French Baked Ham with Spiced Apples and Pears Recipe – French Special
French Baked Ham with Spiced Apples and Pears combines a glazed, smoky ham with the warm sweetness of apples and pears infused with fall spices like cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. This recipe brings together fruit-glazed richness, aromatic spices, and tender meat in one show-stopping entree. It’s ideal for holiday dinners, festive gatherings, or special occasions when you want a centerpiece that’s both elegant and comforting. The balance of sweet fruit compote, sticky glaze, and juicy ham delivers texture, flavour, and stunning presentation that wows your guests.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time1 hr 30 min
- Total Time1 hr 45 min
For the Baked Ham:
- 1 (4-5 lb) bone-in ham (or boneless if preferred)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
- 1/2 cup apple cider (or white wine)
For the Spiced Apples and Pears:
- 2 apples, cored and sliced (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
- 2 pears, cored and sliced (such as Bosc or Anjou)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup apple cider or orange juice
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme sprigs
- Whole star anise (optional, for presentation)
Prepare the Ham:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the ham in a roasting pan.
In a small bowl, mix Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), black pepper, and thyme.
Brush the glaze over the ham, coating it evenly.
Pour the apple cider (or white wine) into the pan to keep the ham moist while baking.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting occasionally with the pan juices.
Prepare the Spiced Apples and Pears:
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
Add sliced apples and pears, then sprinkle with brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Pour in the apple cider (or orange juice) and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is tender and caramelized.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Finish Baking the Ham:
Remove the foil from the ham and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
Arrange the spiced apples and pears around the ham in the roasting pan.
Bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize slightly.
Serve:
Transfer the ham to a serving platter and arrange the spiced apples and pears around it.
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and whole star anise for an elegant presentation.
Slice and serve warm with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables.
Recipe Notes:
Ham Choice : Bone-in ham offers the best flavor, but boneless works well too. Adjust cooking time based on the size of your ham.
Ham Type & Size: Use a fully cooked, smoked ham (spiral-cut or whole) of appropriate weight so it heats through without drying out.
Glazing Tips: Brush glaze often, especially in the last 20-30 minutes, so the sugars caramelize nicely without burning.
Fruit Preparation: Core and halve or quarter apples and pears; use sweet-tart varieties like Granny Smith or Bartlett to balance the sweetness of the glaze.
Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a more subtle spice profile, reduce cloves or allspice; for more warmth, increase cinnamon or add a touch of nutmeg.
Resting & Serving: Allow the ham to rest 10-15 minutes after baking so the juices redistribute. Serve with roasted fruit and any pan juices for extra flavour.
