This Honey-Glazed Baked Ham is a show-stopping dish that’s perfect for holiday gatherings, special occasions, or any time you want a flavorful, juicy ham with a sweet, sticky glaze. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices infuses the ham with a rich, caramelized flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory meat. Follow this simple recipe to create a delicious centerpiece for your table.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 fully-cooked, bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- Optional: ½ cup pineapple juice for added flavor
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham in a roasting pan or baking dish, cut side down.
Prepare the Glaze
In a saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
Score the Ham
Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern to create diamond shapes. This will allow the glaze to penetrate and flavor the meat.
Apply the Glaze
Brush a generous amount of the glaze over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored lines. Reserve some glaze for basting later.
Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until heated through (about 15-20 minutes per pound). Baste the ham with the reserved glaze every 30 minutes.
Caramelize the Glaze
During the last 20 minutes of baking, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a sticky, golden crust.
Serve
Let the ham rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm, and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Honey-Glazed Baked Ham
Use Bone-In Ham: A bone-in ham tends to be more flavorful and moist.
Add Pineapple for Extra Flavor: Brush some pineapple juice over the ham before glazing for a tropical touch.
Let It Rest: Allow the ham to rest before slicing to retain the juices.
Variations
Maple Glaze: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a maple-glazed ham.
Spicy Glaze: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Note: This is an approximation and may vary based on portion size.
- Calories: ~300
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 15g
Never Heat honey above 50°C!!!