Honey Glazed Ham is a delicious dish made with cooked ham coated in a sweet honey and sugar glaze. It’s perfect for special occasions or a tasty family dinner, with a shiny, caramelized finish.
I once tried to make this ham and accidentally used vanilla instead of honey—let’s just say it was a sweet mistake! Now I stick to the real stuff for the best flavor.
For easier serving, I recommend letting the ham rest a few minutes before slicing. It keeps the juices in and makes slicing neater too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Honey: I love using real honey for its natural sweetness, but corn syrup or maple syrup can work in a pinch. Warm it slightly to help it coat the ham easily and bring out its shine. A splash of brown sugar can boost the glaze’s richness.
Ham: A pre-cooked bone-in or boneless ham is easiest. I prefer the purchase with a good fat cap—adds flavor as it bakes. If unavailable, a fully cooked spiral-sliced ham is a great, no-fuss option. For a different twist, try smoked ham for extra flavor.
Brown Sugar: I suggest light or dark brown sugar depending on how deep you want the sweetness. It helps thicken the glaze and creates a caramelized finish. If you don’t have brown sugar, white sugar mixed with molasses makes an easy swap.
Spices (like cinnamon or cloves): Just a pinch adds warmth and depth. I love adding cinnamon for a cozy flavor, but allspice or a tiny bit of ginger works too. Use fresh or ground—ground is easier to sprinkle evenly over the glaze or ham.
How do I make sure the glaze stays glossy and doesn’t burn?
First, apply the glaze in thin, even layers during the last 20-30 minutes of baking. Keep an eye on the ham and tent with foil if the glaze starts to darken too quickly. Baste often, about every 10 minutes, to build a shiny, sticky coating without burning.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Ham
- 1 fully cooked ham (bone-in or boneless, about 8-10 pounds)
For the Honey Glaze
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep: 15 minutes, Cook: 1.5 to 2 hours, Rest: 10 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F. Remove the ham from packaging and place it in a roasting pan. Score the surface in a diamond pattern if not already done.
2. Make the Glaze
Combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves, and vinegar in a bowl. Mix well until smooth. This will be brushed over the ham.
3. Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil. Bake for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until heated through. Baste with some glaze every 30 minutes.
4. Apply the Glaze
Uncover the ham. Brush a generous layer of glaze over the surface. Return to the oven uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes to caramelize.
5. Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven. Let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve with extra glaze if desired. Enjoy!
