There’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a honey-baked ham filling your kitchen with sweet and savory aromas. The moment you pull that golden, caramelized beauty from the oven, it’s as if you’ve captured the essence of celebration itself. I vividly recall one Easter when this dish took center stage at our family gathering—each slice revealed flavorful spirals glazed to perfection, inviting everyone to come back for seconds.
This Honey Baked Ham recipe transforms a simple spiral cut ham into a showstopper that not only brings joy but also reconnects you with the art of homemade cooking. It’s incredibly straightforward, boasting a delightful blend of spices and that irresistible sweet-honey glaze that elevates it far beyond your typical weeknight dinner. Perfect for holidays or cozy gatherings, this dish is sure to leave a lasting impression, making you the star of the show without the overwhelming prep. Let’s finally say goodbye to mundane meals and indulge in something truly spectacular!
Why is Honey Baked Ham a must-try?
Deliciously Sweet: The perfect balance of honey and spices creates a flavor that dances on your palate.
Effortless Elegance: This recipe is a showstopper that’s deceptively simple; a few ingredients do all the magic.
Family Favorite: It’s the centerpiece of any meal, guaranteed to delight both kids and adults alike.
Versatile Dish: Perfect for holidays, gatherings, or just an impressive dinner at home.
Time-Saving: With only 15 minutes of prep, you can sit back while the oven does the heavy lifting!
Ready to impress your guests or whip up a memorable family meal? Dive into this Honey Baked Ham recipe that celebrates the joy of cooking!
Honey Baked Ham Ingredients
For the Ham
• Half spiral cut ham – A 7-8 pound ham is ideal for a juicy, tender result.
• Butter – 2 tablespoons of melted butter helps in creating that rich, golden glaze.
For the Glaze
• Dijon mustard – 1 tablespoon enhances the sweetness with a subtle tang.
• Honey – 1/3 cup is what makes this honey baked ham truly shine with sweetness!
• Granulated sugar – 1 & 1/2 cups for a perfect caramelized finish.
For the Spice Mixture
• Nutmeg – 1/2 teaspoon adds warmth to the flavor profile.
• Cloves – 1/2 teaspoon contributes a fragrant, spiced aroma.
• Cinnamon – 1/2 teaspoon brings a cozy, sweet note to the dish.
• Paprika – 1/4 teaspoon for a hint of color and subtle smokiness.
• Ginger – 1/4 teaspoon gives a light zing that complements the honey.
• Allspice – 1/4 teaspoon rounds out the mixture with its warm, fragrant qualities.
This delicious recipe for Honey Baked Ham blends both sweetness and spice to create a remarkable dish that will surely impress your family and friends!
How to Make Honey Baked Ham
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Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the oven rack in the lower 1/3 section. This ensures even cooking and that your ham gets the perfect caramelization.
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Unwrap the ham, carefully removing all netting and shrink wrap. Take a moment to admire its beautiful curls—this a delight waiting to happen!
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Place the ham flat-side down on the roasting rack inside your roasting pan. This position allows for flavorful juices to flow freely during cooking.
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Melt the butter in a small bowl, and then add dijon mustard and honey; stir until everything is beautifully combined into a rich mixture.
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Massage the honey mixture into the ham, really working it into those delightful spiral cuts. Every bite deserves to be infused with flavor!
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Add about a cup of water to the bottom of your roasting pan and cover the ham tightly with foil. This helps retain moisture, keeping the ham juicy.
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Bake at 325°F for around 2 hours and 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by now!
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Cool the ham outside of the oven for about 15-20 minutes. Leave the foil on, allowing it to rest while you prepare the glaze.
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Combine the granulated sugar and spices (nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, allspice) in a bowl. This blend will give the ham its signature flavor.
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Pour half of the sugar-spice mixture into a rimmed baking sheet, creating a nice base for the next steps.
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Brush the ham with pan juices if the edges aren’t moist, ensuring each part gets that golden sweetness when coated.
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Roll the ham in the sugar mixture, thoroughly coating every inch. This will create a lovely caramelized crust as it bakes.
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Caramelize the sugar on the ham using a kitchen torch. Move in small circles until the sugar hardens and gleams with a golden finish.
