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
Scale
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.
