Honey Glazed Ham – Sweet, Sticky & the Ultimate Holiday Centerpiece

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Sweet, sticky, caramelized glaze – the perfect balance of sweet and savory
• Spiral‑cut ham makes serving easy and ensures every slice gets the glaze
• Simple ingredients – honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices
• Beautiful centerpiece that feeds a crowd
• Leftovers are incredible for sandwiches, soups, and breakfasts

Tools You'll Need

• Large roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Small saucepan (for glaze)
• Pastry brush
• Meat thermometer (recommended)
• Sharp carving knife

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 fully cooked spiral‑cut ham (8-10 lbs)
• 1 cup water or pineapple juice (for the pan)

For the Honey Glaze:

• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

Prepare the Ham:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove ham from packaging and place cut‑side down in a large roasting pan. Pour water or pineapple juice into the bottom of the pan to create steam.
2. Cover the pan tightly with foil. Bake for 12-15 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). For an 8-10 lb ham, this takes about 1½ to 2 hours.

Make the Glaze:

1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat to low and keep warm.

Glaze and Finish:

1. About 30 minutes before the ham is done, remove it from the oven. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
2. Uncover the ham and brush generously with about half of the glaze. Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.
3. Remove again, brush with the remaining glaze, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the glaze is caramelized and sticky. (For extra caramelization, you can switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching carefully.)
4. Remove ham from oven and let rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute.

Serve:

1. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with fresh herbs or pineapple slices if desired, and serve warm with the pan drippings spooned over the top.

Pro Tips

• Choose a spiral‑cut ham: It's already scored and pre‑sliced, making serving easy and allowing the glaze to penetrate every layer.
• Don't overheat: Fully cooked ham just needs to be heated to 140°F. Overheating can dry it out.
• Apply glaze in layers: Two applications build a thicker, stickier crust.
• Add liquid to the pan: The water or juice creates steam, keeping the ham moist.
• Save the bone: The ham bone is perfect for making split pea soup or adding to beans.

Recipe Variations

• Pineapple Honey Glaze: Replace apple cider vinegar with pineapple juice and add ½ cup crushed pineapple to the glaze.
• Maple Brown Sugar: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness.
• Spicy Honey Glaze: Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the glaze.
• Orange Honey Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1 teaspoon orange zest to the glaze.
• Bourbon Honey Glaze: Replace apple cider vinegar with 2 tablespoons bourbon.
• Slow Cooker Ham: Place ham in a large slow cooker, add ½ cup water, and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Glaze and finish under the broiler.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten‑free – just ensure your mustard and other ingredients are certified if needed.

FAQs

How much ham per person?
For a bone‑in ham, plan on ½ to ¾ pound per person. An 8-10 lb ham typically serves 12-16 people.

Can I use a non‑spiral ham?
Yes, you can. Score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and allow the fat to render.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Slice and freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make the glaze ahead?
Absolutely! Prepare the glaze up to 3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before using.

Why did my glaze burn?
The sugar in the glaze can burn if the oven is too hot or if it's applied too early. Wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to glaze, and keep an eye on it.

What should I serve with honey glazed ham?
Mashed potatoes, scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, green bean casserole, dinner rolls, and a tangy mustard are all perfect.

Can I cook this in a convection oven?
Yes, reduce the temperature by 25°F and check for doneness a bit earlier.

This Honey Glazed Ham is the show‑stopping centerpiece your holiday table deserves. With its sweet, sticky glaze and perfectly tender meat, it's a dish that brings everyone together. The simple technique – slow baking covered, then finishing with layers of honey glaze – ensures a ham that's moist, flavorful, and beautifully caramelized.

Make it for Easter, Christmas, or any special gathering, and watch it become an instant tradition. The leftovers are just as wonderful – perfect for sandwiches, soups, or breakfast scrambles. Once you try this honey glazed ham, you'll never want to serve a plain ham again.

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