A honey-glazed ham is more than just a dish—it’s a show-stopping centerpiece for any festive celebration. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or a cozy family dinner, this sweet-and-savory delight never fails to impress. Its golden, caramelized crust paired with the tender, juicy meat inside makes it an unforgettable treat that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
In this guide, you’ll discover everything you need to know about preparing the perfect honey-glazed ham. From selecting the best ingredients for your glaze to mastering the baking process, we’ll walk you through each step to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time. Plus, we’ll explore creative variations and serving tips that will elevate your holiday spread.
Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to creating a honey-glazed ham that will wow your guests and leave them asking for seconds. Get ready to turn this timeless classic into a culinary masterpiece!
Honey-glazed ham is a festive dish that combines the natural saltiness of ham with the sweetness of a honey-based glaze. The glaze, often made with honey, brown sugar, mustard, and spices, caramelizes during cooking, creating a rich, golden crust. This balance of flavors makes it a favorite for special occasions.
Traditionally, honey-glazed ham became popular in the United States in the 20th century as spiral-cut hams became more widely available. Today, it’s a go-to choice for holidays, offering an easy way to feed a crowd while adding a touch of elegance to the table.
Honey-glazed ham is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, featuring a golden caramelized crust and tender, juicy meat. This recipe walks you through every step, from choosing the best ham to preparing a glaze with honey, brown sugar, and spices. Ideal for Christmas, Easter, or any festive gathering, it’s a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful. Follow our tips for perfect results, and wow your guests with this holiday classic!
Preheat your oven to 165°C and place a rack in the center.
Place the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan lined with foil. Use a sharp knife to score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern.
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
Cover the ham with foil and bake for 15 minutes per pound. For a 7 lb ham, this will take approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Brush the glaze generously over the ham every 10 minutes.
Turn on the broiler and let the ham caramelize for 3–5 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving. Serve warm with your favorite sides.
Servings 8
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
You can prepare the glaze a day ahead and refrigerate it.
Warm it before use.Leftovers make excellent sandwiches or can be added to soups.
Pair your ham with these crowd-pleasing sides:
Garnish Tip: Add sprigs of rosemary or slices of oranges for a festive presentation.
