Honey Glazed Ham

The irresistible aroma of a sweet, caramelized Honey Glazed Ham wafting through your home is the very essence of celebration. This showstopping centerpiece combines the perfect balance of savory smoked ham with a sticky, glossy glaze that creates a mouthwatering contrast of flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday feast or preparing a special Sunday dinner, a perfectly executed Honey Glazed Ham elevates any occasion with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create a beautifully glazed ham with a crackling exterior and juicy interior that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Glazed Ham recipe stands out for its perfect balance of simplicity and spectacular results. The magic lies in the contrast between the smoky, savory ham and the sweet, sticky glaze that caramelizes to create an irresistible crust. Even kitchen novices can achieve professional-looking results, as this recipe requires minimal active preparation time despite its impressive appearance.

The texture contrasts are what make this dish truly special – tender, juicy meat beneath a crackling, caramelized exterior creates an experience that satisfies all the senses. The honey-based glaze infuses the ham with a depth of flavor that penetrates beyond the surface, ensuring every slice delivers the perfect sweet-savory balance.

Best of all, this recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your schedule. The ham can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature, making it ideal for entertaining when you want to minimize last-minute cooking stress.

Ingredients

For the Ham:

• 1 (8-10 pound) spiral-cut ham, fully cooked
• 1/4 cup water

For the Honey Glaze:

• 1 cup (340g) honey
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60ml) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

The star ingredient is obviously the ham itself – look for a high-quality, spiral-cut, fully-cooked ham for best results. The spiral cuts allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat. Real honey provides not just sweetness but also that characteristic floral depth that makes a Honey Glazed Ham distinctive. The combination of warm spices adds complexity without overwhelming the natural flavor of the ham.

Pro Tips

Proper Temperature Control
The most common mistake when preparing Honey Glazed Ham is overcooking. Since the ham is already fully cooked, you’re simply reheating it. Use a meat thermometer and aim for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Heating beyond this will dry out your ham and compromise its texture. Start checking the temperature about 30 minutes before the expected cooking time ends.

Glazing Technique
Apply the glaze in multiple layers rather than all at once. This builds depth of flavor and creates that coveted caramelized exterior. Begin glazing after the ham has been in the oven for about 30 minutes, then reapply every 15-20 minutes. For an extra-glossy finish, give the ham a final brush with glaze right before serving.

Resting Is Non-Negotiable
Allow your glazed ham to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness. It also gives the glaze time to set slightly, making for a more attractive presentation when sliced.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove all packaging materials from your ham, including the plastic disk covering the bone. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. Pour 1/4 cup of water into the bottom of the pan, then cover tightly with aluminum foil. This creates a moist environment that prevents the ham from drying out during reheating.

Step 2: Begin Heating
Place the covered ham in the preheated oven. Calculate your initial heating time based on the weight of your ham, allowing about 10-12 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, you’ll need approximately 80-90 minutes of total heating time, but you’ll be removing it periodically to apply the glaze.

Step 3: Prepare the Glaze
While the ham begins heating, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves completely. The glaze should be smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Apply the Glaze
After the ham has been heating for about 45 minutes, remove it from the oven and carefully peel back the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with the honey glaze, working the glaze between the slices. Return the ham to the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 5: Build the Glaze Layers
Remove the ham from the oven and brush with another layer of glaze. Return to the oven for another 15 minutes. Repeat this process 2-3 more times until the ham develops a rich, caramelized exterior and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) when tested with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.

Step 6: Rest and Serve
Transfer the finished Honey Glazed Ham to a serving platter and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. If desired, spoon any remaining glaze and pan juices over the sliced ham just before serving.

Variations

Orange-Honey Glazed Ham
Add a bright citrus twist to your Honey Glazed Ham by incorporating the zest and juice of one large orange into your glaze mixture. This variation adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the ham. For an extra special touch, garnish with thin orange slices arranged decoratively on top of the ham during the final 15 minutes of baking.

Bourbon-Honey Glazed Ham
For an elegant adult version, add 3 tablespoons of bourbon to your glaze mixture. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a complex caramel-like flavor that pairs beautifully with the honey and ham. This sophisticated variation is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.

Maple-Honey Glazed Ham
For those who prefer a more robust sweetness, substitute half of the honey with pure maple syrup. This creates a deeper flavor profile with subtle notes of vanilla and caramel. This variation works particularly well for autumn and winter gatherings, complementing other seasonal dishes.

Storage and Serving

Leftover Honey Glazed Ham should be cooled completely before being tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerated. When properly stored, it will remain delicious for up to 5 days. For longer storage, slice the ham, wrap portions tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For an elegant presentation, arrange sliced ham on a platter with fresh herb sprigs like rosemary and thyme. The traditional accompaniments include a tangy mustard sauce or warm pineapple chutney served on the side.

Create a spectacular holiday spread by pairing your Honey Glazed Ham with creamy scalloped potatoes and roasted asparagus. For a more casual meal, serve warm ham slices on buttermilk biscuits with a touch of whole grain mustard for delectable mini sandwiches.

FAQs

Can I use a non-spiral cut ham for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any fully-cooked ham, but spiral-cut varieties allow the glaze to penetrate between the slices for more flavor. If using a non-spiral ham, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to help the glaze adhere and penetrate the meat.

How do I prevent my ham from drying out?
The key is to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure you’re heating only to 140°F, add water to the roasting pan, and initially cover the ham with foil to create a moist environment. Additionally, the glaze itself helps seal in moisture.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely! The honey glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Gently reheat before using to restore its liquid consistency.

What’s the best ham to buy for this recipe?
Look for a fully-cooked, spiral-cut ham labeled “ham with natural juices” for the best flavor and texture. Avoid products labeled “ham and water product,” as these typically have a lower quality taste and texture.

Can I add other spices to the glaze?
Yes! The recipe is very adaptable. Consider adding a pinch of cayenne for heat, star anise for a licorice note, or even fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for an aromatic twist that complements the sweetness.

Conclusion

This Honey Glazed Ham is comfort food at its finest — a perfect harmony of sweet and savory that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable occasion. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together around the table, creating traditions and memories that last well beyond the final bite. With its impressive appearance belying its simple preparation, this recipe embodies the best kind of cooking: one that rewards minimal effort with maximum pleasure and creates an atmosphere of abundance and celebration.

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