Victoria S. Summers Honey Glazed Ham is a holiday classic and a show-stopping centerpiece that brings family and friends together. With its sweet, sticky glaze and savory, tender meat, this dish strikes the perfect balance between flavor and festivity.
Whether you’re preparing it for Christmas, Easter, or a Sunday family dinner, this recipe never fails to impress.
The beauty of a honey glazed ham lies in its simplicity. A pre-cooked ham is slow-baked with a homemade glaze made from honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and warm spices like cloves or cinnamon.
As it roasts, the glaze caramelizes into a golden, glossy coating, locking in moisture and flavor. It’s not only incredibly flavorful, but also easy to prepare with minimal fuss.
Serve it sliced with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or fresh rolls—and don’t forget to save leftovers for sandwiches or omelets the next day. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering centerpiece recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar or orange juice
- ½ tsp ground cloves (or use 10–15 whole cloves if preferred)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
- 2 tbsp butter
Servings:
12–14 servings (depending on ham size and portion size)
Calories per Serving:
Approx. 320 kcal (without sides)
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Protein: 32g
- Sugar: 19g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 950mg
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Position the oven rack in the lower third.
Prepare the Ham:
Place the ham in a large roasting pan, flat side down. Score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife (about ¼-inch deep). If desired, stud with whole cloves in each diamond center.
Make the Glaze:
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar (or orange juice), cloves, cinnamon, and butter. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
Brush and Bake:
Brush a layer of glaze over the ham. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours (or about 15 minutes per pound), basting with glaze every 30 minutes.
Final Glaze and Caramelization:
In the last 20–30 minutes, remove the foil and apply a final generous layer of glaze. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) and bake uncovered until the glaze is caramelized and bubbly. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Rest and Serve:
Remove from oven and let rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra glaze over the slices when serving.
Tips for the Best Honey Glazed Ham:
- Bone-in hams have better flavor and moisture retention than boneless.
- Score the ham to allow the glaze to seep in and create beautiful caramelized edges.
- Don’t skip resting time—this allows juices to redistribute for tender slices.
- For a deeper flavor, make the glaze a day in advance and refrigerate.
Perfect Pairing Tip:
Pair your honey glazed ham with a glass of Pinot Noir or sparkling apple cider. Both complement the sweetness of the glaze while balancing the savory meat.
Conclusion:
Honey Glazed Ham is a timeless centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is visually impressive. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a stress-free way to feed a crowd and create lasting memories.
Whether it’s a holiday table or a weekend feast, this sweet-savory ham will steal the show—and the leftovers are just as irresistible!
