honey glazed ham recipe

There is nothing quite like the sight of a glistening, golden-brown honey glazed ham sitting at the center of a holiday dinner table. Whether you are hosting a festive Easter brunch, a cozy Christmas dinner, or a large family gathering, this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The combination of salty, tender pork and a sweet, spiced glaze creates a flavor profile that is simply irresistible.

Making a show-stopping ham is much easier than most people think. By using a pre-cooked spiral-cut ham, most of the work is already done for you. Your main job is to infuse it with moisture and create that iconic sticky-sweet crust. This recipe focuses on a balanced glaze that uses honey for sweetness and Dijon mustard for a subtle tang, ensuring every slice is packed with flavor.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 servings
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

• Calories per serving: 385 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 1,450mg

Why Make This honey glazed ham recipe

This honey glazed ham recipe is a winner because it strikes the perfect balance between effort and reward. You don’t need professional chef skills to achieve a restaurant-quality result. The slow-roasting process keeps the meat incredibly juicy, while the high-heat glazing finish provides those delicious caramelized edges that everyone fights over.

Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. The leftover ham is just as good as the main event, making it perfect for sandwiches, omelets, or split pea soup the next day. It is a budget-friendly way to feed a large group of people while making the occasion feel special and high-end.

How to Make honey glazed ham recipe

Preparing this ham is a simple multi-stage process that involves gentle heating, whisking together a quick stovetop glaze, and finishing with a blast of heat to set the sugar into a beautiful crust.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-10 lb) spiral-cut bone-in ham
• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup pineapple juice or water (optional, for the pan)

Directions

Step 1: Oven Preparation

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Take the ham out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, which helps it heat more evenly.

Step 2: Setup the Roasting Pan

Place the ham in a heavy roasting pan, cut-side down. Pour a little pineapple juice or water into the bottom of the pan to create steam. Cover the entire pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the meat from drying out.

Step 3: Slow Bake the Ham

Bake the ham in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes per pound. For an 8-10 lb ham, this usually takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. The goal is to reach an internal temperature of 120°F before glazing.

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Glaze

While the ham is baking, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, and cloves in a small saucepan. Simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Apply the Glaze

Remove the ham from the oven and carefully remove the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Use a pastry brush to apply about half of the honey glaze generously over the surface and between the slices of the ham.

Step 6: Caramelize the Crust

Return the ham to the oven uncovered. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, brushing with the remaining glaze every 5-7 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the sugar bubbles and browns without burning.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Once the glaze is dark and tacky, remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist.

How to Serve honey glazed ham recipe

Serve this ham on a large platter garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, or maraschino cherries for a festive look. It pairs beautifully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or honey-glazed carrots. For a brunch setting, serve it alongside cheesy scalloped potatoes and a fresh green salad.

How to Store honey glazed ham recipe

Store any leftover ham in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the ham for up to 2 months. To reheat, wrap slices in foil with a splash of water or broth and heat in a low oven until warmed through.

Expert Tips for Perfect honey glazed ham recipe

For the best results, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; you want to avoid overcooking, which makes the ham tough. If you notice the glaze is browning too quickly during the final step, tent it loosely with foil. Additionally, don’t throw away the ham bone! Save it to add incredible depth of flavor to soups, stews, or beans.

Delicious Variations

You can easily customize the glaze to suit your taste. For a “Bourbon Honey Glaze,” add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the saucepan. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the mixture. For a fruitier version, swap the Dijon mustard for apricot preserves or orange marmalade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I have to use a bone-in ham?

While you can use a boneless ham, bone-in hams generally have better flavor and texture. Plus, you get the bone for making soup later!

Q: What if my ham isn’t spiral-cut?

If your ham is not pre-sliced, use a sharp knife to score a diamond pattern into the fat layer before glazing. This helps the glaze soak into the meat.

Q: Can I make the glaze in advance?

Yes, you can make the glaze up to two days in advance. Just store it in the fridge and gently reheat it on the stove when you are ready to use it.

Q: How do I keep the ham from drying out?

The key is keeping it tightly covered with foil during the first phase of baking and adding a little liquid to the bottom of the roasting pan.

Q: Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?

Absolutely! Maple syrup works wonderfully in place of honey and provides a deeper, woodsy sweetness to the glaze.

Conclusion

This honey glazed ham recipe is the perfect solution for anyone looking to create a memorable meal with minimal stress. Its beautiful presentation and delicious sweet-and-savory flavor make it a staple for any celebration. Once you see how easy it is to bake a juicy ham with a perfect crust at home, you will never want to buy a pre-glazed one again. Happy cooking!

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