There’s nothing quite like the smell of a honey-glazed ham baking in the oven. It’s sweet, savory, and sticky in all the best ways. Whether it’s for a holiday table, Sunday dinner, or just because you found a great deal on ham at the store, this Honey Ham recipe is a true showstopper that’s shockingly easy to make. And bonus: the leftovers are amazing in sandwiches, omelets, or soup!
This has been my go-to for family holidays and potlucks for years. The glaze is made with real honey, brown sugar, and a few warm spices—nothing fancy, just simple pantry ingredients that make magic in the oven. 🍽️✨
🛒 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 (8–10 lb) fully cooked bone-in spiral ham
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder or a pinch of cayenne for extra kick
👩🍳 Pro Tips for the Juiciest Ham
- Use a bone-in spiral-cut ham for maximum flavor and easy serving.
- Cover with foil while baking to keep it juicy, then glaze uncovered at the end.
- Baste often once the glaze is on—this creates that irresistible sticky coating.
- Let it rest before slicing so all those juices stay inside the meat.
- Save the ham bone for soups or beans later!
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan with a rack
- Aluminum foil
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Basting brush or spoon
- Meat thermometer
- Carving knife or tongs
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Maple instead of honey? Absolutely! Use real maple syrup in place of honey for a deeper flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne, smoked paprika, or ground ginger for a kick.
- Orange glazed ham: Replace the vinegar with orange juice and add orange zest to the glaze.
- Brown sugar & pineapple: Classic twist—add crushed pineapple to the glaze for tropical sweetness.
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Prep glaze up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge.
- Ham can be cooked and sliced a day ahead, then reheated with extra glaze.
- Freeze leftovers in airtight bags for up to 2 months!
👩🍳 How to Make Honey Ham
1. Prep and Preheat
Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the spiral ham cut-side down on a rack in a roasting pan. Cover tightly with foil.
2. Bake the Ham
Bake the ham for about 12–15 minutes per pound (around 2 hours for a 10-lb ham), or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
3. Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Glaze and Return to Oven
Remove foil from ham and brush generously with the glaze. Increase oven to 400°F and return ham to oven uncovered for 20–25 minutes. Baste with more glaze every 7–10 minutes until glossy and caramelized.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove ham from oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Serve with extra glaze spooned over the top if desired.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Fridge: Store slices in an airtight container for 4–5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
- Ideas for leftovers: Ham and cheese sliders, scrambled eggs with ham, or ham and potato soup!
🍴 Ready for the Sweetest Holiday Ham?
This Honey Glazed Ham is everything you want in a centerpiece dish—easy to make, loaded with flavor, and guaranteed to bring everyone back for seconds. Whether it’s a holiday or just a comfort-food Sunday, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to again and again.
Tried it? Let me know how it turned out! Did you add your own twist to the glaze? Leave a comment below—I love hearing from you! 💬🍯🐖
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