Irresistible Keto Glazed Ham Recipe – Sugar-Free Holiday Feast Made Easy!

For many, a glazed ham is a centerpiece of holiday meals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. However, traditional recipes are often laden with sugar, syrups, and high-carb ingredients. This keto glazed ham recipe offers a delicious, sugar-free alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor, allowing you to enjoy a family gathering without sacrificing your dietary goals.

Why Keto Ham?

Ham is naturally keto-friendly, being low in carbs and rich in protein and healthy fats. The key to a keto-compliant glazed ham lies in replacing the traditional sugary glaze with low-carb alternatives.

Selecting the Right Ham

Type of Ham: Opt for a fully cooked smoked ham, preferably bone-in for enhanced flavor and juiciness. A shank portion is a good choice. Spiral hams are also an option, and they come already skinned, cured, and cooked.
Sugar-Free: Look for all-natural hams that are uncured or cured without sugar. Check labels or explore options from local butcher shops or farms, or online.
Removing the Rind: Trim away the rind (skin) while leaving as much of the fat layer intact to keep the ham juicy and allow the glaze to adhere properly.

Preparing the Ham

Resting: Allow the ham to rest on the counter for about 30 minutes before baking.
Scoring: Using a sharp knife, score a 1-inch wide diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep over the entire surface of the ham.
Seasoned Water: Add a baking rack or layer of crumpled aluminum foil to the roasting pan and place the ham face down with the scored fat facing up. Pour ½ cup of seasoned water (½ cup water mixed with spices) into the base of the pan to help the ham bake evenly and add flavor.
Covering: Cover the ham completely with aluminum foil.

Keto Glaze Ingredients

Low-Carb Sweetener: Use a granulated low-carb brown sweetener. Swerve brown sugar is a good erythritol blend. Allulose prevents the glaze from crystallizing quickly.
Mustard: Dijon mustard gives the glaze a nice bite and savory taste. Whole grain mustard and balsamic mustard also work well.
Fat: Butter adds richness and helps the glaze to thicken.
Acid: Apple cider vinegar provides acidic flavor to the glaze. White balsamic vinegar or white vinegar can be used as alternatives.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and ground cloves add warmth and depth of flavor. Garlic powder and rosemary may also be included for additional flavor.
Other: Keto maple syrup, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice can be included to enhance the flavors of the glaze.

Making the Keto Glaze

Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the low-carb brown sweetener and allulose.
Simmer: Cook over medium heat until the sweeteners blend into the sauce, stirring occasionally.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Add Dijon mustard and the remaining spices, mixing well until fully combined.
Thicken: Cook until the sauce gently simmers and thickens. Be sure not to cook the sauce over high heat as it can easily scorch.

Baking Instructions

Oven Method

Preheat: Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Bake: Bake at 325 degrees for 12-14 minutes per pound. A fully cooked ham needs to be cooked to 140 F just till heated through.
Baste: During the last 20 minutes of baking, remove the ham from the oven, raise the temperature to 400°F (200°C), and remove the foil. Pour ⅓ of the glaze over the entire surface, ensuring it bastes between the diamond cuts.
Bake Again: Place the ham back into the oven and bake for 10 minutes uncovered.
Final Glaze: Remove the ham from the oven and add two tablespoons of the ham pan juices to the remaining glaze. Bake until the glaze is a nice dark golden brown. If needed, turn on the broiler to high for 3-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing.

Air Fryer Method

Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 379.4°F (193°C).
Score and Glaze: Score the ham diagonally, about ½ to ¾ inch deep and the lines 1 to 1 ½ inches apart. Generously glaze the scored ham with the sugar-free glaze.
Air Fry: Air fry for 35 to 45 minutes until golden and the ham reaches a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Baste Regularly: Smother the ham with the drippings and sugar-free glaze every 10 minutes.
Rest: Allow the sugar-free glazed ham to rest at least 10 minutes, covered, before slicing and serving.

General Cooking Times

The general rule for cooking ham is 15 to 18 minutes for each pound. Adjust the oven time according to your ham's total weight.
For uncured ham, bake for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or 15-20 minutes per pound, until it reaches at least 160°F (71°C).
For cured ham, bake for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or 10-12 minutes per pound.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this low-carb ham with a variety of keto-friendly side dishes to complete the meal.

Vegetables: Garlic butter green beans or a fresh salad with leafy greens, cucumbers, and a keto-friendly dressing.
Desserts: Keto pumpkin pie.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store any cooked glazed ham leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the ham slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or place them in freezer-safe bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Frozen ham can be stored for up to 3 weeks.
Reheating: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham slices in a baking dish, adding a bit of broth or water to keep them moist. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and heat for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

Tips and Variations

Sweetener: If you want more brown sugar flavor, add a couple tablespoons of Besti Brown Monk Fruit Sweetener (in addition to the syrup).
Glaze Consistency: You can substitute the allulose for more of the brown sugar substitute, just keep in mind that the glaze will crystallize as it cools.
Tasting: Always taste your batter before cooking to ensure you have added enough sweetener to suit your taste buds.

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tags: #keto #glazed #ham #recipe