If you’re looking for a show-stopping dish that fills the house with irresistible aromas and brings everyone to the table with eager smiles, then this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is exactly what you need. With its perfectly caramelized exterior and tender, juicy inside, this ham strikes the most delightful balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s a classic centerpiece for holiday feasts, family dinners, or any special occasion that calls for a feast worth remembering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a way that’s both surprisingly simple and incredibly flavorful. Each plays a crucial role—from the spices that create warmth and depth, to the honey and mustard that give the glaze its signature sparkle and tang, this list is your key to achieving that perfect balance.
- 8 pounds spiral-cut ham: Choosing a fully cooked, either smoked or unsmoked ham will make your preparation a breeze and deliver tender meat.
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted): Adds richness and helps create a luscious, golden glaze.
- 4 tablespoons honey mustard: Brings a touch of tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with ham’s natural saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons honey: The star of the glaze, providing that perfect sweet caramelization.
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard: Adds texture and a slight sharpness to cut through the sweetness.
- 1½ cups apple cider (not vinegar): Delivers fruity acidity that brightens up the overall flavor without overpowering.
- 2 cups granulated sugar: Essential for that irresistible sticky, caramelized crust.
- ½ teaspoon table salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the spices.
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or ½ teaspoon freshly grated): Adds warm, comforting undertones.
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves: Infuses a deep, aromatic spice that’s perfect for festive dishes.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Provides a sweet, woody flavor that harmonizes perfectly with honey.
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger: Offers a subtle zing and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice: Brings together cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves notes for holistic spice character.
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika: Adds a mild smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ham
Start by preheating your oven to a moderate temperature to ensure even cooking. Remove the spiral-cut ham from its packaging and place it in a large roasting pan, fat-side up. This position allows the natural juices to baste the meat as it cooks, keeping it moist and flavorful throughout the long cooking process.
Step 2: Create the Glaze
While the oven preheats, whisk together the melted butter, honey mustard, honey, and whole grain mustard in a bowl. Then stir in the apple cider, granulated sugar, salt, and all the warm spices—nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and paprika. This glaze is where the magic lives, combining sweet and spicy elements that caramelize to a glossy, irresistible finish.
Step 3: Apply the First Layer of Glaze
Generously brush the glaze all over the surface of the ham, making sure it seeps into the grooves of the spiral cut for maximum flavor penetration. The sweet syrup will begin to meld with the ham’s natural juices during roasting.
Step 4: Roast and Baste
Place the ham in the oven and roast it slowly for around 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze to build layers of sticky, flavorful coating. Cover the ham loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out until the last 30 minutes when you’ll uncover it, letting the glaze caramelize to a sticky, wonderful crust.
Step 5: Rest and Carve
Once the ham is beautifully glazed and heated through, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This rest time lets the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and tender. Then, carve along the spiral cuts and prepare to enjoy.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes such as sprigs of rosemary or thyme add an herbal brightness that contrasts the ham’s rich sweetness. Thin slices of orange or pineapple placed around the platter not only brighten the look but provide a juicy, citrusy pop that pairs beautifully with the glaze.
Side Dishes
Pairing your honey glazed ham with classic sides like buttery mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a creamy sweet potato casserole creates a comforting and satisfying plate. A crisp, fresh salad can also help balance the richness and add texture variety for your guests.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the ham on a rustic wooden board accompanied by small bowls of extra glaze for dipping. Add some colorful seasonal veggies or fruit compotes around the edges for a festive touch. For a sweeter presentation, build mini ham sliders with fresh rolls and a tangy mustard spread—perfect for casual gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 4 to 5 days, making it easy to enjoy delicious ham sandwiches or add it to omelets and salads during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep ham for longer, slice it into portions and wrap tightly before popping it into the freezer. Properly stored, frozen honey glazed ham retains its flavor and texture for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals later on.
Reheating
To reheat without drying out, wrap ham slices in foil and warm them gently in a low oven or microwave with a splash of apple cider or broth. This helps maintain moisture and brings back that tender, juicy bite you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use a smoked ham instead of an unsmoked one?
Absolutely! Smoked ham adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the sweet glaze beautifully, but if you prefer a milder taste, unsmoked works just as well.
Is it necessary to use apple cider in the glaze?
Yes, apple cider adds a lovely fruity acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey and sugar, enhancing the overall complexity of the glaze.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning during roasting?
Covering the ham with foil during most of the cooking time protects it from burning. You only remove the foil near the end to allow the glaze to caramelize without burning.
Can this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe be made in a slow cooker?
While the slow cooker can warm the ham, it’s tricky to achieve the perfect caramelized glaze texture without an oven. Using the oven is best to get that signature sticky crust.
What’s the best way to carve spiral-cut ham?
Spiral-cut hams are pre-sliced, so simply follow the natural slices to separate portions. Use a sharp knife and carve along the spiral cuts for easy serving.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to year after year—whether for big celebrations or a wonderful weekend treat. The combination of rich spices, sweet honey, and juicy ham creates a flavor that’s truly unforgettable. Give it a try and watch your friends and family fall in love with this delicious centerpiece!
Print
Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey Glazed Ham recipe features a perfectly cooked spiral-cut ham enveloped in a luscious honey glaze infused with warm spices and apple cider. Ideal for holiday gatherings or special occasions, this dish balances sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors to create a memorable centerpiece.
Ingredients
Ham and Butter
- 8 pounds spiral-cut ham (fully cooked, unsmoked or smoked)
- ¼ cup salted butter (melted, ½ stick)
Glaze
- 4 tablespoons honey mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons whole grain mustard
- 1½ cups apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg)
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground allspice
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a saucepan, combine the apple cider, granulated sugar, salt, and all the spices including nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, and paprika. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook until the liquid reduces by about half and becomes syrupy, approximately 20-30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and ensure even reduction.
- Apply the Glaze and Bake the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the spiral-cut ham on a roasting pan lined with foil. Brush the ham generously with the melted butter, honey mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey mixture. Then, pour and brush the reduced apple cider glaze all over the ham, making sure it seeps between slices. Cover the ham loosely with foil to retain moisture. Bake for about 3 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze to build up a shiny, flavorful coating. Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize and create a golden crust. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) before removing from the oven.
Notes
- Use a fully cooked spiral-cut ham for ease and consistent cooking.
- Make sure to use apple cider, not apple cider vinegar, to maintain the sweet flavor profile.
- Basting regularly ensures a moist ham with a beautifully thick glaze.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup.
- Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute before slicing.
