Glazed Honey Baked Ham is a classic holiday centerpiece that is juicy, flavorful, and coated with a deliciously sweet and sticky glaze. This ham is slow-baked to perfection and covered in a caramelized honey glaze, creating a delightful contrast between the crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, or a special Sunday dinner, this homemade version rivals any store-bought honey-baked ham.
The combination of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves gives this ham a rich, aromatic flavor. It is roasted to ensure that every bite is juicy and flavorful, making it the perfect dish to impress your family and guests. Plus, the leftovers make fantastic sandwiches, soups, and breakfast dishes!
Ingredients:
For the Ham:
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup water (for baking)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (or orange juice)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For the Caramelized Crust (Optional but Recommended):
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Line a roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Place a roasting rack inside the pan, or create a makeshift rack using foil.
2. Prepare the Ham:
- Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
- If the ham has a rind (skin), trim it off, leaving a thin layer of fat for flavor.
- Using a sharp knife, score the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, making shallow cuts about ½-inch deep. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat.
3. Bake the Ham:
- Place the ham flat-side down on the roasting rack.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the pan to keep the ham moist during baking.
- Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours (about 15 minutes per pound).
4. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the ham bakes, prepare the glaze.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ginger, black pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
- Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly (about 5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat and stir in the butter for a glossy finish.
5. Glaze and Finish Baking:
- After the first 1.5 hours of baking, remove the ham from the oven.
- Brush a generous amount of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into the scored cuts.
- Return the ham to the oven and bake uncovered for another 30-40 minutes, brushing with glaze every 10-15 minutes until the ham is caramelized and shiny.
6. Optional Caramelized Sugar Crust:
For an extra-crispy, caramelized crust (like a store-bought honey-baked ham):
- In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup granulated sugar and 2 tbsp honey.
- Brush this mixture over the ham during the last 5 minutes of baking.
- For an even crispier finish, use a kitchen torch to lightly caramelize the sugar coating.
7. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before slicing.
- Slice against the grain for the most tender pieces.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Glazed Honey Baked Ham with classic sides like:
- Mashed potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
- Mac and cheese
- Dinner rolls
- Green beans
- Cranberry sauce
Calories and Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fats: 12g
- Sodium: 900mg
Tips for the Best Honey Baked Ham:
✔ Use a Bone-In Ham: This adds flavor and keeps the meat juicy.
✔ Don’t Overbake: Since the ham is pre-cooked, you only need to warm it through. Overbaking can dry it out.
✔ Use a Meat Thermometer: The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C) for serving.
✔ Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Enjoy your homemade Glazed Honey Baked Ham—sweet, savory, and perfectly caramelized! 🍽️✨