Huckleberry Glazed Spiral Ham
Huckleberries carry the kind of flavor that feels rooted in the mountains. Their sweetness is bold, their tartness lingers just enough to keep things interesting, and their deep purple color brings a rustic beauty to any dish. When I first started working with huckleberries, it was their aroma that hooked me. Once warmed, they release a fragrance that feels both nostalgic and wild, the kind of scent that reminds you of cool forests and berry picking in late summer. That sense of place inspired this glazed ham, a centerpiece that blends old fashioned comfort with the brightness of wild fruit.
A spiral cut ham is already a favorite in my kitchen because of how easily it draws in flavor. Maple syrup adds a warm caramel note that acts as the perfect binder. Mixing dark brown sugar with Revolution Barbecue I’m Your Huckleberry Cowboy Rub creates a seasoning blend that is sweet, rugged, and full of character. Those two elements bring a bold outer crust to the ham before it ever enters the oven.
The glaze is intentionally simple to let the huckleberry flavor shine. When warmed, the jam melts into a glossy liquid that pours beautifully over the ham. Wrapped tightly in foil, the meat steams gently and stays incredibly juicy. When the foil is opened, the collected drippings mix with the huckleberry glaze and turn the entire ham into a sweet, savory, mountain scented feast. The smell alone lets you know you’re in for something special.
Oven Baked Spiral Ham With Huckleberry Glaze
12
15 minutes
2.5 hours
380
American
Main Dish
This ham brings out the richness of wild huckleberries in a way that feels both comforting and elevated. Using maple syrup as the binder gives the seasoning mixture just the right amount of stick, allowing the blend of dark brown sugar and Revolution Barbecue I’m Your Huckleberry Cowboy Rub to cling to every surface. That mix creates a crust that melts into the spiral slices as the ham cooks, adding depth and a touch of rustic sweetness to each bite.
Cooking the ham fully wrapped in foil keeps the heat gentle and even. By arranging the foil in a cross pattern, the ham becomes tightly sealed, allowing it to baste in its own juices throughout the cook. When the foil is opened later, those juices pool at the bottom and provide an instant built in baste. Pouring those warm drippings over the ham before glazing ensures that every slice becomes tender and full flavored.
The glaze is kept simple to showcase the berry character. Thinning the jam slightly with water allows it to settle smoothly over the surface while still keeping its intensity. The moment it meets the warm ham, it melts into the spiral cuts and forms a glossy finish that shines beautifully once returned to the oven. The result is a ham that tastes sweet, savory, and balanced, with a bright fruit note that makes every slice feel special.
Ingredients
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- 10 pounds spiral cut ham
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Revolution Barbecue I’m Your Huckleberry Cowboy Rub
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- 1/2 cup huckleberry jam
- 2 tablespoons water
Directions
Prepare the Foil Base: Lay out two large sheets of heavy duty foil in a cross pattern on a baking tray, with one sheet running vertically and the second placed horizontally across the center to form a secure wrap.
- Mix the Seasoning Blend: Combine the dark brown sugar and Revolution Barbecue I’m Your Huckleberry Cowboy Rub in a bowl and mix until fully blended.
- Bind the Ham: Place the ham in the center of the foil and brush the entire surface with maple syrup to help the seasoning adhere.
- Season the Ham: Apply the brown sugar and seasoning mixture generously over the entire ham, pressing lightly so it adheres to every surface and into the spiral cuts.
- Wrap the Ham: Pull the foil up and around the ham tightly, sealing it completely so no steam escapes.
- Bake the Ham: Preheat the oven to 275 degrees. Bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound while keeping it fully wrapped.
- Make the Huckleberry Glaze: While the ham is baking, combine the huckleberry jam and water in a saucepan, bring to a gentle boil, then lower to a simmer and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until glossy and smooth.
- Open the Foil: Carefully open the foil and fold it downward to create a deep basin that catches the drippings at the bottom.
- Apply the Glaze: Use a spoon to scoop the warm juices from the bottom and pour them over the ham. Spoon the huckleberry glaze over the top and brush it across the surface so it settles into the spiral layers.
- Bake Again: Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake at 275 degrees for an additional 15 minutes to allow the glaze to set.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the juices settle into the meat.
