Glazed Ham Centerpiece Board (Printable)

Sweet glazed ham paired with cheeses, fruits, and breads artfully arranged for entertaining.

# What You'll 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 rosemary and thyme for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves. Heat gently while stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy.
03 - Place the ham in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern and brush generously with the prepared glaze.
04 - Roast the ham for 1 to 1.5 hours, basting with glaze every 20 minutes, until the ham is heated through and the glaze is caramelized. Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shaping.
05 - Position the glazed ham or ham slices/roses at the center of a large serving board.
06 - Arrange cheeses, fruits, vegetables, breads, and condiments symmetrically around the ham, grouping similar items together for visual balance.
07 - Garnish the board with fresh rosemary and thyme. Serve immediately for best presentation and flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely showstopping with minimal stress—the beauty does most of the talking for you
  • One main dish that becomes a full spread, so your guests can eat exactly what they want
  • The sweet glaze on that ham keeps people coming back for just one more slice
  • Everything can be prepared ahead, letting you actually enjoy your own party
02 -
  • Baste that ham every 20 minutes without fail—this is how you build the glossy caramelized exterior that makes people gasp when they see it. I learned this the hard way with a ham that looked pale and tired because I skipped the last basting.
  • Let the glaze cool slightly before brushing it on the ham for the first time; if it's too hot, it'll just run off. But once it starts caramelizing, even the runoff in the pan becomes liquid gold for basting.
03 -
  • The ham slices cold beautifully too, so any leftovers (if that happens) make incredible sandwiches for days afterward. Store it in an airtight container, and it stays fresh and moist for up to four days.
  • If blue cheese isn't your thing, swap it for another cheese you love—aged manchego, sharp cheddar, or even a smoked gouda. The only rule is that you enjoy every element on your board.
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