Honey-Glazed Ham — A Show-Stopping Holiday Classic

There’s nothing quite like the sweet, caramelized aroma of Honey-Glazed Ham wafting through the kitchen. This timeless centerpiece combines smoky, salty ham with a luscious glaze made of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices — baked until sticky, golden, and irresistible. Perfect for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, it’s simple enough for a special Sunday dinner too!

Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 to 2½ hours (depending on ham size)
Rest Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 2½ hours
Serves: 12–16

Ingredients

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
1 cup honey
½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
¼ cup Dijon mustard
¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon black pepper
Whole cloves, optional (for decoration)

Instructions

Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place the ham cut side down on a roasting rack inside the pan.

Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about ¼-inch deep. If you’d like a decorative touch, press whole cloves into the intersections of the cuts.

Make the Honey Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine:
honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper.

Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring often, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly — about 3–5 minutes.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Tip: For extra citrusy depth, add 1 teaspoon of orange zest to the glaze.

Glaze and Bake the Ham

Brush the ham generously with the prepared glaze.
Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.

Bake for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 20–30 minutes with more glaze, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) for a fully cooked ham.

Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes to let the glaze caramelize beautifully and form a shiny crust.

Rest and Serve

Once done, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping your ham moist and flavorful.

Slice along the natural grain of the meat and drizzle with any extra glaze from the pan.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this luscious ham with:

Scalloped potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes
Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans almondine
Warm dinner rolls to soak up that sticky honey glaze

And don’t forget to save leftovers for:

Ham and cheese sliders
Breakfast omelets
Ham and bean soup

Tips for the Best Honey-Glazed Ham

Avoid overcooking: Since the ham is already pre-cooked, you just need to heat it through and caramelize the glaze.
For spiral-cut ham: Brush glaze between slices for extra flavor.
Want a thicker glaze? Simmer for a few extra minutes or whisk in 1 teaspoon of cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon of water.
Want smoky sweetness? Add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or bourbon to the glaze.

Why You’ll Love It

This Honey-Glazed Ham strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spiced warmth. Every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with holiday flavor — and the leftovers are just as incredible. It’s a no-fail recipe that always impresses, whether you’re feeding a crowd or hosting a cozy family dinner.