The Honey Baked Ham is a true showstopper a festive main dish with golden edges, a succulent center, and an irresistible sweet and spicy glaze. This ham takes a beautifully spiral-sliced cut and transforms it into something magical with a homemade glaze of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warming spices. Ideal for holiday gatherings like Easter or Christmas, it’s a dish that serves a crowd and leaves plenty of leftovers. What makes this recipe even better is how easy it is to make with minimal prep. The glaze creates a glossy, caramelized crust that’s both visually stunning and bursting with flavor. A warm, hearty, and nostalgic centerpiece that speaks of tradition and comfort.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 fully cooked spiral-sliced ham (8 to 10 lbs)
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1 cup honey
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
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1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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Pinch of salt
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down. Cover loosely with foil.
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Bake the ham for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until heated through (internal temperature should be 140°F).
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While the ham is baking, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a saucepan over medium heat.
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Bring the glaze to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until thickened slightly.
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Remove foil from ham during the last 30 minutes of baking. Brush the glaze generously over the ham every 10 minutes, allowing it to caramelize.
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Once fully glazed and slightly crisped, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 2 hours | Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Kcal: 380 kcal | Servings: 10 servings
The Ultimate Honey Baked Ham: A Sweet and Savory Centerpiece for Every Celebration
When it comes to iconic holiday dishes, few can rival the timeless appeal of a Honey Baked Ham. With its glossy, caramelized crust and tender, flavorful interior, this dish has earned its place at tables around the world, especially during festive seasons like Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Its sweet-meets-savory flavor profile is crowd-pleasing and versatile, making it the perfect centerpiece for a celebratory spread. But beyond its deliciousness, the honey baked ham also tells a story of tradition, family, and the kind of slow-cooked comfort that defines classic home cooking.
A Dish Rooted in Tradition
The practice of glazing ham with sweeteners dates back centuries and finds its roots in European cooking traditions. In the United States, honey baked ham gained popularity in the mid-20th century when the spiral-slicing method was patented and commercialized, making it easier than ever to serve beautiful, uniform slices. Since then, the dish has become synonymous with special occasions and large gatherings.
The brilliance of honey baked ham lies in its balance of textures and flavors. The outer layer, brushed with a glaze of honey, brown sugar, and warm spices, forms a slightly sticky and caramelized crust that contrasts with the juicy, smoky meat inside. Every bite is a harmony of sweet, salty, spicy, and umami all the notes you want in a celebratory dish.
Why Spiral Ham Is Perfect for Glazing
The use of spiral-sliced ham in this recipe is not just for convenience it also enhances the final result. Spiral cutting allows the glaze to seep between the slices, flavoring the meat throughout rather than just coating the surface. The open cuts expose more surface area to the heat, which means more caramelization and a deeper flavor in every slice.
Unlike bone-in roasts or large cuts of beef, spiral hams come fully cooked and only require reheating and glazing. This makes them ideal for hosts who want a stunning main course without spending all day in the kitchen. They’re forgiving, flavorful, and practically foolproof.
The Secret to an Irresistible Glaze
The glaze is what truly elevates this dish, turning a simple ham into something extraordinary. In this version, a mixture of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg creates a glossy, sticky finish. These ingredients not only provide sweetness but also depth the mustard adds tang, the vinegar introduces a bit of sharpness, and the spices bring warmth and aroma.
As the ham bakes, the glaze is brushed on in layers, building a shiny and slightly crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat beneath. The sugar caramelizes in the heat, forming those irresistible golden-brown edges that everyone fights over at the dinner table.
The Perfect Centerpiece for Every Occasion
One of the greatest advantages of honey baked ham is how easily it fits into a variety of settings. It’s perfect for:
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Holiday dinners like Christmas and Easter, where tradition reigns supreme.
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Sunday family meals that call for something a bit more special than the usual fare.
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Potlucks and gatherings, thanks to its ability to feed a crowd and be served warm or at room temperature.
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Make-ahead entertaining, since the ham can be prepared a day in advance and glazed just before serving.
Its presentation is as beautiful as its taste spiral-sliced and glistening under a rich glaze, it instantly draws the eye and invites guests to dig in. You don’t even need elaborate sides; a honey baked ham pairs effortlessly with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, cornbread, and more.
Serving Tips and Variations
While this classic version of honey baked ham uses a traditional honey and brown sugar glaze, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your preferences:
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For a citrus twist, add a bit of orange zest or juice to the glaze.
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To deepen the flavor, substitute maple syrup for honey, or use dark brown sugar.
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For a smoky-sweet profile, add a splash of bourbon or smoked paprika.
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For heat lovers, mix in a bit of cayenne pepper or hot honey for a kick.
No matter how you tweak the glaze, always take care to glaze multiple times during the final stages of baking. That’s the key to developing a thick, caramelized coating that clings to the meat and melts on your tongue.
For serving, you can plate the slices on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs, citrus slices, or even grilled pineapple for a tropical flair. Leftovers store well in the fridge and can be used for sandwiches, omelets, soups, and pasta dishes.
Make the Most of Leftovers
One of the best parts of baking a large ham is the abundance of leftovers. Here are a few ideas to stretch your honey baked ham beyond the main event:
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Ham and cheese sliders on soft rolls with a bit of mustard and a brush of butter.
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Ham and potato soup for a cozy meal on a chilly evening.
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Ham and eggs for breakfast chopped into omelets or scrambled eggs.
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Ham fried rice for a quick and savory weeknight meal.
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Quiches or savory tarts using diced ham, cheese, and vegetables.
The bone itself can be used to flavor soups or stews. Don’t throw it away simmer it with beans or lentils for a rich, smoky broth that’s deeply satisfying.
Nutrition and Serving Size
Honey baked ham is a relatively lean protein, especially when you trim off excess fat. One serving typically contains around 380 kcal, though this can vary depending on the size of the slice and how much glaze is used. It’s a good source of protein, vitamin B12, zinc, and iron.
Because it’s flavorful and satisfying, a little goes a long way. Plan on about ½ to ¾ pound of ham per person when serving a crowd. This accounts for bone weight and ensures there’s enough for everyone plus some leftovers!
Conclusion:
Whether you’re a seasoned holiday host or a first-time entertainer, a honey baked ham is a smart and delicious choice. It’s visually stunning, easy to prepare, and endlessly adaptable. The sweet, sticky glaze and succulent, smoky meat make it a hit across all ages and taste preferences.
In a world of complicated recipes and overly ambitious menus, there’s something comforting about a dish that simply works. The honey baked ham proves that you don’t need exotic ingredients or complex techniques to make something truly special. All you need is quality meat, a thoughtful glaze, and a bit of oven time.