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Add the remaining sugar mixture into a small saucepan and mix in any ham drippings (or a splash of water). This creates a glaze that will enhance the flavor.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat until it thickens into a beautiful glaze consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick.
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Serve the ham with your thickened glaze. Each slice should be bursting with sweet, spiced flavor—a true culinary delight!
Optional: Serve with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Honey Baked Ham Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor this delicious ham recipe to suit your taste preferences!
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Maple Glaze: Swap honey for maple syrup for a warm, earthy sweetness that perfectly complements the spices. It’s a delightful twist that’s sure to charm your guests.
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Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the sugar spice mixture for a burst of heat. This unexpected twist creates a beautiful balance between sweet and spicy, kickstarting conversations around the dinner table!
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Citrus Burst: Incorporate the zest of one orange and one lemon into the glaze for a bright, refreshing note. The citrus adds a lovely contrast to the sweetness and will make your taste buds dance!
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Herb-Infused: Mix in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the honey glaze. The herbal notes elevate the dish’s complexity, giving it an aromatic touch that’s simply divine.
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Ginger Snap: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger to the spice mixture for an extra zing that pairs beautifully with the sweet elements. It brings a warming depth that keeps everyone coming back for more.
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Pineapple Sweetness: Top the ham with pineapple rings before baking. The pineapple caramelizes to create a sweet result, enhancing the overall flavor, and also makes for a stunning presentation!
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Brown Sugar Magic: Replace the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, richer sweetness. Brown sugar adds moisture and a lovely molasses flavor, wrapping the ham in a caramelized coat that’s hard to resist!
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Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on the glazed ham before caramelizing. This adds an irresistible crunch that complements the soft and juicy meat perfectly, providing a delightful textural contrast.
Explore these variations to make your Honey Baked Ham uniquely yours, turning a classic feast into a personal masterpiece!
What to Serve with Honey Baked Ham?
Creating a memorable meal around your honey-baked ham elevates any gathering. Imagine the symphony of flavors that unfold as you pair this succulent main dish with complementary sides.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The velvety texture offers a perfect contrast to the sweet and spiced ham, making each bite blissfully rich. They’re a classic comfort food that always pleases the crowd.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their slight bitterness balances the sweetness of the honey glaze while adding a beautiful pop of color to your plate. Tossed with garlic and olive oil, they provide a delightful crunch.
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Honey-Glazed Carrots: These tender carrots harmonize with the ham’s sweetness, creating a wonderful melody of flavors that’s both nutritious and vibrant.
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Green Bean Almondine: The crisp-tender green beans paired with toasted almonds add a refreshing crunch and a nutty flavor, providing a delightful contrast to the richness of the ham.
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Apple Sauce: A classic accompaniment, the tartness of apple sauce complements the savory ham beautifully and adds a refreshing element that brightens the dish.
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Cornbread: This lightly sweet, crumbly bread is a delightful addition, soaking up the savory juices from your honey baked ham. Serve warm for an irresistible side that everyone will love!
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Refreshing Salad: A green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich ham. The crispness of the greens makes for a perfectly balanced meal.
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Chardonnay or Riesling Wine: A chilled glass of Chardonnay or Riesling enhances the flavors of your meal with its fruity notes, making it a lovely choice to sip alongside your feast.
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Pumpkin Pie: End on a sweet note with a slice of creamy pumpkin pie, where spices match and elevate the overall flavor theme of the meal. It’s a comforting classic that everyone adores!
Make Ahead Options
These Honey Baked Ham preparations are truly a lifesaver for busy cooks looking to streamline meal planning! You can easily prepare the ham (steps 2-6) up to 24 hours in advance. Simply unwrap the ham, apply the honey mixture, and wrap it tightly in foil before refrigerating. When you’re ready to serve, simply pop it in the oven to bake; this keeps the ham just as delicious and juicy as if made fresh! For additional flavor, mix the sugar and spice mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to three days. This means less stress and more time enjoying your gathering!
Expert Tips for Honey Baked Ham
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Choose the Right Ham: Opt for a high-quality spiral cut ham for even cooking and maximum flavor. Avoid pre-glazed varieties to control sweetness.
