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Honey Glazed Ham

Honey Glazed Ham

This Honey Glazed Ham recipe features a tender, juicy fully cooked bone-in ham coated with a golden, caramelized honey glaze that perfectly balances sweet and savory flavors. Enhanced with pantry staples like brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cloves, and apple cider vinegar, it’s an impressive centerpiece ideal for holidays or special dinners. Simple to prepare with versatile variations, this dish guarantees a delicious, moist ham with a beautiful crust that keeps well as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Ham

  • 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (size based on serving needs)

Honey Glaze

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (or 34 whole cloves)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep to allow the glaze to penetrate and create a caramelized crust when roasting.
  2. Make the Honey Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves (or cinnamon if preferred). Warm gently over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly to a glossy consistency.
  3. Apply the Glaze: Brush a generous and even layer of the honey glaze all over the ham’s surface. Reserve some glaze for basting during roasting to maintain moisture and deepen flavor.
  4. Roast to Perfection: Place the ham on a roasting rack in a preheated oven at 325°F (160°C). Roast for 15-18 minutes per pound, basting every 20-30 minutes with additional glaze to build a sticky, flavorful crust. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
  5. Rest and Carve: Remove the ham from the oven once done and let it rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute evenly, ensuring tender and juicy slices for serving.

Notes

  • Score ham with shallow diamond cuts to maximize glaze absorption without drying the meat.
  • Roast at a moderate temperature (325°F/160°C) to warm the ham through gently.
  • Baste frequently to keep the exterior sticky and flavorful.
  • Use a meat thermometer to avoid over or undercooking.
  • Let the ham rest before slicing to retain juices.
  • Save leftover glaze for sandwiches, drizzling veggies, or reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey glazed ham, holiday ham, baked ham, sweet and savory ham, glazed ham recipe, easy ham glaze