This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is a delicious centerpiece for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or any special family dinner. A tender ham is coated with a sweet and buttery honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven, creating a flavorful and glossy finish.
Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet and savory: Honey, brown sugar, and mustard create the perfect balance.
- Tender and juicy: Slow baking helps keep the ham moist.
- Beautiful glaze: The glaze caramelizes into a delicious golden coating.
- Easy to prepare: Simple ingredients make this an effortless holiday main dish.
Ingredients
- 8–10 lb fully cooked spiral-sliced ham
- ½ cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup water or apple juice
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham
1. Prepare the Ham
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the pan.
Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil.
2. Bake the Ham
Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes per pound, or according to the package directions, until the ham is heated through.
3. Make the Honey Glaze
While the ham is baking, add the honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper to a small saucepan.
Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from the heat.
4. Glaze the Ham
During the final 30–40 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush the ham generously with the honey glaze. Continue baking uncovered, brushing with more glaze every 10–15 minutes.
5. Caramelize the Glaze
For a deeper, caramelized finish, increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) during the final 5–10 minutes. Watch carefully so the glaze does not burn.
6. Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before serving. Spoon any pan juices over the slices and serve warm.
Tips for the Best Honey Glazed Ham
- Use a fully cooked spiral-sliced ham for easy serving.
- Keep the ham covered for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out.
- Apply the glaze toward the end so the honey and sugar do not burn.
- Baste the ham several times for a richer glaze.
- Let the ham rest before slicing to help retain its juices.
- Save leftover ham for sandwiches, casseroles, soups, or breakfast dishes.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is an easy and flavorful centerpiece for any holiday meal. The tender ham and sweet, buttery glaze create a delicious combination that pairs perfectly with mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted vegetables, and homemade biscuits.
