Honey Glazed Ham

Honey glazed ham is one of those dishes that never fails to evoke warmth and comfort. With its sweet, sticky glaze caramelizing beautifully over the tender meat, it transforms a simple meal into a celebration. Picture a beautifully presented ham, glistening with rich amber hues, and you’ll immediately appreciate why this dish has earned a special place on tables during holidays and family gatherings.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

I still remember the first time I made honey glazed ham for a holiday dinner. As friends and family sat down at the table, the aroma wafting through the room created such a buzz—it was a true crowd-pleaser. What truly sets this recipe apart is not only its incredible flavor but also its surprisingly straightforward preparation. You’ll find that this honey glazed ham is just as delightful as those you might savor at restaurants but without the hefty price tag. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to impress your loved ones!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple & Quick: In just about 20 minutes of prep time, you can have a stunning dish ready to impress.
• Irresistible Flavor: With sweet honey and a blend of spices, this ham is both savory and sweet, creating a flavor explosion in every bite.
• Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden, sticky glaze makes for a visually stunning centerpiece to any festive table.
• Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers, this dish works for any occasion.
• Diet-Friendly Options: If you’re watching your sugar intake, you could experiment with sugar substitutes while maintaining the delicious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• ½ cup honey (170g): This is the star of the glaze, adding that signature sweet flavor and beautiful shine.
• ¼ cup brown sugar (packed, 50g): Provides depth and richness, enhancing the overall sweetness of the glaze.
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5g): Adds a slight tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness.
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (0.18 oz.): The acidity cuts through the richness and enhances overall flavor.
• ½ tsp garlic powder: Just a hint of garlic lends complexity to the taste without overpowering the sweetness.
• ½ tsp onion powder: Adds a savory note that contrasts nicely with the sugary glaze.
• ¼ tsp salt: Balances the flavors and enhances the sweetness of the glaze.
• ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked): This brings warmth and a mild kick to the glaze.
• ¼ tsp ground cinnamon: Introduces a warm, cozy note that enhances the dish’s overall sweetness.
• 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham (boneless and spiral cut): Ensure you choose a pre-cooked ham for an easy and less stressful cooking experience.
• ½ inch water: Added to the pan to keep the ham moist while it bakes.

How to Make Honey Glazed Ham

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This temperature is perfect for gently heating the ham while helping the glaze caramelize beautifully.
2. Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, whisk together ½ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon. Heat this mixture over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly—this process will only take a few minutes.
3. Arrange the Ham: Place your 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham cut side down in a 9×13 casserole dish. Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the spiral cuts for maximum flavor.
4. Add Water: Pour ½ inch of water into the bottom of the pan around the ham. This will keep the ham moist during the baking process.
5. Bake the Ham: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for about 18-20 minutes per pound, basting with the pan juices at least once or twice throughout the cooking. For our 4 lb. ham, that means a total of 1 hour and 20 minutes of baking at this temperature until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. Glaze It Again: Remove the foil for the last 20-30 minutes of baking time. Brush with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes to create that golden-brown, sticky crust that everyone loves.
7. Rest & Serve: Once done, let your ham rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. When serving, spoon any remaining glaze over the slices for an extra touch of sweetness.

Storing & Reheating

Once your honey glazed ham has cooled, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to keep it for longer, feel free to freeze individual portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This will keep the ham fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the slices gently in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Just remember that the texture might change slightly, but refreshing it with a drizzle of honey will elevate its flavor once again.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

• Avoid overcooking! Monitor the internal temperature closely; too long in the oven can dry it out.
• Brush on the glaze frequently during the last baking period for that irresistible, sticky finish.
• If your ham seems to be browning too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning while still allowing it to finish cooking.
• Allowing the ham to rest before slicing helps to keep the juices in, making every slice delectable.
• You can easily adjust the glaze ingredients according to your flavor preferences—try adding a splash of whiskey or orange juice for a fun twist!

Ham is a classic dish that many of us love, but trying your hand at making honey glazed ham adds a new level of enjoyment. It’s incredible how a few simple ingredients can be mixed together to create something that tastes so gourmet. Don’t hesitate to play around with the flavors to make this recipe your own—it’s all about bringing a little creativity into the kitchen!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of ham?

Absolutely! While this recipe works great with a fully cooked smoked ham, you can use honey-baked ham or even a fresh ham. Just keep in mind that fresh ham will require a longer cooking time since it needs to be fully cooked before serving.

How do I know when my ham is finished cooking?

For a fully cooked smoked ham like the one in this recipe, you’ll want to achieve an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure it’s heated through without overcooking.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the glaze the day before and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it up slightly before using to ensure it’s easy to brush on the ham.

What can I serve with honey glazed ham?

Honey glazed ham pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. You can also serve it on sandwiches for days to come—delicious and versatile!

Print