Glazed Ham Centerpiece Board (Printable version)

An inviting centerpiece board featuring glazed ham surrounded by cheeses, fruits, pickles, and breads for celebrations.

# Ingredient List:

→ Glazed Ham

01 - 1 boneless ham (3 to 4 pounds)
02 - 1/2 cup packed 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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
02 - Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and ground cloves in a small saucepan and heat gently until sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes syrupy.
03 - Score the ham surface in a diamond pattern and brush generously with the prepared glaze.
04 - Place ham in a roasting pan and roast for 1 to 1.5 hours, basting with glaze every 20 minutes until caramelized and heated through.
05 - Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shaping into roses.
06 - Arrange the glazed ham or ham slices at the center of a large serving board or platter.
07 - Place cheeses, fruits, vegetables, breads, crackers, and condiments symmetrically around the ham, grouping similar items together for an attractive presentation.
08 - Garnish with fresh rosemary and thyme, then serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It looks absolutely showstopping on any table, and people always assume you spent hours when it's actually quite manageable
  • The sweet-savory glaze on the ham is addictive, with that perfect balance of honey and mustard that somehow tastes even better than you'd expect
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, so you're actually relaxing while your guests arrive instead of frantically cooking
  • One dish feeds a crowd elegantly without feeling like you made ten separate things
02 -
  • Don't skip the resting period after roasting—I learned this the hard way when I cut into a ham too early and lost all those delicious juices that keep it tender
  • The key to a beautiful board is not perfection but confidence—arrange it quickly and step back; overthinking makes it look fussy instead of inviting
  • Always taste your glaze before brushing it on; this is your moment to adjust the sweetness or add a pinch more mustard if you want it slightly less sugary
03 -
  • Score your ham in a crosshatch pattern before glazing, not after—it allows the glaze to seep into those little pockets and creates those addictively caramelized edges
  • Make your glaze the day before if you want to; it actually tastes better as the flavors meld, and it's one less thing to do when you're getting ready
  • Arrange your board on a large wooden surface or marble—it stays cooler and looks more intentional than plastic platters
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