Too tired to cook something complicated for your next gathering? You can skip the stress with this honey glazed baked ham that practically makes itself. It is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday meal or a big family dinner.
You will get a perfectly caramelized crust and juicy meat every single time. It looks incredibly impressive but takes very little active work in the kitchen. Make this today and enjoy a stress-free feast that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Make This Honey Glazed Baked Ham Again
This recipe is a must-have for Spring celebrations like Easter or Winter holiday feasts. It transforms a standard ham into something truly special with a sweet and savory glaze. You only need about 20 minutes of prep time to get it started. The oven does all the heavy lifting while you focus on your guests.
The balance of honey, brown sugar, and warm spices creates a restaurant-quality finish. It is a family-friendly favorite that provides plenty of delicious leftovers for the week. You will love how the bone-in ham stays moist under its golden glaze. It is the ultimate comfort food for casual hosting or special occasions alike.
How This Honey Glazed Baked Ham Comes Together
We start by scoring the ham to help that sticky glaze sink deep into the meat. The ham roasts slowly under foil to keep it tender and succulent inside. A quick high-heat finish creates that irresistible bubbling crust you see in the photos. Beginners can breathe easy because there are no complicated steps involved here. Just brush on the glaze and watch the magic happen in your oven.
What You’ll Need
Gather these simple pantry staples to create your signature glaze. Using a bone-in ham ensures the best flavor and moisture throughout the bake.
- 8 lb bone-in fully cooked ham
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice or water (for the pan)
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) and grab a shallow baking dish.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern about 1/4 inch deep.
- Place the ham in the dish and pour the pineapple juice into the bottom.
- Cover the ham tightly with foil to keep all the moisture locked inside.
- Bake for 15 minutes per pound (about 2 hours) until it hits 130°F.
- Whisk together the honey, brown sugar, butter, mustard, and spices in a bowl.
- Increase the oven heat to 400°F (200°C) and remove the foil.
- Brush half of your glaze over the ham, reaching into those diamond score marks.
- Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, then add the remaining glaze.
- Finish for 5-10 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and dark golden.
- Rest the ham for 15 minutes before carving to keep it juicy.
How to Serve It
Present this honey glazed baked ham on a large platter for a visual “wow” factor. It pairs beautifully with creamy mashed potatoes or a crisp seasonal salad. For a Spring brunch, serve it alongside fluffy biscuits and fresh asparagus. The sweet glaze also tastes amazing with a side of roasted root vegetables. It is the perfect centerpiece for casual hosting and looks great on any table.
Leftovers & Storage
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze carved slices for quick meals later in the month. Reheat individual portions gently in the oven or microwave with a splash of water. This prevents the meat from drying out and keeps the glaze sticky. Leftover ham is perfect for sandwiches or diced into a morning breakfast hash.
Make It Even Better (Pro Tips)
- Don’t skip the rest: Resting ensures the juices stay inside the meat when carving.
- Avoid dry ham: Make sure your foil seal is tight during the initial bake.
- Use a thermometer: Pull the ham at 130°F for perfectly juicy results every time.
- Time-saving tip: Mix your glaze ingredients the day before to save time.
- Occasion tip: For a holiday meal, garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs.
- Upgrade tip: Use a high-quality local honey for a deeper floral flavor profile.
- Score deeply: Cutting the diamonds helps the glaze penetrate the meat effectively.
Easy Ways to Change It Up
- Maple variation: Swap the honey for pure maple syrup for a Fall twist.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the glaze for heat.
- Citrus burst: Use orange juice instead of pineapple juice in the pan.
- Herby finish: Stir fresh minced thyme into the glaze before brushing.
Quick Questions
Can I use a boneless ham instead?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the cook time significantly. Boneless hams heat up faster, so check the internal temperature earlier than the recipe suggests.
What if I don’t have Dijon mustard?
You can use yellow mustard or even a little spicy brown mustard. It provides the necessary tang to balance out the sweet honey and sugar glaze.
I hope this ham becomes your new favorite holiday tradition. It is so easy and delicious, you will want to make it every year!
— Sophie
Honey Glazed Baked Ham
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern, about 1/4 inch deep.
- Place the ham in a shallow glass or ceramic baking dish and pour pineapple juice into the bottom.
- Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out while heating.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes per pound (about 2 hours) or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, brown sugar, melted butter, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Remove ham from the oven and increase heat to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the foil and generously brush half of the glaze over the entire ham, ensuring it gets into the score marks.
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Brush with the remaining glaze and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the glaze is bubbling and dark golden brown.
- Let the ham rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
