Limoncello Glazed Ham

Name: Limoncello Glazed Ham
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients: 1 cup limoncello liqueur; 1/2 cup honey; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds); Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

Highlighted under: Festive Gathering Dishes

I love making Limoncello Glazed Ham for special occasions because it combines the rich flavors of ham with the zesty brightness of limoncello. The sweet and tangy glaze creates a beautiful caramelization during cooking, resulting in a ham that shines on the table. The added citrus aroma is simply irresistible and elevates the dish to an impressive level. Whether to celebrate holidays or family gatherings, this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, and I can't wait for you to try it!

Created by

Tina

Last updated on 2026-01-30T02:51:28.224Z

When I first experimented with Limoncello Glazed Ham, I was amazed by how the citrus notes from the limoncello transformed the flavor profile. The ham's natural sweetness was perfectly complemented by the tangy glaze, making each bite a burst of flavor. I've made this ham multiple times, tweaking the glaze until it was just right. Adding a touch of honey really rounds out the flavor, and it caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

One detail that made a big difference for me was letting the ham rest after glazing and before serving. This step allowed the juices to redistribute, resulting in a moist and tender ham every time. If you're looking to impress your guests, trust me; this Limoncello Glazed Ham will be the centerpiece of your feast!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
A delightful mix of sweet and tangy flavors
Beautifully caramelized crust that’s sure to impress
Perfect for festive occasions and gatherings

Understanding the Ingredients

The star ingredient in this Limoncello Glazed Ham is the limoncello liqueur, which not only lends a vibrant citrus flavor but also contributes to the glaze's glossy finish. When heated, the alcohol evaporates, leaving behind the sweet and tangy essence that beautifully complements the savory notes of the ham. Make sure to use a quality limoncello for the best results—homemade or artisanal varieties often possess the freshest flavor that elevates the dish.

Honey in the glaze acts as a natural sweetener and helps create that stunning caramelized crust during the baking process. It interacts with the mustard and lemon juice, balancing flavors while keeping the ham moist. If you're looking for an alternative due to dietary restrictions, maple syrup can be an excellent substitute for honey, providing a unique twist while maintaining that desired sweetness and gloss.

Techniques for Perfectly Glazed Ham

Scoring the surface of the ham is more than just a decorative technique; it allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat. Aim for shallow cuts, about 1/4 inch deep, in a diamond pattern. This not only enhances the presentation but also ensures the flavors soak in, resulting in a ham that is bursting with taste. If you choose to stud it with cloves, inserting them strategically in the intersections of your cuts can give each slice a pop of aromatic flavor.

When applying the glaze, don’t rush the brushing. Use a pastry brush for even application, ensuring every nook and cranny gets a generous layer. The initial covered baking phase helps lock in moisture, and removing the foil later allows the surface to caramelize and develop a rich, golden-brown color. Watching for visual cues, such as the glaze becoming bubbly and slightly thickened, will help you know when to uncover and finish baking.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a mouthwatering Limoncello Glazed Ham:

Limoncello Glaze Ingredients

1 cup limoncello liqueur
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Ham Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8-10 pounds)
Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

Make sure you have everything ready before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfect Limoncello Glazed Ham:

Prepare the Glaze

In a saucepan, combine the limoncello, honey, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Heat over medium heat until the mixture begins to bubble, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

Prepare the Ham

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack in a large baking dish. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, making shallow cuts. If desired, stud the intersections with whole cloves for added flavor.

Glaze the Ham

Brush half of the glaze over the surface of the ham. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 2 hours.

Final Glaze

After 2 hours, remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the ham is caramelized and heated through.

Rest and Serve

Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This step will ensure every slice is juicy and flavorful.

Serve the ham with your favorite sides and enjoy!

Pro Tips

For a more intense lemon flavor, you can add lemon zest to the glaze. If you'd like a slightly spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze mixture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftovers, let the ham cool completely before slicing and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week, making it great for sandwiches or salads. For longer storage, you can freeze sliced ham, wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and placing it in a freezer bag. It can typically be frozen for up to 3 months without losing too much of its original flavor and texture.

Preparing the glaze in advance is a great time-saver for holiday gatherings. Cook it according to the recipe, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, gently reheat until it's warm and pourable. This ensures you spend more time enjoying your meal and less time cooking on busy days.

Serving Suggestions

This Limoncello Glazed Ham pairs beautifully with sides that have a fresh or earthy profile. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or carrots drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. A light salad with citrus segments can also amplify the ham's bright flavors. If you're looking for starchier sides, creamy mashed potatoes or herb-infused rice can complement the glaze's sweetness and richness.

Don’t forget about the leftovers! They can be turned into delicious croquettes or layered in a breakfast casserole with eggs and cheese. You can also finely chop any remaining ham for a flavorful addition to pasta dishes, adding depth to your meals without extra work. With thoughtful planning, this ham can shine at your table long after it’s been pulled from the oven.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I prepare the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before brushing onto the ham.

→ What sides pair well with Limoncello Glazed Ham?

Some great sides include roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.

→ Can I use a different type of alcohol for the glaze?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can substitute limoncello with another citrus liqueur or even orange juice for a non-alcoholic variant.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can also freeze it for up to two months.