Nothing says celebration quite like a beautifully baked ham, and this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is one I return to year after year. With its caramelized crust, juicy slices, and irresistible glaze, it’s the kind of dish that steals the spotlight on any holiday table. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices makes the ham sweet, savory, and deeply flavorful.
When I first made this as a Christmas ham recipe, I was surprised at how simple it really was. The key is letting the glaze do the work. As the ham bakes, the glaze seeps into every slice, creating that perfect balance of sweetness and smoky richness. It’s a dish that feels festive yet approachable, the kind of meal that instantly makes a gathering feel special.
I especially love preparing this as a holiday glazed ham because it has a way of bringing everyone together. The smell alone, as it roasts in the oven, is enough to make people linger in the kitchen. Whether it’s Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter, a glazed ham like this one never goes out of style.
For ease and presentation, I prefer using a baked spiral ham. It not only looks beautiful on the table but also makes carving effortless. The slices soak up the glaze perfectly, ensuring each piece is moist and flavorful. I like to serve it with roasted vegetables, potatoes, or even a fresh salad for a complete and balanced holiday meal.
The beauty of this dish is that the glaze itself is incredibly versatile. With just a few ingredients, you can create an easy ham glaze that delivers a restaurant-quality finish without hours of prep. It’s one of those recipes where a little effort goes a long way, and the result is nothing short of spectacular.
Whether you’re hosting a large family dinner or keeping it simple, this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe guarantees a centerpiece that’s both impressive and comforting. It’s festive, flavorful, and a true classic worth making again and again.
What You’ll Need To Make Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
1. Spiral-Cut Ham (8–10 pounds, bone-in preferred)
- The star of the show, tender, juicy, and already pre-cooked for convenience.
- Spiral cut makes carving easy and lets the glaze seep into every slice.
- A bone-in ham adds extra flavor and helps keep the meat moist.
2. Honey
- The heart of a honey glazed ham recipe, giving that signature golden sweetness.
- Creates a sticky, glossy crust when baked.
- Natural sweetness balances out the saltiness of the ham.
3. Brown Sugar
- Adds rich, molasses-like depth to the glaze.
- Helps caramelize the ham’s surface for that irresistible golden finish.
- Balances sweetness with a hint of warmth.
4. Maple Syrup
- Brings a smooth, earthy sweetness that pairs perfectly with pork.
- Enhances the glaze with complexity, nnot just one-dimensional sweet.
- A chef’s trick for elevating simple sugar-based glazes.
5. Pineapple Juice (or Orange Juice)
- Provides tang and brightness to cut through the richness.
- Pineapple is traditional for a baked ham with pineapple — sweet, juicy, and festive.
- Orange juice works too if you want a citrusy twist.
6. Dijon Mustard
- Adds a subtle sharpness that balances all the sweet elements.
- Helps emulsify the glaze so it coats evenly.
- A little goes a long way, don’t skip it!
7. Apple Cider Vinegar
- Adds acidity, ensuring the glaze isn’t overly sweet.
- Helps tenderize and flavor the outer layer of the ham.
- Works as a natural flavor enhancer.
8. Ground Cinnamon
- Infuses warm holiday spice notes into the glaze.
- Pairs beautifully with both honey and brown sugar.
- A pinch is enough to bring coziness to every bite.
9. Ground Cloves
- Ground cloves provide bold, warm spice in the glaze.
- Whole cloves can be studded into the ham for aroma and presentation.
- Traditional in many Christmas ham recipes.
10. Ground Nutmeg
- Adds subtle depth and warmth without overpowering.
- Complements cinnamon and cloves in the holiday spice trio.
- Gives the glaze that nostalgic holiday flavor.
11. Black Pepper
- Balances sweetness with a gentle bite.
- Elevates the overall flavor profile of the glaze.
- Freshly cracked is best for depth.
12. Unsalted Butter
- Adds richness and shine to the glaze.
- Helps smooth out the sauce and bind flavors.
- Also prevents the glaze from becoming overly sticky.
