy Mashed Potatoes – an even richer and more luxurious option for potato lovers. Clearly, my culinary journey has always been about elevating the classics!

Mastering the Art of Baked Ham

Baking a ham is surprisingly straightforward, especially since most hams you buy are already pre-cooked and smoked. This pre-smoking process infuses the ham with an incredible depth of flavor right from the start. For this particular recipe, you’ll want to choose a rump half or a shank portion. Both offer excellent texture and flavor. You can opt for a convenient spiral-cut ham, which is already pre-sliced for easy carving, or you can buy an unsliced ham and score it yourself. I personally prefer to score and slice my own, as seen in the photos, and I assure you, it’s not nearly as difficult as it sounds.

For an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful presentation, I highly recommend scoring your ham in a classic diamond pattern and studding it with whole cloves. While this step is entirely optional, the cloves impart a warm, earthy aroma and taste that perfectly complements the sweetness of the glaze. It adds a subtle complexity that truly elevates the entire dish. Once your ham is prepped, the next step is to prepare your chosen glaze. The key is to simmer the glaze until it thickens to a beautiful, brushable consistency. You’ll apply the first generous coat of glaze before baking (I prefer baking uncovered for a crispier exterior, but covering with foil for part of the cooking time also works wonderfully to retain moisture). Then, about 20 minutes before the ham is fully cooked, you’ll brush on a second, final layer. This last application allows the glaze to caramelize into a gorgeous, slightly crusty, and incredibly flavorful coating on the outside of your perfectly baked ham. Pure deliciousness!

Crafting the Perfect Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze

Creating a truly memorable ham glaze is far easier than you might imagine, and it makes all the difference in transforming a good ham into a great one. While many traditional glazes rely heavily on brown sugar and salt for their primary flavor, I find that approach often lacks depth. For this recipe, we’re taking a different, more dynamic route with our Raspberry Chipotle Glaze. We start with seedless raspberry preserves, which not only deliver ample sweetness but also a vibrant, fruity flavor that provides a delightful counterpoint to the savory ham. I’ve experimented with this recipe using blackberry preserves and red plum preserves, and both yield equally delicious results, proving you really can’t go wrong with quality fruit preserves.

To assemble this incredible glaze, you simply combine the seedless preserves with white vinegar (apple cider vinegar is also an excellent choice and adds another layer of complexity), fresh minced garlic, and, most importantly, some chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. These peppers are the star, bringing a unique smoky heat that marries beautifully with the sweetness of the raspberry. You can easily find canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce in the Latin foods aisle of most grocery stores. Chipotle peppers, for those unfamiliar, are simply smoked jalapeños – and they deliver an unforgettable smoky depth that wonderfully enhances a smoked ham. A little goes a long way, so don’t be shy about experimenting with the amount to achieve your desired level of spice.

Typically, you won’t need an entire can of chipotle peppers for one recipe – usually just one or two suffice. To avoid waste, I always package any unused peppers in a resealable freezer bag and store them for future use. For today’s baked ham, I simply pulled the peppers I needed directly from the freezer, chopped them while still frozen, and tossed them into the saucepan. It’s incredibly easy and ensures you always have these flavor powerhouses on hand for whenever inspiration strikes.

Planning Your Perfect Holiday Menu

With my parents currently exploring Central American countries during Holy Week, enjoying all the vibrant Easter parades and festivities, our usual large family gathering is a bit smaller this year. However, Eric’s mom and sister are visiting, and we’ve been busy planning our festive menu. Here’s what we’ve settled on for a truly spectacular spread:

• Baked Ham with Raspberry Chipotle Ham Glaze (of course!)
• Gruyere-Crisped Potatoes Au Gratin – a rich and cheesy accompaniment.
• Balsamic Browned Butter Asparagus, or perhaps a refreshing Pineapple Spinach Salad? Why choose when you can have both?!
• Big Fat Crescent Rolls – soft, buttery, and perfect for soaking up all those delicious ham juices.
• Sea Foam Salad – a classic, light, and fruity counterpoint to the richer dishes.
• For dessert, the decisions are always the hardest! We’re considering the elegant Strawberry Pineapple Meringue Cake, a classic Rhubarb Custard Pie, or perhaps these stunning Rhubarb Meringue Layers. Or, in true holiday spirit, maybe all three for a truly indulgent ending!

Whatever culinary delights you choose to prepare, I sincerely hope you and your family enjoy a truly wonderful holiday celebration. I’m planning to share one more delicious recipe later this week before Sunday, so be sure to check back!

More Irresistible Main Dishes for Your Holiday Table!

If you’re looking to explore other show-stopping options for your holiday feast, these recipes are sure to impress:

• Oven Roasted Cranberry Dijon Ham << This is my other go-to favorite ham recipe, bursting with a vibrant, tangy flavor that’s simply delicious!
• Roast Leg of Lamb with Blackened Honey Dijon Crust << If you’re ready for an alternative to ham this year, lamb is an elegant and incredibly flavorful choice. This recipe delivers a perfectly tender roast with a delightful crust.
• Easy Sriracha Ham (Slow Cooker) << For a super simple yet incredibly flavorful option, this slow cooker ham requires only three ingredients! It uses a traditional brown sugar base, but the sriracha adds an exciting and unexpected spicy kick that truly transforms the flavor profile.
• Herby Ham Salad from A Farmgirl’s Dabbles << A fantastic way to utilize any leftover ham!
• Easy Orange Honey Ham from Honey and Birch << A bright and citrusy glaze that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
• Grilled Pineapple Ham Kebabs Recipe from She Wears Many Hats << A fun and flavorful way to enjoy ham, especially perfect for warmer weather or a barbecue.

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