Honey-Glazed Baked Ham Recipe

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When it comes to holiday gatherings, nothing steals the spotlight quite like a perfectly baked ham.

Whether you’re hosting Christmas dinner or preparing a cozy family meal, this Honey-Glazed Baked Ham recipe offers the ideal blend of sweetness, savory richness, and irresistible caramelization.

With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll create a centerpiece that looks impressive and tastes unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Honey-Glazed Baked Ham

This recipe shines because:

  • The glaze is simple but powerful – honey, brown sugar, butter, and warm spices create a sweet, sticky coating.

  • It’s beginner-friendly – no complicated prep, just slow baking and basting.

  • Perfect for leftovers – sandwiches, breakfast plates, omelets, or soups.

  • Feeds a crowd – ideal for Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, or Sunday dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ham

  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–10 lbs)

  • Whole cloves (optional, for decoration and flavor)

For the Honey Glaze

  • 1 cup honey

  • ½ cup brown sugar

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)

  • 1 tsp cinnamon

  • ½ tsp ground cloves

  • ½ tsp ground ginger

  • Pinch of black pepper

How to Make Honey-Glazed Baked Ham

1. Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
Place your ham on a roasting pan, flat side down. If you want to elevate the flavor, score the ham by cutting shallow crisscross lines across the surface.

Insert whole cloves into some of the intersections for a classic festive look.

2. Make the Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine:

  • Honey

  • Brown sugar

  • Butter

  • Dijon mustard

  • Apple cider vinegar

  • Cinnamon

  • Cloves

  • Ginger

  • Pepper

Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts and everything blends into a thick, glossy glaze.

3. Bake the Ham (Slow and Low)

Brush a generous amount of glaze over the ham.
Cover loosely with foil to prevent burning, then bake for 1½ to 2 hours, depending on the size.
You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).

Tip: Baste every 25–30 minutes for maximum flavor and shine!

4. Caramelize the Top

During the last 20 minutes, remove the foil and brush on more glaze.
Turn the oven to broil for 2–3 minutes if you want that deep caramel crust (watch closely so it doesn’t burn).

5. Rest and Serve

Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This keeps the meat juicy and tender.
Serve with roasted potatoes, vegetables, mac and cheese, stuffing, or any traditional Christmas side dish.

Extra Tips for the Best Honey-Glazed Ham

  • Use a bone-in ham for better flavor and moistness.

  • Add orange zest to the glaze for a citrus twist.

  • Pineapple slices baked on top add a tropical touch.

  • The leftover ham bone is perfect for soups and stews.

Storing Leftovers

  • Refrigerate sliced ham for up to 4 days.

  • Freeze for up to 2–3 months in airtight bags.

  • Reheat gently to keep the meat juicy—wrap in foil before warming.

This Honey-Glazed Baked Ham recipe is a holiday favorite for good reason.

Sweet, savory, beautifully caramelized, and incredibly simple to prepare, it’s guaranteed to impress your dinner guests.

Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a comforting weekend gathering, this dish deserves a place at your table.

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