Introduction

Apple Butter Glazed Ham with Roasted Carrots is a perfect combination of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors, ideal for holiday feasts, special occasions, or family gatherings. The ham is coated in a luscious apple butter glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking, imparting a rich sweetness with hints of apple, cinnamon, and cloves. Paired with tender, caramelized roasted carrots, this dish offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures that delight the palate. The warm, fruity glaze complements the smoky, salty ham, creating an unforgettable centerpiece for any celebratory meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s both comforting and elegant. The apple butter glaze adds a depth of flavor that is sweet, tangy, and aromatic, perfectly balancing the savory richness of the ham. Roasting the carrots alongside the ham allows them to absorb some of the glaze’s sweetness while caramelizing naturally, creating a harmonious pairing. The dish is visually stunning, with the shiny, caramelized ham and vibrant orange carrots making it as appealing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Unique Sweet & Savory Combination: Apple butter glaze complements the salty ham perfectly.
• Caramelized Roasted Carrots: Adds color, sweetness, and texture to the plate.
• Impressive Yet Easy: Minimal prep for a dish that looks gourmet.
• Aromatic & Flavorful: Spices and apple butter create a warm, inviting aroma.
• Perfect for Holidays: Ideal as a show-stopping centerpiece.

Time & Serving Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours (depending on ham size)
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes – 2 hours 20 minutes
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 450 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Holiday / Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 4–5 lb (1.8–2.3 kg) bone-in spiral ham or pre-cooked ham
• 1 cup apple butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup apple cider or orange juice (optional, for glaze thinning)

For Roasted Carrots:

• 1 lb (450 g) carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare the Ham Glaze – Mix apple butter, brown sugar, mustard, and spices.
2. Prepare Carrots – Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional thyme/honey.
3. Glaze the Ham – Brush ham with glaze and roast in the oven.
4. Add Carrots – Roast carrots alongside ham during the last 30–40 minutes.
5. Baste & Finish – Baste ham occasionally with glaze; roast until caramelized and warmed through.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Ham

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down if bone-in.

Step 2: Prepare Apple Butter Glaze

1. In a bowl, combine apple butter, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and apple cider (if using).
2. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Prepare Roasted Carrots

1. In a separate bowl, toss carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and honey/maple syrup if using.
2. Set aside until ready to add to the oven.

Step 4: Glaze and Roast Ham

1. Brush the ham generously with half of the apple butter glaze.
2. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting with remaining glaze every 20–30 minutes.

Step 5: Roast Carrots

1. Remove foil from ham during the last 30–40 minutes of baking.
2. Add carrots to the roasting pan alongside the ham.
3. Continue basting ham and roasting until ham is heated through and glaze is caramelized, and carrots are tender.

How to Serve This Recipe

Slice the ham and arrange on a serving platter with roasted carrots on the side. Drizzle any remaining glaze or pan juices over the ham for extra flavor. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for an elegant touch. Serve alongside mashed potatoes, green beans, or dinner rolls for a complete holiday meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use a pre-cooked ham to save time and ensure even heating.
• Baste the ham frequently for maximum glaze flavor and caramelization.
• Roast carrots until tender but slightly caramelized for the best flavor.
• Let ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.

Variations

• Apple & Maple Glaze: Substitute honey or maple syrup for part of the sugar.
• Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for subtle heat.
• Add Root Vegetables: Include parsnips, sweet potatoes, or Brussels sprouts with carrots.
• Citrus Twist: Add orange zest or juice to the glaze for a bright flavor.
• Wine-Infused Glaze: Use a splash of apple cider or white wine for depth.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ham and carrots in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Slice ham, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 325°F (165°C), covered with foil, until warmed through.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan
• Basting brush
• Mixing bowls
• Aluminum foil
• Oven thermometer (optional, for precise cooking)

FAQ

Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A: Yes, the cooking method is the same; just monitor cooking time slightly as boneless hams cook a bit faster.

Q: Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days before roasting.

Q: How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
A: Cover the ham with foil during most of the cooking time and uncover only in the last 30–40 minutes.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to roast with the ham?
A: Yes, root vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Apple Butter Glazed Ham with Roasted Carrots is a show-stopping, flavorful, and aromatic dish perfect for holidays, celebrations, or family gatherings. The sweet and tangy apple butter glaze enhances the savory richness of the ham, while tender roasted carrots add color, texture, and natural sweetness. Easy to prepare yet elegant in presentation, this dish is a must-try for anyone seeking a festive, comforting, and crowd-pleasing centerpiece for their table.