I make Honey Glazed Ham when I want a main dish that feels special but does not make the kitchen feel stressful. The sweet honey glaze, warm spices, and tender slices make it a comforting centerpiece for holidays, Sunday dinners, and family gatherings.
This is one of those recipes that always feels dependable because most of the work is simple. The ham is already cooked, so the real magic comes from warming it gently and brushing on a glossy glaze that turns sticky, golden, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honey Glazed Ham is sweet, savory, and tender with a beautiful shiny finish that looks impressive on the table. The glaze uses honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a few warm spices to give the ham a rich flavor without making it too complicated.
It is also a great family recipe because it serves a crowd and pairs well with so many sides. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rolls, macaroni and cheese, green beans, and simple salads all fit right beside it.
This recipe is especially helpful for holidays because it frees up your time. Since the ham is already fully cooked, you only need to heat it slowly, glaze it in layers, and let it rest before slicing.
Serves: 12 people
This recipe serves about 12 people when using an 8 to 10 pound fully cooked bone-in spiral sliced ham. If you are serving several side dishes, you may have leftovers, which are wonderful for sandwiches, breakfast plates, soups, and easy meal prep.
If your family has bigger appetites or you want extra leftovers, choose a ham closer to 10 pounds. For a smaller dinner, a 6 to 7 pound ham works well, but you may want to reduce the glaze slightly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral sliced ham, 8 to 10 pounds
- 1 cup water, apple juice, or pineapple juice, for the roasting pan
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, for brushing, optional
For the Honey Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Fresh orange slices, optional
- Fresh rosemary sprigs, optional
- Fresh parsley, optional
Pro Tips
Choose a fully cooked spiral sliced ham for the easiest serving. The slices are already cut, so the glaze can seep between them and each piece comes off the bone more easily.
Warm the ham covered for most of the cooking time. This keeps the meat moist and prevents the outside from drying out before the center is heated through.
Use a little liquid in the bottom of the roasting pan. Water, apple juice, or pineapple juice creates gentle steam and helps the ham stay tender as it warms.
Brush the glaze on in layers instead of pouring it all on at once. This helps create that sticky, glossy finish and gives the glaze time to cling to the ham.
Watch the glaze carefully near the end. Honey and brown sugar can burn if the heat is too high or the ham is left uncovered for too long.
Let the ham rest before serving. Even though it is already cooked, resting helps the juices settle and makes the slices easier to lift from the bone.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large roasting pan
- Roasting rack, optional
- Aluminum foil
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Pastry brush or basting brush
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Sharp carving knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Serving platter
- Large spoon or tongs
Substitutions and Variations
Use Maple Syrup Instead of Honey
Maple syrup can replace honey for a deeper, cozy sweetness. It gives the glaze a slightly richer flavor while still keeping the ham glossy and tender.
Make It Less Sweet
Reduce the brown sugar to ¼ cup and add an extra tablespoon of Dijon mustard. This keeps the glaze balanced and gives the ham a more savory flavor.
Add Pineapple Flavor
Use pineapple juice in the roasting pan and in place of the orange juice in the glaze. It adds a bright, fruity sweetness that works especially well with salty ham.
Give It Gentle Heat
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or 1 teaspoon of hot honey to the glaze. The ham will not taste overly spicy, but the warmth helps balance the sweetness.
Make It Extra Herby
Add a small sprig of rosemary or thyme to the glaze while it simmers, then remove it before brushing the ham. This adds a fresh, savory note without changing the classic honey glazed flavor.
Make Ahead Tips
Honey Glazed Ham is a wonderful make-ahead main dish because most of the prep can be done before the oven is even turned on. You can make the glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
When you are ready to use it, warm the glaze gently in a small saucepan until it loosens and becomes easy to brush. If it seems too thick, add a small splash of orange juice, apple juice, or water.
You can also place the ham in the roasting pan a few hours before baking. Add the liquid to the bottom of the pan, cover it tightly with foil, and keep it refrigerated until it is time to warm it.
For holidays, I like to set out the roasting pan, foil, brush, thermometer, and serving platter the night before. Having the tools ready makes the cooking process feel much calmer when the kitchen is busy.
If you need to bake the ham ahead, warm it fully, glaze it, let it rest, and slice it before storing. Reheat the slices gently with a little pan juice or broth so they stay moist.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Remove the fully cooked bone-in spiral sliced ham from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. This helps it warm a little before going into the oven so it heats more evenly.
Preheat the oven to 325°F. Place the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan, using a roasting rack if you have one.
Step 2: Add Liquid to the Pan
Pour 1 cup of water, apple juice, or pineapple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan. This creates gentle steam while the ham warms.
Brush the ham lightly with melted butter if you are using it. This step is optional, but it can help the outside stay glossy and rich.
Step 3: Cover and Warm the Ham
Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. Place it in the oven and bake for about 10 to 12 minutes per pound.
For an 8 to 10 pound ham, this usually takes about 1 ½ to 2 hours. The goal is to warm the ham gently until the center reaches 140°F on a meat thermometer.
Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze
While the ham warms, add the honey, light brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, orange juice, butter, garlic powder, cinnamon, cloves, smoked paprika, and black pepper to a small saucepan. Set the pan over medium-low heat.
Whisk until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Let the glaze simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes, until it looks smooth, shiny, and slightly thickened.
