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Looking for a show-stopping main dish that’s as simple as it is impressive? This Honey-Glazed Ham is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory—and it couldn’t be easier to make!
It’s not the holidays without a beautifully glazed ham at the center of the table. Whether it’s Easter, Christmas, or a cozy Sunday dinner, this recipe brings a rich, caramelized crust with juicy, flavorful meat. The best part? It takes minimal effort but looks and tastes like you spent all day on it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: The oven does most of the work, and the glaze comes together in minutes!
- Perfect for Any Celebration: It’s elegant enough for a holiday meal but simple enough for a family dinner.
- Sweet & Savory Goodness: The honey glaze creates a glossy, caramelized crust that pairs beautifully with the smoky ham.
- Great for Leftovers: Enjoy it hot or cold—this ham makes the best sandwiches!
Ingredients Breakdown
- Bone-In Spiral Ham (8-10 pounds): This type of ham is easy to serve, pre-sliced, and super juicy.
- Honey: The star of the glaze, adding natural sweetness and caramelization.
- Brown Sugar: Deepens the sweetness and helps form a delicious crust.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a slight tang for balance.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings acidity to round out the flavors.
- Ground Cloves & Cinnamon: Warm spices that amp up the holiday flavors.
- Butter: Helps create a rich, silky glaze.
- Garlic Powder: Adds a touch of savory depth.
Pro Tip:
If you can’t find a spiral-cut ham, no worries! Just score the surface of a whole ham in a crisscross pattern before glazing—this helps the flavors soak in.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan, cut side down.
- Warm the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until warmed through (about 15 minutes per pound).
- Make the Glaze: While the ham is baking, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, butter, and garlic powder in a saucepan. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
- Glaze & Caramelize: Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 425°F (218°C). Brush half the glaze over the ham and return to the oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes.
- Repeat & Serve: Brush the remaining glaze over the ham and bake for another 10 minutes, or until it forms a deep, golden crust.
- Rest & Slice: Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy the juicy, caramelized goodness!
Chef’s Tips and Tricks
- Avoid a Dry Ham: Covering the ham with foil during the first phase of baking helps retain moisture.
- Extra Crispy Glaze: For an even deeper caramelization, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes—but keep an eye on it!
- Serving Suggestion: Pair with buttery mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts for a complete, elegant meal.
Recipe Variations and Serving Suggestions
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne to the glaze for a subtle heat.
- Maple-Twist: Swap half of the honey for pure maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Glaze Alternatives: Try an orange marmalade glaze for a citrusy version.
- Leftover Ideas: Make ham sandwiches, add it to omelets, or whip up a ham and cheese quiche!
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can bake the ham a day in advance, then reheat it at 300°F for 20-30 minutes before serving. Brush with extra glaze before reheating for maximum flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Can I use a boneless ham?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time slightly since boneless hams cook faster.
Honey-Glazed Ham
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes | Servings: 10-12
Ingredients:
- 1 (8-10 lb) bone-in spiral ham
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Place ham, cut side down, in a roasting pan.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5-2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound).
- In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, butter, and garlic powder. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until thickened.
- Increase oven temperature to 425°F. Brush half the glaze over the ham and return to the oven for 10 minutes.
- Brush remaining glaze over the ham and bake another 10 minutes until caramelized.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
I hope you love this honey-glazed ham as much as my family does! Tag me on Instagram with #TheKitchensAid to show off your masterpiece—I’d love to see how it turned out!
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