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Moisture Matters: Ensure you add enough water to the roasting pan before covering with foil. This helps prevent the ham from drying out during baking.
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Timing is Key: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; 140°F is perfect for a tender, safe-to-eat honey baked ham.
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Coat Evenly: When rolling in the sugar mixture, ensure every inch of the ham is covered. This will create that beautiful caramelized crust you crave.
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Perfect Caramelization: Move your kitchen torch in small circles to caramelize the sugar evenly. This avoids burning and ensures a luscious finish.
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Use Leftover Drippings: Incorporate any leftover ham drippings into your glaze for an added depth of flavor in your honey baked ham!
How to Store and Freeze Honey Baked Ham
Room Temperature: Keep leftover honey baked ham at room temperature for no more than 2 hours to ensure freshness and safety.
Fridge: Store ham wrapped tightly in aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain its delicious flavors.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the ham well in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use a freezer-safe bag. It can last for up to 3 months without losing taste.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven at 325°F until warmed through, ensuring the love for your honey baked ham is fully enjoyed again!
Honey Baked Ham Recipe FAQs
What type of ham is best for Honey Baked Ham?
Absolutely! A high-quality spiral cut ham, weighing between 7 to 8 pounds, is ideal for this recipe. The spiral cuts allow for even cooking and ensure the sweetness of the glaze penetrates throughout the meat. I always recommend avoiding pre-glazed hams, as they often contain excessive sugars and preservatives that can affect the final flavor.
How should I store leftover Honey Baked Ham?
Great question! After slicing, tightly wrap leftover honey baked ham in aluminum foil or place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, as this keeps the meat moist and flavorful. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil, or place it in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
Can I freeze Honey Baked Ham? How?
Yes, freezing is a great option if you have leftovers! To freeze your honey baked ham, first, allow it to cool completely. Then, wrap individual slices or whole portions tightly in plastic wrap to minimize exposure to air. After wrapping, place them in a freezer-safe bag or wrap them in foil. Label with the date, and it can last for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through.
What if my Honey Baked Ham is dry?
If your ham turns out a bit dry, don’t fret! To remedy this, try brushing the ham with pan juices before rolling it in the sugar mixture. This will add moisture back into the surface. Additionally, when reheating, you can cover the ham with foil to trap steam, keeping it from drying out further. I recommend using a meat thermometer to ensure you’re heating to the perfect temperature, just warm enough to enjoy without overcooking.
Are there any dietary considerations for Honey Baked Ham?
Very much! Honey baked ham contains several ingredients that may not be suitable for everyone. If you’re concerned about allergies, be mindful of the dijon mustard and the spices used, as they could trigger certain reactions. Moreover, if serving to pets, remember that ham is often too salty and might upset their stomachs. As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare provider if you have specific dietary concerns.
How can I enhance the flavor of my Honey Baked Ham?
To elevate your honey baked ham, consider adding additional herbs or spices to the glaze, like rosemary or thyme, for an aromatic touch. You can also mix in some chopped fresh ginger for zing or a splash of apple juice for a fruity twist in the pan juices, adding a refreshing depth to the overall flavor profile. The more the merrier when it comes to personalizing your dish!
Sweet and Savory Honey Baked Ham Recipe for Family Feasts
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F and position the oven rack in the lower 1/3 section.
- Unwrap the ham, removing netting and shrink wrap.
- Place the ham flat-side down on the roasting rack inside your roasting pan.
- Melt the butter and mix in dijon mustard and honey.
- Massage the honey mixture into the ham.
- Add a cup of water to the roasting pan and cover the ham tightly with foil.
- Bake at 325°F for around 2 hours and 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140°F.
- Cool the ham outside the oven for about 15-20 minutes.
- Combine the granulated sugar and spices in a bowl.
- Pour half of the sugar-spice mixture into a baking sheet.
- Brush the ham with pan juices if edges aren't moist.
- Roll the ham in the sugar mixture, coating thoroughly.
- Caramelize the sugar on the ham using a kitchen torch.
- Mix the remaining sugar mixture with ham drippings and heat until thick.
- Serve the ham with the thickened glaze.