If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping main dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and delivers mouthwatering flavor, this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is just what you need. Imagine a perfectly spiral-cut ham, tender and juicy, coated with a sweet and slightly spicy honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. Whether you’re planning a festive family gathering or simply craving a comforting meal that feels special, this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create an unforgettable centerpiece on your table. The harmony of honey, spices, and mustard creates a glaze that elevates every bite, making it impossible not to fall in love with this dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe. Each component plays a vital role—from the savory ham to the sweet honey and warming spices—coming together perfectly to create a vibrant, flavorful glaze that enriches the ham’s natural richness and adds depth to every slice.
- 8 pounds spiral-cut ham: Choose a fully cooked, unsmoked or smoked ham that’s spiral-cut for easy serving and even glazing.
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps the glaze spread smoothly over the ham’s surface.
- 4 tablespoons honey mustard: Brings a tangy sweetness that balances the honey and spices.
- 2 tablespoons honey: The star sweetener that caramelizes beautifully, creating that irresistible sticky glaze.
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a mild sharpness that enhances complexity.
- 1½ cups apple cider: Use fresh apple cider (not vinegar) to infuse subtle fruity notes and moisture during baking.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Essential for a glossy, sweet glaze that forms a delicate crust on the ham.
- ½ teaspoon table salt: Balances sweetness and enhances natural flavors in the ham.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or ½ teaspoon freshly grated): Adds warm, nutty undertones that complement the glaze beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: Imparts a fragrant and slightly spicy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings a cozy sweetness that rounds out the spice profile.
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger: Introduces a gentle zing to brighten the glaze.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Adds complexity with a rich, peppery warmth.
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika: Provides a subtle color boost and mild smoky flavor.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ham
Start by removing the ham from its packaging and placing it in a large roasting pan. If your spiral-cut ham has a plastic disk over the bone, discard that first. Let the ham sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and better glaze absorption. This step is underrated but super important to get a juicy, tender finish.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
While the ham is resting, whisk together the melted butter, honey mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, apple cider, granulated sugar, salt, and all the warm spices—nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and paprika. This glorious mixture will become your magic glaze. The combination of tangy mustard and sweet honey, amplified by aromatic spices, is what gives the ham its legendary flavor in this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe.
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get in between the spiral slices for maximum flavor. Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent the glaze from burning during the initial baking. Roast in a preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 2½ to 3 hours, basting with more glaze every 30 minutes. During the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to thicken and caramelize, creating that gorgeous glossy finish.
Step 4: Rest Before Serving
Once your honey glazed ham comes out of the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes. This rest time lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is juicy and tender. You’ll notice the glaze has set into a shiny, sticky coating that makes the ham look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Adding simple garnishes like fresh rosemary sprigs or orange slices can elevate your presentation while complementing the ham’s flavors. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a pop of green that brightens the plate and contrasts beautifully with the rich glaze.
Side Dishes
This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts, or even a tangy cranberry sauce to balance the sweetness of the ham. Consider a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to add an acidic note to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the ham on a large wooden cutting board surrounded by seasonal fruits—think apples, pears, and pomegranate seeds—to create a stunning visual feast. You can also offer an assortment of mustards and honey on the side, letting everyone customize their bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, wrap the ham tightly in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, sliced ham will keep its freshness for up to 5 days, making it perfect for sandwiches or adding to soups later in the week.
Freezing
Leftover ham can also be frozen if you want to enjoy it later. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap followed by foil or place them in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. This helps maintain moisture and prevents freezer burn.
Reheating
When reheating, do it gently to avoid drying out the ham. Warm slices in a covered dish with a little bit of the glaze or apple cider at 275°F (135°C) until heated through. This keeps the meat moist and preserves that delicious glaze.
FAQs
Can I use a smoked ham for this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe?
Absolutely! A smoked ham adds a wonderful depth of flavor that pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy glaze. Just adjust the glaze amount to your taste if you prefer a subtler sweetness.
Do I need to baste the ham during cooking?
Yes, basting every 30 minutes not only keeps the ham moist but also builds up layers of glaze that turn into that silky, sticky coating everyone loves.
What if I don’t have apple cider?
Fresh apple cider adds a subtle fruity note that enhances the glaze, but if you can’t find it, unsweetened apple juice works as a good substitute.
Can I make this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. When ready to bake, bring the glaze back to room temperature and follow the steps as planned for best results.
How do I ensure the ham stays juicy?
Allow the ham to rest before cooking and after it’s done baking, and baste regularly during roasting. These steps help retain moisture and ensure deliciously tender slices.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is truly a treasure to have on hand whenever you want to impress your family and friends with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. The sweet, spiced glaze transforms an everyday meal into an extraordinary experience that feels both comforting and festive. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself just how magical this recipe is!
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Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This honey glazed ham recipe delivers a perfectly sweet and savory spiral-cut ham ideal for holiday dinners or special occasions. The ham is coated with a luscious glaze made from honey, honey mustard, apple cider, and warm spices, then slow-roasted to tender, flavorful perfection. The combination of sweet, tangy, and aromatic spices enhances the natural smoky taste of the ham, creating a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Ham
- 8 pounds spiral-cut ham (fully cooked, unsmoked or smoked)
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted, ½ stick)
Honey Glaze
- 4 tablespoons honey mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
- 1½ cups apple cider
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the honey glaze: In a medium saucepan, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, salted butter, honey mustard, honey, whole grain mustard, table salt, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and sweet paprika. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Glaze and roast the ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the spiral-cut ham on a rack in a roasting pan, flat side down. Brush the ham generously with the prepared honey glaze, ensuring it seeps into the spiral cuts. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to keep it moist. Roast for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze to build a rich, caramelized coating. Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes to allow the glaze to brown and form a beautiful crust. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, to maintain the proper flavor balance in the glaze.
- Make sure the ham is fully cooked before glazing and roasting; this recipe is for reheating and glazing only.
- Covering the ham with foil during most of the roasting time prevents it from drying out.
- You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it; rewarm before use.
- The spiral-cut ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeply, infusing every slice with flavor.
- Adjust cooking time if your ham is larger or smaller; generally allow 10-12 minutes per pound at 325°F.
