Honey Glazed Ham

There’s just something about a beautifully glazed ham that screams holiday table, and this honey glazed ham recipe is the showstopper your Easter feast deserves. It’s sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, with caramelized edges and a juicy, tender interior. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially since we’re working with a pre-cooked ham. Whether you're hosting family or bringing a dish to a potluck, this ham will win hearts and fill bellies.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Holiday-Worthy Presentation – That glossy, golden glaze looks as good as it tastes.
• Effortless Elegance – Just mix the glaze, brush it on, and let the oven do the work.
• Leftovers Are a Gift – Think sandwiches, breakfast hash, or ham and bean soup.
• Perfect Flavor Balance – Sweet honey, tangy mustard, and warm spices come together perfectly.

How to Make Honey Glazed Ham

Ingredients:

• 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (7–10 lbs)
• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the glaze:

• 1 cup honey
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• Pinch of cayenne (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C). Line a large roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prep the ham – Score the surface in a criss-cross pattern (about ½ inch deep). If desired, insert whole cloves into the intersections.
3. Make the glaze – In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all glaze ingredients. Bring to a simmer, stir often, and cook for about 5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
4. Bake the ham – Place the ham in the roasting pan cut-side down. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or about 15 minutes per pound.
5. Glaze the ham – Remove foil and brush the glaze all over the ham. Return to oven, uncovered, and bake another 30–40 minutes, basting every 10 minutes, until beautifully caramelized.
6. Rest & Serve – Let the ham rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.

Storage Information

• Refrigerator: Store leftover ham slices in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven (covered with foil at 325°F) or microwave individual slices with a splash of broth to retain moisture.

Variations to Try

• Maple Glazed Ham – Swap honey for maple syrup.
• Spicy Twist – Add sriracha or hot honey for a kick.
• Citrus Boost – Add orange zest and juice to the glaze.
• Bourbon Glaze – Stir in a tablespoon or two of bourbon for depth.

Tips & Notes

• Use a meat thermometer – Internal temp should reach 140°F for serving.
• Glaze multiple times – This builds that gorgeous sticky crust.
• Tent with foil if it starts to brown too much before the final glaze stage.
• Save the ham bone – It’s perfect for soups and stews!

FAQ

1. Do I need to use a spiral-cut ham?

Nope! Spiral hams are convenient for slicing, but any bone-in cooked ham will work.

2. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! Make and refrigerate the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Reheat before using.

3. What side dishes go well with ham?

Mashed potatoes, green beans, roasted carrots, mac and cheese, or a fresh salad.

4. Can I use this glaze on other meats?

Absolutely! It works great on pork tenderloin or even roasted chicken.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approx. 10 Servings)

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Total Fat: 15g (23% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 5g (25% DV)
• Carbohydrates: 26g (9% DV)
  • Sugars: 23g
• Protein: 35g (70% DV)
• Sodium: 1100mg (48% DV)
• Iron: 2mg (10% DV)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Required Tools & Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Basting brush
• Saucepan (for glaze)
• Sharp carving knife
• Foil (for covering and easy cleanup)
• Meat thermometer

Difficulty Level: Intermediate

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Rest Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes

There you go—your Easter ham centerpiece, done right. It’s simple, stunning, and packed with flavor. Let me know if you try this or if you have your own twist on a ham glaze!