Sweet Glazed Ham Board (Printable)

An inviting ham board complemented by cheeses, fruits, and breads ideal for holiday entertaining.

# What You Need:

→ Glazed Ham

01 - 1 boneless ham, 3 to 4 pounds
02 - 1/2 cup brown sugar
03 - 1/4 cup honey
04 - 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
05 - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

→ Cheese Selection

07 - 6 ounces aged cheddar, sliced
08 - 6 ounces brie, cut into wedges
09 - 4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
10 - 4 ounces gouda, sliced

→ Fruits & Vegetables

11 - 1 cup red grapes, on the vine
12 - 1 cup green grapes, on the vine
13 - 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved
14 - 1 apple, thinly sliced
15 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes
16 - 2 mini cucumbers, sliced
17 - 1/2 cup dried apricots

→ Breads & Crackers

18 - 1 baguette, sliced
19 - 8 ounces assorted crackers
20 - 4 ounces breadsticks

→ Accompaniments

21 - 1/2 cup whole grain mustard
22 - 1/2 cup fig jam
23 - 1/2 cup mixed olives
24 - 1/2 cup cornichons (small pickles)
25 - 1/2 cup roasted nuts (almonds or pecans)
26 - Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme) for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven temperature to 350°F.
02 - Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cloves in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes syrupy.
03 - Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Place it in a roasting pan and brush generously with the prepared glaze.
04 - Cook the ham in the oven for 1 to 1.5 hours. Baste with glaze every 20 minutes until the ham is thoroughly heated and caramelized. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shaping.
05 - Position the glazed ham or ham slices at the center of a large serving board, shaping into decorative forms if desired.
06 - Arrange cheeses, fruits, vegetables, breads, crackers, and accompaniments symmetrically around the ham, grouping similar items to create a harmonious display.
07 - Add fresh rosemary and thyme to garnish the board. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's the kind of centerpiece that makes your guests feel celebrated without you spending hours in the kitchen on cooking day
  • Everyone finds something they love, from the savory ham to the sweet jam to the funky blue cheese—it's a conversation starter on a board
  • The glazed ham itself becomes a showstopper moment when you slice it, and people are genuinely impressed by how professional it looks
02 -
  • The glaze must be syrupy before it touches the ham—if it's too thin, it slides off instead of sticking and caramelizing into that gorgeous crust
  • Don't skip the resting time after roasting; it allows the ham to relax and hold its juices, making it infinitely more tender and flavorful when sliced
  • The arrangement matters more than having every category represented; a beautifully organized board with fewer items beats a chaotic one overflowing with choices
03 -
  • If you're making this ahead, glaze and roast the ham in the morning, then let it cool completely. You can still serve it at room temperature or gently warm it before slicing and arranging—your guests won't know the difference, and your day becomes infinitely easier
  • Buy a good quality ham; it matters more than anywhere else in this recipe. A grocery store ham glazed beautifully is a revelation
  • Slice your baguette and arrange your board no more than 30 minutes before serving so breads stay crisp and fruits don't start to weep
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