Honey Glazed Ham Recipe for a Sweet, Savory, Showstopping Dinner

A beautifully glazed ham can turn an ordinary dinner into a special meal. This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe combines a tender, juicy ham with a sweet and flavorful glaze made with honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of warm spices. As the ham cooks, the glaze becomes sticky and caramelized, creating a delicious coating around every slice.

This recipe is especially wonderful for holiday dinners, family gatherings, Sunday meals, and other celebrations. It is also surprisingly easy to prepare because most of the cooking time is hands-off.

Recipe Information

• Recipe: Honey Glazed Ham
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Course
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Servings: 10 to 12 people
• Calories: Approximately 390 calories per serving

Why This Recipe Is Good

This honey glazed ham is juicy on the inside and coated with a sweet, tangy, caramelized glaze on the outside. The recipe uses simple ingredients, requires little hands-on preparation, and makes enough to serve a crowd. Leftovers are also excellent in sandwiches, omelets, soups, and casseroles.

Ingredients

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral sliced ham, about 6 to 8 pounds
• 1 cup water or apple juice
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Honey Glaze

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon orange zest, optional

Equipment Needed

• Large roasting pan
• Roasting rack, optional
• Aluminum foil
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife, if needed
• Meat thermometer
• Cutting board
• Serving platter

How to Make Honey Glazed Ham

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position an oven rack in the lower or middle part of the oven so the ham fits comfortably.

2. Prepare the Ham

Remove the ham from its packaging and discard any packaging materials. If the ham has a plastic covering or netting, remove it according to the package instructions.

Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan. Pour the water or apple juice into the bottom of the pan. This helps create moisture while the ham reheats.

Brush the ham lightly with melted butter. Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.

3. Bake the Ham

Place the covered ham in the preheated oven.

For a 6 to 8 pound fully cooked spiral sliced ham, bake for approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours, depending on its size and the package instructions.

Since the ham is already cooked, the goal is to heat it gently without drying it out. A meat thermometer should read about 140°F (60°C) when the ham is properly heated.

4. Make the Honey Glaze

While the ham is heating, prepare the glaze.

Add honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, garlic powder, and orange zest to a small saucepan.

Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves.

Let the mixture gently simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes. Do not boil it aggressively, as the honey and sugar can burn easily.

Remove the glaze from the heat and allow it to cool slightly.

5. Glaze the Ham

When the ham has almost reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven and carefully take off the foil.

Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Brush a generous layer of the honey glaze over the entire surface of the ham. If you are using a spiral sliced ham, gently brush some glaze between the slices as well.

Return the uncovered ham to the oven.

6. Caramelize the Glaze

Bake the uncovered ham for about 15 to 25 minutes, brushing it with additional glaze every 7 to 10 minutes.

Keep a close eye on the ham during this stage. The glaze contains honey and brown sugar, so it can brown quickly.

The ham is ready when the outside is glossy, deeply golden, and lightly caramelized.

If you want a darker crust, you can briefly place the ham under the broiler. Watch it carefully because the sugary glaze can burn within a short time.

7. Rest the Ham

Remove the ham from the oven and loosely cover it with foil.

Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to settle and makes the ham easier to slice.

8. Slice and Serve

Transfer the ham to a cutting board or serving platter. If it is not already spiral sliced, use a sharp knife to cut thin slices around the bone.

Arrange the slices on a serving platter and spoon some of the pan juices or extra glaze over the top.

Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Tips for the Best Honey Glazed Ham

Use a Fully Cooked Ham

This recipe is designed for a fully cooked ham. Always check the packaging because cooking times and recommended internal temperatures can vary depending on the type and size of ham.

Do Not Add the Glaze Too Early

Honey and brown sugar can burn if exposed to high heat for too long. For the best results, apply most of the glaze near the end of cooking.

Keep the Ham Covered Initially

Covering the ham with foil helps retain moisture while it reheats. This is especially helpful when using a spiral sliced ham, which can dry out more quickly.

Baste More Than Once

For a richer, stickier coating, brush the ham with glaze several times during the final stage of cooking.

Watch the Glaze Closely

The final caramelization happens quickly. Stay nearby during the last 15 to 25 minutes and remove the ham once the glaze becomes golden and glossy.

What to Serve With Honey Glazed Ham

Honey glazed ham pairs well with both traditional and simple side dishes. Try serving it with:

• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Green beans
• Scalloped potatoes
• Macaroni and cheese
• Dinner rolls
• Roasted carrots
• Sweet potato casserole
• Coleslaw
• Fresh green salad

For a holiday meal, you can serve the ham alongside mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, and cranberry sauce.

How to Store Leftover Ham

Allow leftover ham to cool slightly before placing it in an airtight container or wrapping it tightly.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

For longer storage, freeze sliced ham in airtight freezer bags or containers. Properly stored frozen ham is best used within 1 to 2 months for the best quality.

To reheat leftovers, place the slices in a covered baking dish with a small amount of water or broth. Warm them gently in the oven until heated through. Avoid overheating, as this can make the ham dry and tough.

How to Use Leftover Honey Glazed Ham

Leftover ham is incredibly versatile. You can use it to make:

• Ham and cheese sandwiches
• Breakfast omelets
• Ham and egg breakfast bowls
• Ham fried rice
• Creamy ham pasta
• Ham and potato soup
• Quiches
• Baked casseroles
• Ham and cheese sliders

The sweet glaze also adds extra flavor to sandwiches and breakfast dishes.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition information is an approximate estimate per serving and can vary depending on the size and type of ham used.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make honey glazed ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare and bake the ham ahead of time, then refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat it covered with foil and add a fresh layer of glaze during the final few minutes.

Should I glaze the ham before or after cooking?

It is best to apply most of the glaze toward the end of cooking. This prevents the honey and brown sugar from burning and gives the ham a beautiful caramelized coating.

What temperature should honey glazed ham reach?

For a fully cooked ham, heat it according to the instructions on its packaging. As a general guideline, reheating to about 140°F (60°C) is appropriate for many commercially prepared fully cooked hams.

Can I use boneless ham?

Yes. Boneless ham can be used in this recipe, although cooking time will vary according to its size and shape. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overheating it.

Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Yes. Maple syrup can replace honey in the glaze. It will give the ham a slightly different flavor but still produces a delicious sweet coating.

How do I prevent the ham from drying out?

Keep the ham covered with foil during most of the reheating process and avoid cooking it longer than necessary. Adding water or apple juice to the roasting pan also helps maintain moisture.

Can I make the glaze without brown sugar?

Yes. You can make the glaze with honey alone, although brown sugar adds extra richness and helps create a thicker, more caramelized coating.

Why is my glaze burning?

The glaze contains honey and brown sugar, both of which can burn at high temperatures. Apply the glaze near the end of cooking and keep a close eye on the ham while it caramelizes.

Can I use pineapple with honey glazed ham?

Absolutely. Pineapple pairs particularly well with the sweet and savory flavors of glazed ham. You can add pineapple rings around the ham or serve fresh pineapple on the side.

How long should honey glazed ham rest before serving?

Allow the ham to rest for about 15 to 20 minutes after removing it from the oven. This makes it easier to slice and helps retain its juices.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is an easy way to create an impressive centerpiece without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices gives the ham a flavorful glaze that is sweet, tangy, and beautifully caramelized.

Serve it with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, dinner rolls, or your favorite holiday sides for a satisfying meal that is perfect for sharing with family and friends.