Step 5: First Glaze Layer
When the ham has about 30 minutes left to bake, carefully remove it from the oven. Lift off the foil and brush a layer of warm honey glaze over the outside of the ham.
Try to brush some glaze between the spiral slices without pulling them apart too much. This helps the sweet and savory flavor reach more of the meat.
Step 6: Continue Baking Uncovered
Return the ham to the oven uncovered. Bake for 10 minutes so the first layer of glaze can start to set.
Keep an eye on the ham during this stage. The honey and brown sugar should become glossy, not dark or burnt.
Step 7: Add More Glaze
Brush the ham with another layer of glaze. Spoon a little of the pan juices over the top if the ham looks dry around the edges.
Return it to the oven for another 10 minutes. The glaze should look sticky, shiny, and golden.
Step 8: Final Glaze and Finish
Brush on one final layer of glaze and bake for 5 to 10 minutes more. The ham is ready when it is heated through and the outside has a beautiful lacquered finish.
If you want a slightly more caramelized top, you can turn the oven to broil for 1 to 2 minutes. Watch it closely the whole time because the glaze can burn quickly.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and loosely tent it with foil. Let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.
Transfer the ham to a large serving platter and garnish with orange slices, rosemary, or parsley if you like. Serve warm with extra pan juices spooned over the slices.
Serving Suggestions
Honey Glazed Ham is wonderful with creamy mashed potatoes because the sweet glaze and savory potatoes balance each other so well. Add a little pan juice over the ham for extra flavor on the plate.
It also pairs beautifully with roasted carrots, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. The vegetables keep the meal colorful and bring a fresh side to the rich ham.
For a classic holiday table, serve it with dinner rolls, macaroni and cheese, sweet potato casserole, or scalloped potatoes. These sides make the meal feel cozy, filling, and familiar.
A crisp salad with apples, pears, pecans, or a simple vinaigrette is a nice lighter option. The fresh crunch helps balance the sweetness of the glaze.
For breakfast or brunch, serve leftover slices with scrambled eggs, biscuits, or hash brown potatoes. The sweet and salty flavor works especially well with simple morning sides.
Honey Glazed Ham also makes excellent sandwiches. Layer thin slices on soft rolls with mustard, cheese, or pickles for an easy lunch or party tray.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover Honey Glazed Ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the slices with a little pan juice if possible, because that helps them stay moist.
To reheat, place slices in a covered baking dish with a splash of broth, water, or leftover pan juices. Warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, checking often so the ham does not dry out.
You can also reheat single portions in the microwave. Cover the ham with a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts until warm.
For freezing, wrap leftover ham tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Freeze it in meal-sized portions so it is easier to thaw only what you need.
Thaw frozen ham overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Use leftovers in sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, soups, fried rice, omelets, or pasta dishes for easy family meals.
Nutrition and Benefits
- Protein-rich main dish: Ham provides a hearty source of protein, which makes it a filling centerpiece for family dinners and holiday meals.
- Good for feeding a crowd: One large ham can serve many people, making it practical for gatherings, potlucks, and meal planning.
- Useful leftovers: Extra ham can be turned into sandwiches, soups, casseroles, breakfast plates, and lunch box meals throughout the week.
- Flavorful without much effort: Since the ham is already cooked, the glaze adds sweet, savory, and spiced flavor with simple pantry ingredients.
- Pairs well with vegetables: Serving ham with roasted or steamed vegetables helps create a balanced plate with color, texture, and freshness.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use a boneless ham?
Yes, you can use a boneless ham for this recipe. It may heat a little faster than a bone-in ham, so start checking the temperature early. The glaze will still work well, though a spiral sliced ham lets more flavor get between the slices.
Is the ham already cooked?
Most spiral sliced hams sold at the grocery store are fully cooked, but always check the package label to be sure. This recipe is designed for a fully cooked ham that only needs to be reheated. The goal is to warm it gently without drying it out.
What temperature should Honey Glazed Ham reach?
A fully cooked ham should be heated to 140°F in the center. Use a meat thermometer and place it in the thickest part of the ham without touching the bone. This keeps you from overbaking it and helps the ham stay tender.
How do I keep ham from drying out?
Keep the ham covered with foil for most of the baking time. Add liquid to the bottom of the pan and heat the ham slowly at 325°F. Only uncover it near the end when you are adding the glaze.
Can I make the glaze without Dijon mustard?
Yes, you can use yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or a smaller amount of dry mustard. The mustard helps balance the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar. Without it, the glaze may taste sweeter and less savory.
Can I use pineapple juice in the glaze?
Yes, pineapple juice works very well in this glaze. Use it instead of orange juice, or pour it into the roasting pan for extra fruity flavor. It gives the ham a bright sweetness that pairs nicely with the salty meat.
Why did my glaze burn?
Honey and brown sugar can burn if the heat is too high or the ham is uncovered for too long. Keep the oven at 325°F and glaze only during the last 30 minutes. If broiling, watch closely and remove the ham as soon as the top looks caramelized.
A Golden Ham Made for Gathering
Honey Glazed Ham is a simple, comforting main dish that brings warmth and ease to the table. The tender slices, glossy sweet glaze, and gentle spices make it feel special without asking for complicated steps.
It is the kind of recipe that works for holidays, Sunday dinners, meal prep, and easy leftovers. With dependable results and family-friendly flavor, this ham is worth making again whenever you want a meal that feels generous and welcoming.
