Looking for a stunning centerpiece for your holiday table? This Honey Glazed Ham is the perfect choice. It transforms a simple spiral-cut smoked ham into a sweet, sticky, and savory masterpiece using pantry staples. If you are planning a big feast, check out our holiday menu ideas to complete your spread.
This homemade honey glaze offers irresistible flavor at a fraction of the cost of store-bought versions. Each slice is warmed by honey, brown sugar, and hot spices, making your whole kitchen smell like an Easter celebration. For more budget-friendly holiday tips, visit our budget cooking guide.
Table of Contents
- Why Make This Honey Glazed Ham?
- Ingredients for Honey Glazed Ham
- How to Make Honey Glazed Ham
- Tips for Perfect Ham
- Serving Suggestions
- Leftover Ideas
- Storage and Reheating
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why Make This Honey Glazed Ham?
I’m using smoked ham here, which is fully cooked, so all you do is heat it up and cover it with an easy homemade glaze. While many glazes use just honey or brown sugar, this recipe combines both. Honey gives the ham a lighter, floral sweetness and shine, while the brown sugar brings a deeper, caramel-like flavor. If you love ham, you might also enjoy our collection of ham recipes.
Making your own glaze means you can balance the sweetness with Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and spices for a customizable, top-notch sticky-sweet finish. It’s far superior to store-bought packets that often contain preservatives.
Ingredients for Honey Glazed Ham
For the Ham:
- Boneless Smoked Ham: A 3.5–4 lb half ham works best. Spiral-cut is preferred for easy serving and glaze penetration.
- Water: To keep the ham moist during baking.
For the Honey Glaze:
- Honey: Provides sweetness and a beautiful shine.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and helps create a sticky crust.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to balance the sugar.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Cuts through the richness with acidity.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper for warmth and aroma.
For more pantry staple ideas, see our pantry essentials list.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham
Gather all the ingredients and preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
Step 1: Make the Honey Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup honey, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper, and ¼ tsp ground cinnamon. Mix everything together and cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is slightly warmed and smooth.
Step 2: Prep the Ham
Place the 3.5–4 lb boneless smoked ham in a 9×13 baking dish. If your ham is not spiral-cut, score the surface in a diamond pattern about ¼-inch deep. Spread half of the honey glaze over the outside of the ham.
Step 3: Add Water
Pour enough water into the baking dish to come about ½ inch up the sides around the ham. This creates steam to keep the meat moist.
Step 4: Bake Covered
Cover the dish tightly with foil. Bake for 18–20 minutes per pound. For a 4 lb ham, this is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Baste once or twice with the juices in the pan.
Step 5: Glaze and Caramelize
Remove the foil for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. Brush the remaining glaze over the ham every 10 minutes. This creates a golden, sticky crust. The internal temperature should reach 140°F.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Spoon any extra glaze from the pan over the slices when serving. For more main course inspiration, check out our Easter dinner ideas.
Tips for Perfect Ham
- Go for Spiral Cut: Spiral-cut hams are already sliced, making serving easy. The glaze drips between slices, enhancing flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Water: Adding water to the pan creates a steamy environment, preventing the ham from drying out and the sugar from burning.
- Check Temperature: Since the ham is pre-cooked, you are just heating it. Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Make Ahead Glaze: You can make the glaze 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before using.
- Slow Cooker Option: Place ham in a slow cooker, pour glaze over, cover, and cook on low for 3–4 hours.
For more cooking techniques, visit our cooking methods guide.
Serving Suggestions
Honey glazed ham pairs well with traditional holiday sides. Try balsamic roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or creamed corn. A simple green salad adds freshness to balance the sweetness. If you need side dish ideas, browse our side dish collection.
Leftover Ideas
Leftovers are meal prep gold! Here are some ways to use them:
- Ham Panini: Slice ham on crusty bread with Swiss cheese and honey mustard. Grill until melted.
- Ham Salad: Finely chop ham, mix with mayo, Dijon, and seasoning. Serve on rolls.
- Pasta with Peas and Ham: A quick dinner with sweet peas, savory ham, and Parmesan.
- Ham and Cheese Biscuits: Perfect for a hearty breakfast.
- Ham and Bean Soup: A budget-friendly way to use up bones and scraps.
Explore more leftover makeover ideas here.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Keep extra glaze separate. Ham freezes well for 1–2 months. To reheat, warm gently in the oven covered with foil, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a bone-in ham?
Yes, bone-in ham works well. It may take slightly longer to heat through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Place the ham in the slow cooker, pour the glaze over it, cover, and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Baste occasionally if possible.
How do I prevent the glaze from burning?
Add water to the bottom of the pan to create steam. Also, only uncover the ham for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to caramelize the glaze.
Can I use maple syrup instead of honey?
Yes, maple syrup is a great substitute. It will give a slightly different but equally delicious flavor profile.
Is this ham gluten-free?
Most hams are naturally gluten-free, but always check the label on your specific ham and ingredients like Dijon mustard to be sure.
For more external recipe inspiration, visit Allrecipes’ Glazed Ham Collection.
