There’s something undeniably special about a beautifully glazed, aromatic ham at the center of a holiday table or festive gathering. This honey glazed ham recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, with a glossy, caramelized exterior that promises to be the star of your meal. Whether you’re preparing for Easter, Christmas, or a celebratory Sunday dinner, this guide will walk you through every step to achieve ham perfection, while incorporating smart cooking tips and reliable resources.
This step-by-step honey glazed ham recipe is designed for reliability and flavor. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned host, our method ensures a perfectly glazed ham every time, with a caramelized crust and moist interior that will earn you compliments. Follow our detailed instructions for the best results.
Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Following this honey glazed ham recipe guarantees success. We break down each step clearly, from selecting the right ham to mastering the glossy glaze. The result is a stunning centerpiece—a perfectly glazed ham that’s sweet, savory, and irresistibly tender. This easy honey glazed ham is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for any holiday table.
Why This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the synergy of a few quality ingredients. The honey glaze—a combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices—creates a sticky, flavorful crust that seeps into the ham as it bakes. The scoring of the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, while baking at the right temperature ensures a moist, tender interior. Using a fully cooked, bone-in ham as your base guarantees a juicy result and adds depth of flavor, a technique supported by the experts at America’s Test Kitchen.
Ingredients for the Perfect Honey Glazed Ham
For the Ham:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked, bone-in ham (shank or butt portion)
- 1 cup apple cider or pineapple juice (for the baking pan)
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding)
For the Honey Glaze:
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard or whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves or allspice
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prep the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it, flat-side down, in a large roasting pan. If your ham has a thick skin, you can trim it, leaving a 1/4-inch layer of fat. Using a sharp knife, score the fat in a diagonal crosshatch pattern, creating 1-inch diamonds. This helps the fat render and allows the glaze to adhere. If using, insert a clove into the center of each diamond.
2. Bake Initially: Pour the apple cider or pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. This adds moisture and steam during cooking. Cover the ham tightly with foil and bake for about 1.5 to 2 hours (approximately 15-18 minutes per pound), or until the internal temperature reaches 110°F (43°C).
3. Make the Glaze: While the ham bakes, combine all glaze ingredients in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Glaze and Finish Baking: Remove the ham from the oven and increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Carefully remove the foil. Brush a generous layer of the honey glaze all over the warm ham. Return it to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 5 minutes, until the exterior is deeply caramelized and glossy.
5. Rest and Serve: Transfer the ham to a carving board and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist. Pour any pan juices into the remaining glaze for a delicious au jus. Carve against the bone and serve.
Pro Tips & Common Questions
- Choosing Your Ham: For the best flavor and texture, opt for a bone-in ham. The bone acts as a natural heat conductor and imparts richness. Spiral-cut hams are convenient but can dry out more easily; reduce the initial covered baking time if using one.
- Checking Doneness: Always use a reliable meat thermometer. The final internal temperature should be 140°F (60°C) after glazing. For a complete guide to meat temperatures, refer to the official USDA Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart.
- Can I make it ahead? Yes! You can prepare the glaze up to 3 days ahead. You can also bake the ham (through the covered stage) a day in advance, refrigerate it, then bring it to room temperature before glazing and finishing on the day of serving.
- Storing Leftovers: Wrap leftover ham tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It’s perfect for soups, sandwiches, and omelets.
Serving Suggestions & Side Dishes
This versatile honey glazed ham pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic holiday spread, consider creamy mashed potatoes, buttery dinner rolls to soak up the glaze, and a bright, tangy side like roasted Brussels sprouts or a fresh citrus salad to cut through the richness. For a Southern-inspired twist, serve with cheesy grits and collard greens.
Looking for the perfect side dish recipe? Explore a fantastic collection of holiday-worthy vegetable sides from Serious Eats that complement glazed ham beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Mastering a honey glazed ham is a rewarding culinary achievement that will serve you for countless celebrations. This recipe provides a foundation you can trust—simple enough for a home cook yet impressive for any guest. The key is patience: allowing the ham to bake low and slow before its final, high-heat glaze creates that unforgettable texture contrast. Don’t forget the final rest before carving; it’s the secret to a juicy, sliceable result.
We hope this guide empowers you to create a spectacular centerpiece for your next gathering. What are your favorite family traditions or side dishes to serve with ham? Share your experiences and any recipe tweaks in the comments below!
Farberware Classic Traditions Stainless Steel Roaster/Roasting Pan with Rack. View On Amazon