Honey glazed ham recipe is a classic holiday dish made with tender ham coated in a rich, sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. This honey glazed ham recipe combines honey, brown sugar, mustard, and warm spices to create a glossy finish with deep flavor.
This honey glazed ham recipe is perfect for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or family gatherings. Since most hams are already cooked, the process focuses on building flavor, maintaining moisture, and creating a caramelized outer layer that makes every slice delicious.
Table of Contents
• Ingredients
• How to Make Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
• Pro Tips for Best Results
• Serving Suggestions for Honey Glazed Ham
• Nutritional Information
• Frequently Asked Questions
Why This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe Works
This honey glazed ham recipe is designed to create a juicy interior with a flavorful caramelized crust.
• Honey creates a glossy sweet glaze
• Slow baking helps retain moisture
• Warm spices add depth of flavor
• Repeated glazing builds rich caramelization
Ingredients
For the Ham
• 1 whole or half bone-in ham (8–10 lbs, pre-cooked or smoked)
• Whole cloves (optional)
For the Glaze
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup Dijon mustard
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼ inch deep.
Insert whole cloves if desired.
Step 2: Make the Glaze
Combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and butter in a saucepan.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Bake the Ham
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½–2 hours, about 15 minutes per pound.
Brush with glaze every 30 minutes.
Step 4: Caramelize the Glaze
Remove foil during the final 20–30 minutes.
Brush generously with glaze and continue baking uncovered until glossy and caramelized.
Step 5: Rest
Allow the ham to rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Serve
Slice and serve warm with extra glaze or pan juices.
Pro Tips for Best Results
• Use bone-in ham for best flavor
• Score the surface evenly
• Baste regularly while baking
• Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness
Serving Suggestions for Honey Glazed Ham
Serve with:
• Scalloped potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Dinner rolls
• Green beans
This honey glazed ham recipe pairs well with dishes like this Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf for a hearty comfort-food dinner spread.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 300–350 kcal
Protein: 25–30g
Carbohydrates: 20–25g
Fat: 10–15g
Sodium: High
Storage and Reheating
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For best results:
• Reheat covered in the oven
• Add a little liquid to maintain moisture
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fully cook the ham?
Most hams are pre-cooked. Baking mainly reheats the ham and caramelizes the glaze.
Can I use boneless ham?
Yes, though bone-in ham generally provides better flavor and moisture.
How to Keep Ham Moist While Baking
This honey glazed ham recipe focuses on preventing dryness while building flavor.
Covering the ham with foil during most of the cooking process helps trap moisture and prevent the exterior from drying out. Regularly brushing the ham with glaze also helps maintain a moist surface while adding flavor.
Allowing the ham to rest before slicing helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
How to Create a Perfect Honey Glaze
This honey glazed ham recipe uses a balanced glaze that combines sweetness, acidity, and spice.
Honey and brown sugar provide sweetness and caramelization, while mustard and vinegar help balance the flavor so it does not become overly sweet.
Simmering the glaze briefly helps it thicken slightly so it coats the ham evenly during baking.
Variations You Can Try
• Add pineapple juice for sweetness
• Use maple syrup instead of honey
• Add bourbon for deeper flavor
• Use spicy mustard for extra kick
Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Overcooking the ham
• Skipping the resting step
• Burning the glaze at high heat
• Not basting during baking
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This honey glazed ham recipe works well for holidays and meal prep.
• Prepare glaze ahead of time
• Store leftovers up to 4 days
• Reheat gently to preserve moisture
How to Turn This Into a Complete Meal
This honey glazed ham recipe can easily become the centerpiece of a full holiday meal.
Serve it with potatoes, vegetables, bread, and side dishes for a balanced dinner. Adding lighter sides like salads or roasted vegetables helps balance the richness of the ham and glaze.
This makes it ideal for gatherings, celebrations, and large family meals.
Final Thoughts
This honey glazed ham recipe is sweet, savory, and perfect for holidays or special occasions, delivering a flavorful centerpiece with minimal effort.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
– Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf
– Stuffed Turkey Breast Recipe
– Garlic Parmesan Chicken Recipe
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Author Note
Dinners Recipe Team shares simple, reliable recipes designed for home cooks. Our goal is to make cooking easier while delivering flavorful, satisfying meals.
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