The first time I roasted a Holiday Glazed Ham, I was amazed at how such a simple centerpiece could bring so much joy to the table. The glaze—sticky, sweet, and tangy—caramelized beautifully over the scored ham, creating a golden, glossy finish that looked just as good as it tasted. Each slice was tender, juicy, and full of flavor, perfect alongside mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or fluffy rolls. It was the kind of meal that instantly made the holiday feel extra special.
What I love most about glazed ham is its versatility. It feeds a crowd without fuss, looks impressive on the table, and is surprisingly easy to make. The glaze can be as simple as brown sugar and mustard or dressed up with honey, maple, citrus, or even a splash of bourbon. Whether you’re making it for Christmas, Easter, or another big gathering, this ham guarantees that everyone will leave the table full and happy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Holiday Glazed Ham is show-stopping, easy to prepare, and bursting with flavor. The sweet-and-savory glaze caramelizes into a glossy crust, while the ham stays moist and tender inside. Scoring the ham helps the glaze seep into every slice, so each bite has the perfect balance of smoky, salty ham and rich sweetness.
It’s also a forgiving recipe—perfect for holiday hosts. You can prep the ham ahead, the glaze comes together in minutes, and the oven does most of the work. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers for sandwiches, soups, or breakfast scrambles.
What You’ll Need
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup orange juice (or pineapple juice)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
Optional Garnishes
- Orange slices
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Cranberries
Pro Tips
- Score the ham in a diamond pattern so glaze seeps in beautifully.
- Cover loosely with foil for the first half of baking to keep ham juicy.
- Baste frequently with glaze for maximum caramelization.
- Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.
- Use a roasting rack to allow heat and glaze to circulate evenly.
Tools You’ll Need
- Roasting pan with rack
- Sharp knife for scoring and slicing
- Basting brush or spoon
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
Substitutions and Variations
- Sweeteners: Swap honey for maple syrup or molasses.
- Spices: Add allspice or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Citrus: Use pineapple juice instead of orange juice.
- Boozy version: Add bourbon or rum to the glaze for depth.
- Glaze variation: Try cranberry, apricot, or pomegranate glaze for color and flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare glaze up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate.
- Score ham and prep pan the day before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated or frozen for easy meals later.
How to Make Holiday Glazed Ham
Step 1: Prepare Ham
Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C). Score ham in a diamond pattern about ½ inch deep. Place in roasting pan on a rack.
Step 2: Make Glaze
In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, spices, orange juice, and vinegar. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Bake Ham
Cover ham loosely with foil. Bake for about 1 ½ to 2 hours (10–12 minutes per pound), basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
Step 4: Caramelize
Remove foil for the last 30 minutes and continue basting. The glaze should caramelize and turn glossy.
Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with oranges, rosemary, or cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as the main centerpiece with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or green beans.
- Pair with rolls or biscuits to soak up glaze.
- Add a fresh green salad or fruit salad for balance.
- Offer extra glaze on the side for drizzling.
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze sliced ham in airtight bags for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet with a splash of broth to keep moist.
Nutrition & Benefits
Ham is a good source of protein, zinc, and B vitamins, while spices like cinnamon and cloves add antioxidants. The glaze adds indulgence but can be adjusted to taste by reducing sugar or using natural sweeteners. Pair with veggies and whole grains for a balanced holiday plate.
Recipe FAQ
1. Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Yes, but shorten the cooking time slightly since it heats faster.
2. Do I need to glaze the ham before baking?
Yes—apply glaze at the start and continue basting for flavor.
3. Can I make this without a roasting rack?
Yes—place ham directly in pan, but drain excess liquid as it cooks.
4. How do I know when ham is done?
It should reach 140°F (60°C) in the center.
5. Can I use boneless ham?
Yes, but bone-in tends to be juicier and more flavorful.
6. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes—cook on low for 4–6 hours, then broil briefly to caramelize glaze.
7. What’s the best way to slice ham?
Cut along the bone to release sections, then slice against the grain.
Festive, Flavorful, and Perfect for Gatherings
This Holiday Glazed Ham is everything a holiday meal should be—beautiful, delicious, and guaranteed to impress. With its sweet, tangy glaze and tender slices, it’s the ultimate centerpiece for Christmas, Easter, or any big family gathering. Easy to prepare and even better as leftovers, this ham will quickly become a tradition at your holiday table.