Few dishes feel as festive and comforting as a perfectly Honey Baked Ham — caramelized on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with sweet and savory flavor. This classic centerpiece is beloved for holidays and gatherings, thanks to its beautiful presentation and irresistible glaze. The glossy honey-brown sugar crust gives every slice a rich, slightly sticky sweetness that pairs perfectly with the smoky ham beneath. I once made this with a touch of orange zest in the glaze, and it added a subtle citrus brightness that balanced the richness beautifully. Whether for Christmas, Easter, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this ham brings warmth and elegance to any table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Honey Baked Ham combines simplicity with sophistication. The glaze creates a sweet, crackly coating while keeping the meat tender and flavorful. It’s easy to prepare, bakes to perfection, and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Plus, the combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma. It’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but requires minimal effort — perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners.
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Honey Baked Ham Recipe – Juicy, Sweet, and Perfectly Glazed
- Total Time: 2 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Honey Baked Ham is a holiday classic featuring a perfectly roasted spiral-cut ham glazed with a sweet and sticky mixture of honey, brown sugar, and warm spices. It’s tender, juicy, and caramelized to perfection — ideal for Christmas, Easter, or any special gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 (8–10 lb) fully cooked spiral-cut ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup orange juice (or pineapple juice)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake the ham for about 1 1/2 hours (10 minutes per pound) until heated through.
- While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, orange juice, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat.
- Remove the ham from the oven and uncover. Brush a generous layer of the glaze all over the ham.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for another 20–30 minutes, brushing with additional glaze every 10 minutes, until caramelized and glossy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with extra glaze drizzled over the top.
Notes
- Use a bone-in ham for the best flavor and presentation.
- For a more citrusy glaze, substitute orange marmalade for part of the honey.
- Leftovers make great sandwiches or breakfast hash.
- To prevent drying out, tent the ham with foil during the first baking period.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 2 hrs
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked / Glazed
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Spiral-Cut Ham – A pre-cooked, bone-in ham makes this recipe effortless and ensures maximum flavor and tenderness.
Honey – The star of the glaze, adding rich sweetness and shine.
Brown Sugar – Caramelizes beautifully, forming the ham’s signature golden crust.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a mild tang that balances the sweetness of the glaze.
Apple Cider Vinegar – Brings a subtle acidity that enhances the ham’s savory depth.
Butter – Gives the glaze a smooth, luscious texture and helps it adhere to the ham.
Ground Cinnamon – Adds warmth and subtle spice to the glaze.
Ground Cloves – Traditional in honey-baked ham for that signature holiday flavor.
Orange Zest (optional) – A bright, citrusy note that complements the sweet glaze.
Salt and Pepper – Essential for balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and place a rack in the lower third of the oven.
Set the spiral ham cut-side down in a roasting pan or baking dish. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying and bake for about 10–12 minutes per pound, until heated through.
While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly, about 5–6 minutes. If using, stir in the orange zest for brightness.
Once the ham is nearly done, remove it from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
Brush the glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get between the slices. Return to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, basting occasionally until the glaze becomes glossy and caramelized.
Let the ham rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Spoon any extra glaze over the top for added flavor and shine.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 10–12 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, cover slices with foil and warm in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–15 minutes. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions for 30–45 seconds. Leftover ham also freezes well — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations and Customizations
Maple Glazed Ham
Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness.
Spicy Honey Glaze
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red chili flakes for a sweet-spicy kick.
Pineapple Glazed Ham
Include pineapple juice in the glaze for a tropical, tangy twist.
Bourbon Honey Ham
Add a tablespoon of bourbon to the glaze for rich, smoky undertones.
Herb-Infused Glaze
Stir in fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant, savory touch.
Brown Butter Glaze
Brown the butter before adding the other glaze ingredients for a nutty depth.
Mustard Lovers’ Version
Add extra Dijon or even whole-grain mustard for a tangier balance.
Honey Orange Glaze
Enhance with fresh orange juice and zest for a citrusy, festive flavor.
Garlic Honey Glaze
Add minced garlic to the glaze for a bold, savory contrast.
Smoky BBQ Twist
Brush with a honey-barbecue mixture for a Southern-style flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes, boneless ham works well — just adjust cooking time slightly, as it may heat faster.
How do I know when the ham is done?
The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) when measured at the thickest part.
Can I make this glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely — store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and warm before using.
What if my ham isn’t spiral-cut?
Score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
Can I use honey and maple syrup together?
Yes, a blend of the two adds wonderful depth and complexity.
How do I keep the ham from drying out?
Cover with foil during the initial baking and only uncover for glazing at the end.
Can I make this recipe without mustard?
Yes, but the mustard helps balance the sweetness — you can substitute apple cider vinegar or lemon juice instead.
Can I glaze the ham on the grill?
Yes, heat the ham indirectly on medium heat and brush on glaze as it caramelizes.
What side dishes go best with Honey Baked Ham?
Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, macaroni and cheese, or green beans pair beautifully.
How do I use leftovers?
Leftover ham is perfect in sandwiches, omelets, casseroles, and soups.
Conclusion
Honey Baked Ham is a timeless classic that brings sweetness, warmth, and celebration to any meal. With its caramelized honey-brown sugar glaze, tender texture, and beautiful presentation, it’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary dinner into something special. Whether for holidays or everyday indulgence, this recipe guarantees a ham that’s succulent, flavorful, and unforgettable — a true centerpiece for any table.
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