I’ll never forget the first time I served my Healthy Double Smoked Ham at a family gathering. My uncle, who usually skips holiday meats, came back for thirds – that’s when I knew this recipe was special. What makes it different? All the rich, smoky flavor you crave, but with about half the fat of traditional glazed hams. The secret’s in our simple honey-Dijon glaze that caramelizes beautifully without needing tons of sugar or butter. It’s become my go-to centerpiece for Easter, Christmas, or any Sunday dinner when I want something impressive but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Trust me, nobody will guess this juicy, flavorful ham is actually good for them!
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Double Smoked Ham
This isn’t just another ham recipe—it’s the one you’ll keep coming back to because it actually delivers on everything you want. Here’s why:
Key Benefits
- Unbelievable flavor without the guilt: The double smoking gives it that deep, rich taste, and our honey-Dijon glaze adds just the right sweetness—no sugar overload or heavy fats.
- Effortless prep: Score, glaze, bake. That’s it! No brining, no fussy steps—just 15 minutes of hands-on time.
- Crowd-pleasing magic: Works for holiday centerpieces or casual Sunday dinners. Even picky eaters go crazy for it (my kids are proof!).
- Leftovers for days: Stays juicy when reheated, perfect for sandwiches, omelets, or just snacking straight from the fridge.
Ingredients for Healthy Double Smoked Ham
Gather these simple ingredients – quality matters here, folks! The smoked ham does most of the work, but these extras take it to the next level:
- 1 double smoked ham (5-7 lbs, bone-in): Look for “double smoked” or “extra smoked” labels – that extra smokiness means we don’t need to add much fat for flavor.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: The slight tang balances the ham’s richness perfectly. I always use the good stuff from the jar with visible mustard seeds.
- 2 tbsp honey: Just enough to caramelize without making it overly sweet. Local honey adds lovely floral notes if you have it!
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Important! Regular broth can make the ham too salty. I use the reduced-sodium kind in the yellow box.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
No Dijon? Yellow mustard works in a pinch (use 1 tbsp less). For sugar concerns, sugar-free honey substitute or maple syrup both work beautifully. Gluten-free friends – just check your mustard label. If your ham’s bigger than 7 lbs? No worries – just increase the glaze by half and add 15 minutes to the cook time per extra pound. Easy peasy!
How to Make Healthy Double Smoked Ham
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! I’ve made this recipe dozens of times, and these simple steps never fail me. Just follow along, and you’ll have the juiciest, most flavorful ham on the table before you know it.
Step 1: Prep the Ham
First things first – grab that beautiful ham and pat it dry with paper towels (this helps the glaze stick better). Now, take a sharp knife and score the fat in a diamond pattern – about 1/4 inch deep. Don’t skip this! Those little cuts let the glaze seep into every nook and cranny, plus they make the ham look fancy without any extra work.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until it’s smooth and slightly thick – like a pourable pancake batter. Give it a taste (I always do!) and adjust if needed. Want more tang? Add another teaspoon of mustard. Sweeter? A drizzle more honey. This is your moment to make it yours!
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop your ham in a roasting pan, pour that low-sodium chicken broth in the bottom (this keeps everything moist), then brush on that gorgeous glaze. Slide it into a 325°F oven and bake for about 15 minutes per pound. Here’s my pro tip: about halfway through, baste it with those delicious pan juices. When your meat thermometer hits 145°F in the thickest part (not touching bone), pull it out and let it rest for 10 minutes – this keeps all those juices right where they belong!
Tips for the Best Healthy Double Smoked Ham
After making this ham more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that make all the difference. First, baste at the halfway point – those pan juices are liquid gold for keeping your ham moist! If the top starts getting too dark too fast (hey, ovens vary), just tent it loosely with foil – no shame in that. And whatever you do, don’t skip the 10-minute rest after baking! I know it’s tempting to dig in, but those juices need time to redistribute. Trust me, it’s worth the wait for that first perfect slice.
Serving Suggestions
This ham shines as the star of any meal, but here’s how I love to serve it! For holidays, I pair it with roasted sweet potatoes and garlic green beans – the sweetness balances the smoky ham perfectly. Weeknight dinners? Just add a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. My family’s favorite? Leftover ham slices warmed up over scrambled eggs the next morning. The possibilities are endless!
Storing and Reheating
Here’s the good news – this ham stays just as delicious days later! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, skip the microwave – it turns the meat rubbery. Instead, wrap slices in foil with a splash of broth and warm in a 325°F oven for 10-15 minutes. For single portions, I sometimes use the toaster oven – same method, just less time. The ham stays juicy every time!
FAQs About Healthy Double Smoked Ham
Can I use spiral-cut ham? Absolutely! Just be extra gentle when applying the glaze – I like to spoon it between the slices so every layer gets flavor. You might need a tad less glaze since it coats more surface area. And watch the baking time – spiral-cut hams sometimes cook faster since they’re pre-sliced.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes! This ham freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. I portion it out in meal-sized freezer bags (squeeze out all the air first). Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It sure is – just double-check your Dijon mustard and chicken broth labels. Most brands are gluten-free, but I always look for the certified GF mark to be safe. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the best part – you get all that smoky ham flavor without the usual calorie overload! Keep in mind these are estimates (brands vary slightly), but per 4 oz serving: just 210 calories, 8g fat, and a whopping 28g protein to keep you satisfied. Compare that to traditional glazed hams that can pack nearly double the fat – now that’s what I call a win!
Share Your Feedback
I’m dying to hear how your Healthy Double Smoked Ham turned out! Did your family go nuts for it like mine does? Leave a quick note below – your tips might help the next cook nail this recipe too. If you’re looking for other great weeknight meals, check out this healthy creamy broccoli chicken crescent bake.
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Magical Healthy Double Smoked Ham Recipe with 30% Less Fat
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A healthy double smoked ham recipe that delivers rich flavor without excess calories or fat.
Ingredients
- 1 double smoked ham (5-7 lbs)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Score ham in a diamond pattern.
- Mix mustard, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Brush mixture over ham.
- Place ham in roasting pan with broth.
- Bake for 15 minutes per pound.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness (145°F).
- Leftovers stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American