Honey Glazed Ham

Introduction

One of the best parts about Honey Glazed Ham is how it’s become such a tradition in our family. Every year, I catch myself getting excited for that moment when I pull the ham out of the oven, all golden and caramelized. My family loves to gather around, waiting for the first slice, and there’s something so comforting about seeing everyone dig in and enjoy something I’ve made. It’s like the ham sets the tone for the day—a little sweet, a little savory, and completely satisfying.

A few years ago, I even got brave enough to let my kids help with the glaze. Sure, it got a bit messy (okay, really messy), but they loved being part of the process. I think it made the meal even more special because they could point to the ham and proudly say, “We helped make that!” Now, it’s a fun tradition we look forward to every time.

What’s great about this recipe is how forgiving it is. Even if you’re new to cooking, you can’t really mess it up. Just baste it occasionally, let it roast low and slow, and the results will be amazing. And if you’re like me, you’ll find that the ham quickly becomes a go-to for more than just holidays. It’s perfect for any special gathering, and the leftovers make for some of the best sandwiches, salads, and even breakfast dishes with eggs. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a gift you give yourself—delicious, reliable, and always a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are several reasons to love Honey Glazed Ham:

• Sweet and Savory: The perfect blend of honey’s sweetness with the salty ham creates a flavor explosion.
• Holiday Favorite: A timeless recipe that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter.
• Simple Ingredients: Only a few pantry staples are needed for this impressive dish.
• Easy Preparation: Minimal hands-on time, letting the oven do most of the work.
• Beautiful Presentation: The glazed ham makes for an elegant, festive table centerpiece.
• Great for Leftovers: The leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, soups, or breakfast dishes.
• Customizable Glaze: You can tweak the glaze to suit your personal taste—more honey, mustard, or even a touch of spice.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Both adults and kids will love this tender, flavorful ham.
• Make-Ahead: The ham can be prepped in advance and heated right before serving.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 2.5 hours
• Servings: 12 to 16 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Fat: 15g, Carbohydrates: 12g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Honey Glazed Ham:

For the Ham:

• 1 (8-10 pound) fully-cooked bone-in ham
• 1/2 cup whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup honey
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons butter

Ingredient Highlights

• Honey: The star of the glaze, providing sweetness and caramelization.
• Brown Sugar: Enhances the sweetness and helps the glaze thicken and stick.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy contrast to balance the sweetness.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Brings acidity to round out the glaze’s flavor profile.
• Ground Cloves: A warm spice that adds depth and complements the ham.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create a mouthwatering Honey Glazed Ham:

Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern. If using cloves, stud the ham with cloves in each diamond-shaped cut.
3. Bake the Ham: Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan, cut side down. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until heated through (about 15 minutes per pound).

Make the Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze: While the ham is baking, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, ground cloves, and butter in a small saucepan.
2. Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens (about 5 minutes).

Glaze the Ham

1. Glaze the Ham: After the ham has cooked for 1.5 hours, remove the foil and generously brush the ham with the honey glaze. Repeat this process every 20 minutes during the remaining cook time.
2. Final Broil (Optional): For a crispy, caramelized crust, broil the ham for 3-5 minutes after the final glaze application, watching closely to avoid burning.

How to Serve

Here are some serving ideas to make your Honey Glazed Ham shine:

1. Carve Thin Slices: Carve thin slices and serve with extra glaze on the side for dipping.
2. Pair with Sides: Serve with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
3. Holiday Spread: Arrange the ham on a platter surrounded by festive garnishes like fresh herbs, cranberries, or orange slices.
4. Leftover Sandwiches: Use leftovers to make delicious sandwiches with your favorite bread, cheese, and mustard.
5. Serve at Brunch: Pair leftover ham with eggs and hash browns for a hearty brunch.
6. Dinner Rolls: Serve slices of ham inside dinner rolls for mini sandwiches.

Additional Tips

Maximize your Honey Glazed Ham experience with these tips:

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140°F for a fully heated-through ham.
2. Don’t Skip the Glaze: Keep applying the glaze throughout the cook time for a deeply flavorful crust.
3. Let It Rest: Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
4. Glaze Variety: Try adding orange juice, pineapple juice, or maple syrup for different glaze flavors.
5. Serve with a Sauce: Whisk any remaining glaze into a pan sauce to drizzle over slices of ham.

Recipe Variations

Try these fun variations for your Honey Glazed Ham:

• Maple Glazed Ham: Substitute honey with maple syrup for a deeper, rich flavor.
• Spicy Honey Ham: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a spicy kick.
• Pineapple Glazed Ham: Replace apple cider vinegar with pineapple juice for a tropical twist.
• Herbed Glaze: Add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the glaze for an earthy flavor.
• Bourbon Honey Ham: Add a splash of bourbon to the glaze for a smoky, sweet taste.

Freezing and Storage

Here’s how to store and preserve your ham:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for Later: Ham freezes well! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months.
• Thawing: To thaw frozen ham, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven.

Special Equipment

You’ll need the following tools to make your Honey Glazed Ham:

• Roasting Pan: To bake the ham.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure the ham is heated properly.
• Basting Brush: For glazing the ham.
• Carving Knife: For slicing the ham into thin, even slices.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to common questions about Honey Glazed Ham:

• Can I use boneless ham?
  Yes, you can use boneless ham. Just reduce the cooking time accordingly.
• How do I keep the ham from drying out?
  Cover the ham with foil while baking and baste frequently with the glaze.
• Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
  Yes, you can prepare the glaze up to two days ahead and store it in the fridge.
• What if I don’t have a roasting rack?
  No problem—place the ham on a bed of thickly sliced onions or carrots to keep it elevated.
• Can I use other types of mustard?
  Absolutely! Feel free to use yellow mustard or even spicy brown mustard for a different flavor profile.

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Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Honey Glazed Ham! It’s the perfect dish to bring a little extra warmth and flavor to any gathering, and I know it’ll be a showstopper at your table. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or trying it for the first time, you’ll love how easy it is to make—and how delicious it turns out.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it went! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I’m always excited to see your mouthwatering creations. Share your experience in the comments, and let’s swap tips for that perfect glaze!

I can’t wait to see how your Honey Glazed Ham turns out! There’s something so rewarding about sharing a dish that not only tastes incredible but looks impressive too. Whether you’re making it for a holiday feast or a casual weeknight meal, this ham is sure to bring smiles all around.

If you end up giving it a try, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it went—what did your family think? Also, don’t forget to take a photo of your beautiful creation! Tag me on social media so I can share in your success. Happy cooking!