Baked honey ham on garlic toasted rustic bread

That sounds like an incredible combination! A baked honey ham on garlic toasted rustic bread will make for an irresistible sandwich or appetizer. The sweetness of the honey ham combined with the savory garlic toast is a perfect match. Here’s a simple recipe to put it together:

Baked Honey Ham on Garlic Toasted Rustic Bread

Ingredients:

For the Baked Honey Ham:

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 4-5 lbs)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard for extra texture)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves (optional)

For the Garlic Toasted Rustic Bread:

• 4-6 thick slices of rustic bread (sourdough, ciabatta, or any hearty bread)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

For the Baked Honey Ham:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Prepare the Ham: Place the ham on a roasting pan and score the surface with shallow cuts in a diamond pattern (this will help the glaze penetrate better). If your ham has a skin layer, you can remove it or leave it on, depending on your preference.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Bake the Ham: Brush the ham with the honey glaze, making sure it’s well coated. Tent the ham with aluminum foil, and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours (about 18-20 minutes per pound), basting the ham every 30 minutes with the glaze. Remove the foil during the last 20-30 minutes of baking to allow the ham to caramelize and brown.
5. Rest the Ham: Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and makes for a juicier ham.

For the Garlic Toasted Rustic Bread:

1. Prepare the Bread: While the ham is baking, prepare the garlic toast. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley (if using).
2. Toast the Bread: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush one side of each slice of bread with the garlic butter mixture. Place the bread, buttered-side down, in the skillet and toast until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. If you prefer to bake the bread, you can place the slices on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Assemble the Dish:

1. Layer the Ham on Toast: Once the ham is sliced, place a generous amount of honey ham on the garlic-toasted bread slices.
2. Optional Garnishes: For added flavor, you can drizzle a bit more honey glaze over the ham, or garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
3. Serve: Serve immediately while the bread is still crispy, and the ham is warm. This can be served as an open-faced sandwich or with a side of salad for a more complete meal.

This dish would be great for a cozy brunch or a comforting dinner! The combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors will definitely wow anyone who tries it.