Honey Glazed Ham

A Honey Glazed Ham is a classic dish, perfect for holidays, family dinners, or any special occasion. The sweet and savory glaze gives the ham a beautiful, caramelized exterior, while keeping the meat tender and juicy. Whether you use a bone-in or boneless ham, the process is simple and results in a delicious centerpiece for your meal.

Here’s a simple recipe for making a Honey Glazed Ham:

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 (8-10 lb) bone-in ham (fully cooked, pre-sliced or whole)

1 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar (light or dark, packed)
1/4 cup Dijon mustard or yellow mustard

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or apple juice
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Fresh herbs (optional for garnish, like rosemary or thyme)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Prepare the Ham:

If using a bone-in ham, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife (about 1/4-inch deep). This allows the glaze to soak in and helps the ham cook evenly. You can also stud the ham with cloves if you like (optional).
Place the ham in a large roasting pan, cut side down. If the ham is fully cooked, you’re just reheating it, so be sure to check the label for specific cooking times if it’s pre-cooked or smoked.

3. Make the Honey Glaze:

In a medium saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, apple cider vinegar (or juice), and melted butter.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla extract (if using). Taste and adjust the flavor to your preference (you can add a little more honey or mustard depending on how sweet or tangy you like it).

4. Glaze the Ham:

Brush a generous amount of the honey glaze over the ham, making sure it gets into the scored cuts if applicable.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the glaze from burning and help retain moisture.

5. Roast the Ham:

Place the ham in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours (or 15-20 minutes per pound), basting the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes.

During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and form a beautiful golden crust. If the ham starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil again.

6. Check for Temperature:

The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) (if it’s pre-cooked, you’re just reheating it). For a fully cooked ham, this should take about 15 minutes per pound.

7. Rest and Serve:

Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and the ham to stay moist.

Slice the ham and serve with some of the remaining glaze drizzled over the top.

8. Optional Garnish:

Garnish with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Sides: This ham pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, sautéed greens, or a simple salad.

Leftovers: The leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or casseroles.

Storage:

Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days or frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, adding a little of the glaze to keep it moist.

Tips & Variations:

Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chipotle powder to the glaze for a sweet and spicy kick.

Add fruit: Incorporate some pineapple or orange zest into the glaze for a fruity flavor. You can even add pineapple rings on top of the ham while it bakes for extra flavor and a beautiful presentation.
Smoked Ham: If you’re using a smoked ham, you might want to reduce the cooking time, as smoked ham is typically already cooked through.

This Honey Glazed Ham recipe results in a sweet and savory dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The caramelized honey glaze makes it a flavorful, melt-in-your-mouth centerpiece that your guests will love! Enjoy!