Description
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. You know that ridiculously expensive honey baked ham from the fancy store that costs more than your weekly grocery budget? Yeah, that one. Well, guess what? You can make it at home for like 1/4 of the price, and honestly? It tastes even better. This isn’t just any glazed ham — this is that perfect sweet-salty, caramelized, fall-apart-tender masterpiece that makes people fight over the last slice at dinner. My uncle literally hid leftovers in his coat pocket last Christmas. True story. The secret is in the scoring, the spice blend, and that gorgeous honey glaze that gets all crispy and amazing.
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 spiral-cut bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Final Touch:
- Extra brown sugar for sprinkling
- More cracked black pepper
- Fresh thyme sprigs (optional, but pretty)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 325°F.
Remove any plastic wrapping and that weird glaze packet (trust me, ours is better).
If your ham isn’t pre-scored, use a sharp knife to make diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep in a diamond pattern. This isn’t just for looks — it lets all that glaze soak in.
Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Add about 1/2 inch of water to the bottom.
Mix brown sugar, honey, Dijon, apple cider vinegar, and all the spices in a bowl.
Rub this mixture ALL OVER the ham, getting into those cuts you made. Don’t be shy — really massage it in there.
Cover tightly with foil and let it hang out for 30 minutes. This is when the flavors start getting cozy.
Pop that beauty in the oven for about 15 minutes per pound (so 2-2.5 hours for an 8-10 lb ham).
Remove the foil for the last 45 minutes to let the outside get gorgeous and caramelized.
About 30 minutes before it’s done, make your glaze by heating honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon, vanilla, and salt in a small saucepan until bubbly.
Brush this liquid gold all over the ham. I mean REALLY brush it on.
Sprinkle with extra brown sugar and cracked pepper.
Back in the oven for the final 30 minutes until it’s golden and gorgeous.
Let it rest for 15 minutes before carving (I know, torture).
The internal temp should hit 140°F, but honestly, it’s probably already there.
Brush with any leftover glaze and get ready for the compliments.
Notes
Classic with mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls.
Make breakfast hash with the leftovers, eggs, and potatoes.
Ham sandwiches with mustard and pickles = next-level lunch.
Chop it up for split pea soup or ham and bean soup.
Add to quiche, omelets, or breakfast casseroles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~18g
- Protein: ~28g