Succulent Honey-Glazed Ham

This honey-glazed ham recipe transforms an ordinary cut of meat into a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone reaching for seconds. The combination of sweet honey and warm spices creates a glossy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside perfectly moist and tender.

I first made this ham for a Christmas gathering when I was nervous about hosting my in-laws. The moment they saw that glistening ham come out of the oven, their eyes lit up, and it's been our holiday tradition ever since.

Ingredients

• Fully cooked bone-in ham 8 to 10 pounds: choosing bone-in adds tremendous flavor and ensures moistness
• Honey: provides natural sweetness and creates that signature sticky glaze
• Brown sugar: adds depth of sweetness and helps with caramelization
• Dijon mustard: balances the sweetness with tanginess
• Apple cider vinegar: cuts through richness and activates flavors
• Ground cinnamon: adds warm aromatic notes that pair beautifully with ham
• Ground cloves: provides that classic holiday ham flavor
• Black pepper: adds subtle heat to balance the sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Ham:

Take your ham out of refrigeration about 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Preheat your oven to a moderate 325°F which will allow the ham to heat through without drying out. Place it flat side down on a rack in your roasting pan which ensures even cooking and prevents the bottom from becoming soggy. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep this allows the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat for maximum flavor.

Initial Baking:

Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out during the first phase of cooking. This protective layer traps moisture while allowing the ham to heat through gently. Bake for 1 1/2 hours which is enough time to warm the ham thoroughly since it is already fully cooked.

Create the Glaze:

Combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to prevent the sugars from burning and to help them dissolve completely. Watch for the mixture to thicken slightly which takes about 5 minutes. You will know it is ready when it coats the back of a spoon but still pours easily. Remove from heat once thickened.

Final Glazing and Baking:

Uncover the ham after its initial baking period and brush liberally with your prepared glaze. Be generous here as this is where much of your flavor comes from. Return to the oven uncovered and baste every 10 minutes for the remaining 30 to 40 minutes. This frequent attention ensures maximum caramelization and creates multiple layers of flavor as each coat of glaze bakes onto the surface.

Resting Period:

Allow the ham to rest for at least 15 minutes after removing from the oven. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when sliced. Use this time to prepare your serving platter and any additional sides.

Save

The brown sugar and honey combination in this recipe reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen. She always said a good ham glaze should be visible from across the room, and this one certainly meets that standard. When I make this, the aroma fills every corner of the house, and that's how I know holidays have truly arrived.

Make-Ahead Options

The beauty of this honey-glazed ham lies in its flexibility. You can prepare the glaze up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before applying to your ham. This time-saving step makes holiday cooking much more manageable and reduces last-minute kitchen stress.

Flavor Variations

While this classic honey glaze is delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Try adding a tablespoon of bourbon for depth, orange zest for brightness, or a teaspoon of chipotle powder for a subtle heat that complements the sweetness. My family particularly enjoys when I add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup in place of some of the honey for a deeper flavor profile.

Leftover Ideas

Leftover ham is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Dice it for omelets or frittatas, slice it thin for sandwiches with good mustard, or cube it for hearty split pea soup. I always reserve the ham bone to simmer with beans for a rich soup base. My favorite quick lunch is chopped ham stirred into macaroni and cheese with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broiled until golden.

Serving Suggestions

Present your glazed ham on a large platter surrounded by fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme for an elegant presentation. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, or fresh dinner rolls. For holiday meals, I always serve it with a tangy pineapple sauce on the side which offers a refreshing contrast to the rich meat.

Save

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make this ham ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the ham a day ahead and reheat it covered at 325°F for about 30 minutes before serving. For best results, apply the final glaze just before reheating to maintain that sticky, caramelized exterior.

→ What type of ham works best for this glaze?

A fully-cooked, bone-in spiral ham works wonderfully as it allows the glaze to seep between the slices. However, any bone-in ham will yield excellent results. The bone adds flavor during cooking and helps prevent the meat from drying out.

→ Can I substitute the honey with another sweetener?

Yes, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey and pairs beautifully with the other ingredients. You could also use agave nectar or even orange marmalade for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I know when the ham is fully heated?

Since most hams are pre-cooked, you're primarily heating it through. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part without touching the bone.

→ What side dishes pair well with honey-glazed ham?

Classic pairings include scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and a fresh salad. The sweet-savory profile of the ham also pairs wonderfully with slightly acidic sides like braised red cabbage or applesauce.

→ Can I add other flavors to the glaze?

Absolutely! Consider adding orange zest, minced garlic, bourbon, balsamic vinegar, or pineapple juice. Each will bring a unique dimension to your glaze while maintaining its sweet-savory balance.