Honey-Glazed Ham: A Step-by-Step Recipe

How to Make the Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham: A Step-by-Step Recipe

A honey-glazed ham is a centerpiece dish that combines sweet and savory flavors to perfection. With its caramelized crust and juicy interior, this dish is ideal for holidays, celebrations, or any special occasion. Here’s a simple, foolproof guide to creating a delicious honey-glazed ham that will wow your guests.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Ham:

1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
1/2 cup water or apple juice (for baking)

For the Honey Glaze:

1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place a roasting rack inside a large roasting pan.

Step 2: Prepare the Ham

Remove any plastic or netting from the ham.
If the ham has a rind, score it lightly with a knife in a diamond pattern. This allows the glaze to penetrate.
Place the ham, flat side down, on the roasting rack.

Step 3: Bake the Ham

Add 1/2 cup of water or apple juice to the bottom of the pan to keep the ham moist.
Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound (approximately 2–2.5 hours for an 8–10 pound ham).

Step 4: Make the Honey Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, apple cider vinegar, and butter.
Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Step 5: Glaze the Ham

After the ham has baked for about 1.5 hours, remove it from the oven and discard the foil.
Brush the ham generously with the prepared honey glaze, ensuring it gets into the scored cuts.
Return the ham to the oven uncovered.

Step 6: Finish Baking

Continue baking the ham for another 30–45 minutes, basting with additional glaze every 10–15 minutes.
The ham is ready when the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before carving.
Slice and serve with extra glaze drizzled over the top.

Tips for the Best Honey-Glazed Ham

Choose the Right Ham: A bone-in ham offers more flavor and juiciness than boneless varieties.
Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the ham reaches the correct temperature without overcooking.
Add a Little Zest: For a citrusy twist, add orange or lemon zest to the glaze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Tender: The honey glaze creates a sweet, sticky coating that perfectly complements the savory ham.
Simple to Prepare: With minimal effort, you’ll achieve a restaurant-quality dish.
Perfect for Any Occasion: This recipe is versatile enough for Easter, Christmas, or a casual Sunday dinner.

A honey-glazed ham is more than just a meal—it’s a statement piece for your table. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll create a dish that’s not only beautiful but also bursting with flavor. Serve it alongside your favorite sides and watch it disappear!