Optional Garnishes: Pineapple Rings, Cherries, Fresh Herbs
- Pineapple rings and cherries give a retro, festive look.
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs add color and aroma.
- Perfect for turning a ham into a true centerpiece holiday ham.
Equipment for Making Honey Glazed Ham
- Roasting Pan with Rack: For even heat circulation.
- Aluminum Foil: To keep moisture in.
- Basting Brush: For layering glaze.
- Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking.
- Sharp Carving Knife: For clean slices.
Quick Tips for Making the Best Honey Glazed Ham
- Choose Spiral-Cut: A spiral ham makes carving much easier and allows the glaze to seep into every slice.
- Don’t Overcook: Since most hams are pre-cooked, you’re reheating rather than cooking. Keep an eye on internal temperature.
- Layer the Glaze: Apply in stages to get that lacquered, sticky-sweet crust.
- Try Pineapple: Add pineapple slices and cherries for a retro baked ham with pineapple look.
- Use Leftovers Wisely: Turn extra ham into sandwiches, soups, or breakfast scrambles.
Health Benefits of Honey Glazed Ham
- Protein-Packed: Provides muscle-building protein.
- Iron Source: Supports red blood cell production.
- Zinc and Potassium: Helps boost immunity and heart health.
- Mood-Boosting Comfort Food: Sweet and savory flavors bring joy and comfort.
Conclusion
Few dishes capture the magic of the holidays like a Honey Glazed Ham. It’s sweet, savory, golden, and undeniably festive. Whether you serve it as a traditional Christmas ham, a stunning Easter ham recipe, or simply a comforting holiday pork dinner, it never fails to bring people together. The best part? It’s easier to prepare than it looks, making it a reliable go-to for anyone hosting a big family feast recipe.
So the next time you’re planning your menu, make this ham your centerpiece holiday ham. With every slice of juicy, caramelized perfection, you’ll be creating memories that taste just as good as they feel.
✅ Quick Tips: Read through the full recipe before diving in; it’s the best way to get a feel for the flow, prep time, and tools you’ll need. Think of it like scanning a map before a road trip: you’ll cook more confidently and avoid any surprises halfway through.
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Best Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is the ultimate holiday glazed ham for Christmas, Easter, or any festive family gathering. Juicy spiral-cut ham is brushed with a sweet and savory glaze of honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, and pineapple juice, then roasted until golden and caramelized. A show-stopping classic holiday ham that’s as easy to prepare as it is impressive at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F).
Place the ham, cut side down, in a turkey roasting pan lined with foil. This will make cleanup easier and prevent glaze from burning.
Score and Stud
With a sharp knife, gently score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
If you want a traditional look, insert whole cloves at the intersections of the cuts. This not only looks beautiful but also adds fragrance.
Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, pineapple juice, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and butter.
Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is smooth. Simmer for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Glaze and Bake
Brush the ham generously with the glaze. Cover loosely with foil to keep it moist.
Bake for about 15 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, that’s roughly 2 hours.
Baste Regularly
- Every 20–30 minutes, baste the ham with more glaze to build layers of flavor and shine.
Caramelize the Finish
- During the last 20 minutes, remove the foil and let the glaze caramelize. Watch closely to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve
Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F), remove it from the oven.
Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute.
Slice and serve with extra glaze or pan drippings.
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size About 200 g (1 thick slice with glaze)
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 460kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 19g30%
- Saturated Fat 6g30%
- Cholesterol 95mg32%
- Sodium 1480mg62%
- Potassium 540mg16%
- Total Carbohydrate 34g12%
- Sugars 31g
- Protein 37g74%
- Vitamin A 95 IU
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Calcium 28 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin D 6 IU
- Vitamin E 0.3 IU
- Vitamin K 1 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Cover with foil early on to prevent drying.
- Always baste in layers for a deep, sticky finish.
- Let the ham rest before slicing.
- Use a thermometer to check doneness at 60°C (140°F).
- Don’t skip the scoring, it’s the secret to flavor absorption.
