Honey Glazed Baked Ham: The Centerpiece You’ll Actually Brag About

What the heck is this?
You know that dreamy, glossy, golden ham you always see in holiday magazines? Yeah, this is that ham — but easier, juicier, and about a million times tastier. This Honey Glazed Baked Ham is brushed with a sticky-sweet glaze made of honey, brown sugar, and a kiss of warm spices. It’s the kind of centerpiece that makes your guests ooh and aah before they even taste it. (And when they do? Prepare for applause.)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • That glaze is pure caramelized magic.
  • Juicy, flavorful meat — not dry and sad like some hams.
  • Practically no-fail, even if you’re not a “big cook.”
  • Perfect for holidays, Sundays, or when you just want to feel fancy.
  • Leftovers = best sandwiches of your life.

The Good Stuff You’ll Need
For the Ham:

  • 1 fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham (about 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 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of cayenne (optional, for a little heat)

Let’s Do This

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place your ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and add the water or apple juice to the bottom.

Step 2: Whip Up That Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together honey, brown sugar, mustard, melted butter, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and cayenne. Heat until bubbly and syrupy, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: First Bake
Brush about half the glaze all over the ham, getting into all the nooks and crannies.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting with the juices every 30 minutes.

Step 4: Get That Gorgeous Finish
Uncover the ham and brush with the remaining glaze.
Crank the oven up to 400°F and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let your ham rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. Then serve it up, bask in the compliments, and maybe steal a few extra bites for yourself.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls for the ultimate spread.
  • Serve cold the next day in a sandwich with sharp cheddar and grainy mustard.
  • Chop leftovers into scrambled eggs, fried rice, or hearty soups.

Switch It Up

  • Maple Twist: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup.
  • Spicy Honey Ham: Add extra cayenne or a squirt of sriracha to the glaze.
  • Citrus Vibes: Add a tablespoon of orange zest for a bright, fresh twist.

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Make the glaze a few days in advance and refrigerate. Warm it up before brushing on the ham.
  • Bake the ham up to a day ahead, then reheat gently covered with foil at 325°F.

Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Do I need to score the ham?
A: Not if it’s spiral-sliced! If it’s not, lightly score in a diamond pattern to help the glaze soak in.

Q: How do I keep ham from drying out?
A: Keep it covered for most of the baking time and baste it with the juices regularly. Also, don’t overbake — it’s already cooked!

Q: Can I use a boneless ham?
A: You sure can! It’ll cook faster — start checking around 1 hour.

Print
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Honey Glazed Baked Ham: The Centerpiece You’ll Actually Brag About


  • Author: Tyla
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 1x

Description

You know that dreamy, glossy, golden ham you always see in holiday magazines? Yeah, this is that ham — but easier, juicier, and about a million times tastier. This Honey Glazed Baked Ham is brushed with a sticky-sweet glaze made of honey, brown sugar, and a kiss of warm spices. It’s the kind of centerpiece that makes your guests ooh and aah before they even taste it. (And when they do? Prepare for applause.)


Ingredients

Scale

For the Ham:

  • 1 fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham (about 810 pounds)

  • 1/2 cup water or apple juice (for baking)

For the Honey Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup honey

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 2 tbsp melted butter

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

  • Pinch of cayenne (optional, for a little heat)


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place your ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and add the water or apple juice to the bottom.

Step 2: Whip Up That Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, stir together honey, brown sugar, mustard, melted butter, cinnamon, cloves, garlic powder, and cayenne. Heat until bubbly and syrupy, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: First Bake
Brush about half the glaze all over the ham, getting into all the nooks and crannies.
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, basting with the juices every 30 minutes.

Step 4: Get That Gorgeous Finish
Uncover the ham and brush with the remaining glaze.
Crank the oven up to 400°F and bake uncovered for another 15–20 minutes until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.

Step 5: Rest & Serve
Let your ham rest for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. Then serve it up, bask in the compliments, and maybe steal a few extra bites for yourself.

Notes

  • Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes, green beans, and rolls for the ultimate spread.

  • Serve cold the next day in a sandwich with sharp cheddar and grainy mustard.

 

  • Chop leftovers into scrambled eggs, fried rice, or hearty soups

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours

Nutrition

  • Calories: ~320 calories
  • Protein: ~25g

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