Honey Glazed Ham
This Honey Glazed Ham comes out juicy every time! It’s covered in a sweet honey glaze that turns slightly crisp around the edges as it bakes. It’s perfect for Easter dinner, Christmas, or when you’re feeding a crowd.
You don’t need to buy an expensive Honey Baked Ham. This homemade version is easy, affordable, and tastes just as good!
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This honey glazed ham recipe is all about the glaze. It’s sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor. You can grab any affordable ham at the grocery store, skip those little glaze packets, and make your own honey glaze that completely transforms it. It tastes like it came from a specialty shop, but it’s made right in your own kitchen.
If you’re planning a Christmas dinner or Easter meal, this Honey Glazed Ham pairs beautifully with Deviled Eggs, Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese, and Roasted Potatoes for a simple but complete holiday spread.
What you’ll love about this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe:
Recipe Ingredients:
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe for a honey ham:
- Spiral ham
- Water
- Honey
- Brown sugar
- Butter
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Ground cinnamon
- Orange juice
INGREDIENT NOTES:
- Spiral-Sliced Ham: The majority of hams sold at the store are fully cooked. Choose the best ham you can find. A spiral-cut bone-in option works great for a juicy ham and easy serving. If using a fresh ham, cooking times will differ.
- Honey: Use a good-quality honey for the best flavor and shine.
- Brown Sugar: Light or dark brown sugar both work well in the glaze.
- Mustard & Vinegar: These balance the sweetness and keep the glaze from tasting overly sweet.
Cooking a Honey Glazed Ham (Step-by-Step)
Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.
Step 1: Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Position the oven rack in the center of the oven.
Step 2: Remove the ham from the packaging and discard any included glaze packet. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. If desired, add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.
Step 3: Bake for 10–12 minutes per pound, or until heated through.
Step 4: While the ham is baking, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and orange juice in a small bowl. Transfer to a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 7–10 minutes, until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Once the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F, remove it from the oven. Carefully spoon out excess liquid from the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Increase oven temperature to 400°F. Pour half of the glaze over the ham, working some between the slices.
Step 7: Return the ham to the oven uncovered and bake for 15 minutes.
Step 8: Brush the remaining glaze over the outside of the ham and bake an additional 5–10 minutes, until the glaze is set.
Step 9: Remove from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
Step 10: Transfer to a serving platter and spoon pan juices over the top before serving.
PRO TIP:
Before adding the glaze, spoon out excess liquid from the bottom of the pan so it can set properly. Then heat just until the ham reaches 140°F in the thickest part without touching the bone. If the outside begins to darken too quickly, loosely tent with foil.
Storage and Reheating:
Storage: Store leftover ham in the refrigerator in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating: Place ham slices in a baking dish with a little glaze or broth. Cover with foil and heat at low heat, 325°F for 15–20 minutes.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently for tender ham.
Additions & Substitutions:
ADDITIONS:
- Cloves: Add a pinch of ground cloves to the glaze or stud the ham with whole cloves in a diamond pattern before baking.
- Pineapple Rings: A classic option for a slightly sweeter twist.
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish with rosemary or thyme for extra color and fresh flavor.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- Honey: Use maple syrup or agave for a slightly different flavor in the glaze.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard can be used in place of Dijon.
- Orange Juice: Try apple juice or pineapple juice if that’s what you have on hand.
- Ham Bone: Save the bone and drippings to make ham stock for soup.
FAQs about this Honey Glazed Cooked Ham:
How do I choose the right ham?
A spiral cut ham is easiest to work with. Choose a bone-in ham for more flavor, or a whole ham if you’re feeding large crowd.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Place the ham cut-side down, pour half of the glaze over it, and cook on low for 4–5 hours. Finish under the broiler or if you’re daring, with a kitchen torch to caramelize the glaze.
How much ham do I need per person?
Plan for about 3/4 pound of ham per person. A 7–9 pound ham serves 10–12 people, making it perfect for special occasions or a holiday meal.
What Can I Serve with this Honey Ham?
This ham goes great with classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, or baked beans. Those comforting favorites are some of the best parts of gathering around the table for a holiday spread.
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, my Ham Fried Rice is a delicious way to use them up the next day.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’m excited for you to try this Honey Glazed Ham! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do!
Honey Glazed Ham
Equipment
- 1 large roasting pan
Ingredients
- 1 spiral-sliced half ham 7-9 pounds
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar packed
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Remove ham from packaging and discard any included glaze packet.
- Place ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. If desired, add 1/4 cup of water to the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking or scorching. Cover tightly with aluminum foil.1 spiral-sliced half ham,1/4 cup water.
- Bake ham for 1 hour and 30 minutes (about 12-15 minutes per pound).
- While ham is baking, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ground nutmeg and orange juice.1 cup honey,1/2 cup brown sugar,1/4 cup unsalted butter,2 tablespoons Dijon mustard,1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar,1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon,1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg,2 tablespoons orange juice.
- Bring the glaze mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Cook for 7-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- After the initial baking time, remove ham from oven and increase oven temperature to 400°F.
- Carefully remove foil and brush half of the glaze all over the ham, working some between the slices.
- Return ham to oven, uncovered, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Brush the remaining glaze over the outside of the ham, cover loosely with foil, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the glaze is warmed through and set.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Transfer ham to a serving platter and spoon any glaze drippings from the pan over the top before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
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A great recipe so pretty to display too