Glazed Turkey “Ham” Is A Weight Watchers Holiday Classic

This glazed ham is a Weight Watchers version of the quintessential holiday dinner I grew up seeing in commercials. I use 92% fat-free turkey ham for just 3 Points per serving. Beautiful diagonal cuts and aromatic cloves create a lovely presentation.

The glaze is a mix of dried peaches with mustard, Splenda, vinegar, and water. It’s naturally sweetened and complements the salty, savory flavors of the ham perfectly. Check out our appetizers and dinner recipes for more holiday party ideas!

Why should you try this Glazed Ham?

This healthier glazed ham is the perfect option if you want to indulge in holiday traditions without derailing your weight loss efforts. 

I make this glazed ham every year to treat myself. It brings me the same joy as the commercial glazed hams from my childhood, but now, I know I’m enjoying something both delicious and kind to my body. There’s real comfort in knowing I can have my holiday favorites while sticking to my goals.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings: 14

Serving Size: About 1/8 of the ham

3 WW Points Per Serving. You can view the recipe on the WW App here. (WW login required.)

Ingredients:

For the Ham

• 1 whole turkey ham (2-3 lbs/900–1350 g)
• 2 tablespoons whole cloves

For the Glaze

• 1 cup dried peach slices (150 g)
• 2 tablespoons Splenda (or another sugar substitute)
• 1/4 cup vinegar (60 ml)
• 1 cup water or broth (120 ml)

Shiny Finish (optional)

• 1 tablespoon unflavored gelatin powder (7 g.)
• 1 tablespoon Splenda
• 1/4 cup hot water (60 ml)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
2. Score the Ham: Place the turkey ham on a cutting board and pat it dry. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts about 1/2 inch deep across the surface of the ham, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Then, make diagonal cuts in the opposite direction, creating a diamond pattern.
3. Insert the Cloves: At each intersection of the diamond cuts, insert a whole clove.
4. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the dried peach slices, Splenda, vinegar, and water or broth. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the peach slices are soft.
5. Blend the Glaze: Once the peaches are softened, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Pour the mixture into a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. This will be the glaze for your ham.
6. Apply the First Layer of Glaze: Place the scored ham on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or foil. Using a brush or spoon, generously apply a layer of the peach glaze all over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts.
7. Bake the Ham: Place the glazed ham in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F (160°C) for 1 hour. Every 20 minutes, remove the ham from the oven and apply another layer of glaze to keep it moist and flavorful.
8. Prepare the Shiny Coating: For an optional finishing touch that gives the ham that holiday shine, mix 1 tablespoon of unflavored gelatin, 1 tablespoon of Splenda, and 1/4 cup hot water in a small bowl. Stir until the gelatin is fully dissolved.
9. Brush on the Shiny Coating: Once the ham is finished baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Brush the gelatin mixture evenly over the ham’s surface for a glossy finish.
10. Slice and Serve: Remove the cloves carefully before slicing. Slice the ham into thin portions and serve warm.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe uses dried apricots for a rich glaze, but you can experiment with other dried fruits or even berry jams. For example:

• Prunes: These bring a deeper sweetness to the ham, which pairs nicely with the mustard’s tang.
• Raisins: Blending raisins with the other glaze ingredients adds a fruity sweetness. Soak them in warm water for a smoother consistency.
• Berry Jam: For a slightly tart glaze, use a berry jam in place of the apricots. Strawberry or raspberry jam will add vibrant color and a hint of acidity.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Glazed Ham

• Choose Low-Fat, Smoked Turkey Ham: Look for a turkey ham that is both low in fat and pre-smoked.
• Score the Surface for Extra Flavor: Cutting the ham’s surface into a diamond pattern isn’t just decorative; it allows the glaze to seep deeper into the meat. Keep the cuts even to create a uniform pattern.
• Cook Low and Slow: The secret to a tender, well-glazed ham is to cook it at a low temperature. This slow cooking helps the glaze caramelize gradually, creating a nice coating without burning.
• Baste Regularly: Basting the ham every 20 minutes ensures it stays moist and develops a deep, caramelized flavor. Each layer of glaze adds a bit more sweetness and shine, building up that classic glazed look.
• Remove the Cloves Before Serving: Remember to take out the cloves before slicing and serving. They add great flavor during cooking but can overpower a bite if left in.