Honey Glazed Ham
Honey glazed ham is more than just a centerpiece for holiday feasts; it’s a savory-sweet delight that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. The glossy golden brown of the glaze gives way to tender, juicy slices of ham, each bite bursting with flavor. If you’re planning a special dinner or simply want to impress your guests, this dish will surely steal the show. Its delightful aroma fills the air, inviting everyone to the table and promising a delicious experience.
I remember the first time I attempted to make honey glazed ham; it was for a family gathering. I was nervous but excited, thinking about how everyone would gather around, eagerly awaiting the moment I carved into the perfectly cooked ham. The ease with which this recipe comes together – plus the fact that it looks elegant when served – ensures I return to it again and again. If you’re looking for something easy, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to impress, I wholeheartedly invite you to try this honey glazed ham recipe.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This dish comes together in just 20 minutes of prep, with a total cooking time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes.
- Irresistible Flavor: The mixture of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a perfectly balanced glaze that’s both sweet and savory.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: That glistening golden glaze makes your ham look stunning and worthy of any special occasion.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or a comforting family dinner, this ham can fit any scenario.
- Crowd-Pleasing: With 12 generous servings, you’ll have plenty to share or enjoy as leftovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup honey (170g): This adds the signature sweetness and provides a sticky texture that creates that beautiful glaze. You can substitute it with maple syrup for a different flavor.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed, 50g): Bringing richness to the glaze, brown sugar enhances the caramelization. If you don’t have this on hand, white sugar can work, but the flavor profile will be slightly different.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (5g): This ingredient balances the sweetness with a hint of tang. Yellow mustard can be a substitute in a pinch.
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (0.18 oz.): Adding acidity to the glaze, this vinegar helps to balance the flavors perfectly. Feel free to use white vinegar if that’s what you have.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: A subtle hint of savory flavor rounds out the sweetness well. Fresh garlic can be used but should be adjusted carefully.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Similar to garlic powder, it enhances the overall flavor without being overpowering.
- ¼ tsp salt: Just a pinch will elevate all the flavors in the glaze.
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked): This adds depth and a mild kick to balance out the sweetness; other peppers can be used for varying heat levels.
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon: A warm spice that complements the honey and brings warmth to your dish.
- 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham (boneless and spiral cut): The star of the dish, ensuring an easy, tender, and flavorful experience. Look for one with a good marbling for the best taste.
- ½ inch water: This creates steam in the oven, preventing the ham from drying out.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C), ensuring it’s hot enough to create a beautiful glaze.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup honey, ¼ cup packed 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. Cook over medium heat, whisking until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Prepare the Ham: Place your 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham, cut side down, in a 9×13 casserole dish. Using half of your glaze, brush it generously over the ham to coat.
- Add Water: Pour ½ inch of water into the bottom of the pan around the ham. This helps keep it moist and tender.
- Cover and Bake: Loosely cover the ham with foil and bake for 18-20 minutes per pound. For a 4 lb. ham, this will take about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Baste the ham once or twice during this time with the pan juices to keep it flavorful.
- Glaze the Ham: Remove the foil for the last 20-30 minutes. Brush with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes. This will ensure a glorious golden-brown, sticky crust that’s simply irresistible.
- Rest and Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for maximum flavor. Serve with any extra glaze spooned over the slices for added richness.
Storing & Reheating
If you have any leftovers (which might be unlikely, given how delicious this honey glazed ham is!) let it cool to room temperature before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap the ham in freezer-safe packaging and freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it in a 325°F (163°C) oven, covered with foil, for about 20-30 minutes, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. While the texture may change slightly, refreshing it with a drizzle of glaze can easily enhance the flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Dryness: Ensure you baste the ham frequently and keep it covered until the final browning phase to retain moisture.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: If any components are cold from the fridge, allow them to reach room temperature before using them in the glaze for even and thorough blending.
- Perfect Slices: Use a sharp knife for clean, even cuts once the ham has rested. This also helps in maintaining its juices.
- Flavor Variations: Consider adding a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze for a bit of heat or infuse the honey with herbs (like rosemary) for a unique twist.
- Make-ahead Option: You can prepare the glaze a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just rewarm it before brushimg over the ham.
This honey glazed ham recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying to make. It’s a great way to bond with family over a meal or impress friends with your culinary skills. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors or sides; there’s so much you can do with this versatile dish. Enjoy every bite!
Recipe FAQs
How do I know when the ham is done cooking?
Can I use a different type of ham?
What sides go well with honey glazed ham?
How long will this ham last in the fridge?
More Dinner Recipes
- Instant Pot Orange Chicken
- Slow Cooker Glazed Carrots
- Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Bites
- Slow Cooker Ham
- Baked Ham
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Honey Glazed Ham
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 110 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Enjoy the mouthwatering taste of Honey Glazed Ham, made with sweet honey and spices for a delightful dish. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s simple to prepare and brings a wonderful flavor to any meal.
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham (boneless and spiral cut)
- ½ inch water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Whisk together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and ground cinnamon in a saucepan. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Place the ham cut side down in a 9×13 casserole dish and brush half of the glaze over the ham.
- Pour water into the bottom of the pan around the ham.
- Cover loosely with foil and bake for 18-20 minutes per pound, basting once or twice. For a 4lb ham, bake for about 1 hour & 20 minutes until it reaches 140°F.
- Remove the foil for the last 20-30 minutes and brush with remaining glaze every 10 minutes to achieve a golden-brown crust.
- Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing, spooning any extra glaze over the slices when serving.
Notes
Ensure the ham is fully cooked before serving.
Basting helps create a flavorful crust.
Allowing the ham to rest allows juices to redistribute for a moister serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 100g
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
