Baked Ham Recipe

Looking for a show-stopping centerpiece for your next holiday feast or special family dinner? This baked ham recipe is exactly what you need! With a sweet and savory glaze, juicy meat, and crispy caramelized edges, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your oven.

Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Christmas, or simply gathering for a weekend meal, this ham will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare and customize. From its bold flavor to its beautiful presentation, this baked ham will become your go-to dish for festive occasions and cozy family dinners alike.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Ham Recipe

Incredible Flavor: A rich blend of brown sugar, Dijon mustard, honey, and spices creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the natural flavor of the ham.

Easy to Make: With simple steps and basic ingredients, even beginner cooks can master this impressive main course.

Feeds a Crowd: Perfect for large gatherings, holidays, and potlucks — one ham serves a lot of people with leftovers for days.

Make-Ahead Friendly: Can be prepped ahead, so you spend less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This baked ham recipe calls for a short list of pantry staples and a high-quality ham:

• 1 (8 to 10 lb) bone-in, fully cooked spiral-cut ham – The star of the dish. Bone-in spiral hams are flavorful and easy to slice.
• 1 cup brown sugar – Adds deep sweetness and caramelization to the glaze.
• 1/2 cup honey – Balances the sugar with floral sweetness.
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – Brings tang and helps emulsify the glaze.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and depth.
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves – Pairs beautifully with ham’s natural saltiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – For a slight kick.
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice or orange juice – Optional, for extra fruitiness and moisture.

Nutrition Value (Per Serving – Approx. 6 oz)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Sugars: 15g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 1020mg

Make-Ahead Tips

This baked ham recipe is ideal for prepping in advance. You can make the glaze up to 3 days ahead and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to bake, simply warm the glaze slightly to make it pourable.

You can also prepare the ham the night before: score the ham, pour the glaze over it, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When it’s time to cook, let the ham sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.

Leftovers are just as delicious! Store them in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge or freeze sliced portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, wrapped in foil with a splash of broth or juice to keep it moist. Perfect for sandwiches, omelets, soups, or even pizza toppings the next day.

Tips for Making the Best Baked Ham

Choose the Right Ham: Go for a bone-in spiral ham for the best texture and flavor. The bone enhances juiciness, and spiral cuts make it easier to serve. Avoid hams labeled “water-added,” as they can become mushy when baked.

Don’t Skip Scoring: If your ham isn’t pre-cut, use a sharp knife to score a criss-cross pattern across the surface. This allows the glaze to seep deeper into the meat, creating more flavor in every bite. Even with spiral-cut hams, a light scoring helps crisp the edges better.

Bake Low and Slow: Cook your ham at a low temperature (325°F) and baste it frequently with the glaze for the juiciest result. Wrapping it in foil during the first half of baking keeps it moist. Remove foil near the end to caramelize the glaze and crisp the edges — the secret to that irresistible sticky crust!