Hey y’all! Whether you’re planning a festive holiday dinner, big family gathering, or simply craving some comfort food, this Baked Honey Ham Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. With its mouthwatering sweet-and-salty caramelized glaze, juicy texture, and irresistible aroma, this ham is as delightful for special occasions as it is for that cozy Sunday supper. Let’s get cooking and make your table shine!
Why You’ll Love This Baked Honey Ham Recipe
- Effortlessly impressive with minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy cooks.
- The honey glaze creates a glossy, sweet crust that’s deliciously sticky.
- Versatile enough for holidays, potlucks, or easy weeknight dinners.
- Leftovers make amazing sandwiches, salads, or quick breakfasts.
- Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible!
Ingredients for the Ultimate Baked Honey Ham Recipe
- 1 fully cooked, bone-in ham (8–10 lbs)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Pineapple slices and maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional)
Directions: Step-by-Step Baked Honey Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Ham
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the oven rack in the lower third.
- Line a large roasting pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern (about 1/4-inch deep), which helps the glaze seep in.
Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, unsalted butter, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper.
- Stir and cook until smooth and the sugar has dissolved (about 3–5 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 3: Glaze & Bake the Ham
- Brush about half the glaze over the entire ham, getting into the scored cuts.
- Tent the ham loosely with foil and bake for 1.5 hours.
- Remove foil, baste with more glaze, and continue baking uncovered for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, basting every 20 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C) and the coating is deeply caramelized.
Step 4: Rest & Serve
- Let your Baked Honey Ham rest for 15–20 minutes before carving.
- Garnish with pineapple slices and cherries if desired, slice, and enjoy!
Notes & Helpful Tips for Baked Honey Ham Recipe
- For more guidance on ham preparation, check out this detailed guide to baking ham from Serious Eats.
- Use a meat thermometer (see guidelines here) to ensure your ham reaches the safe serving temperature without drying out.
- You can use store-bought spiral ham for easy carving—just reduce the baking time by about 20 minutes.
Variations: Make This Baked Honey Ham Recipe Your Own
- Maple-Mustard Glaze: Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deeper, woodsy flavor.
- Spicy Ham: Add 2 teaspoons sriracha or cayenne pepper to the glaze for a little heat.
- Orange-Honey Ham: Mix in 2 tablespoons of orange zest and juice for bright, citrusy notes.
Required Equipment for Baked Honey Ham Recipe
- Large roasting pan with rack
- Aluminum foil
- Pastry brush
- Sharp carving knife
- Cutting board
- Meat thermometer
- Small saucepan
Storage Instructions for Leftover Baked Honey Ham
Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap slices tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag—good for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Baked Honey Ham Recipe
- Serve alongside classic mashed potatoes or buttery dinner rolls.
- Pair with roasted green beans, glazed carrots, or a bright, crisp salad.
- Try a tangy Dijon or horseradish sauce on the side for extra zing.
Baked Honey Ham Recipe Pro Tips
- Let the ham come to room temperature for 30 minutes before baking for even heating (more roasting tips here).
- Don’t skip scoring the ham—it allows the glaze to penetrate and caramelize beautifully.
- For best texture, baste often and monitor with a meat thermometer rather than relying solely on time.
FAQ: All About Baked Honey Ham Recipe
- Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
- Yes, boneless ham works great—just check the internal temperature as it may cook a bit faster.
- Do I need to soak the ham before baking?
- Not for most store-bought hams, but if your ham is especially salty or labeled “country ham,” a brief soak or rinse can help reset the saltiness.
- Can I prepare Baked Honey Ham Recipe ahead of time?
- Yes! Bake the ham a day ahead, slice, and refrigerate. Warm gently with a bit of extra glaze before serving to recapture that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: Approx. 2.5 hours
Total time: About 2 hours 45 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 pound) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil.
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2Place the ham cut-side down in the prepared roasting pan. Score the ham in a crisscross pattern.
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3In a bowl, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, melted butter, ground cloves, cinnamon, and orange juice until well combined.
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4Brush half of the honey glaze over the ham, covering all surfaces.
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5Cover the ham with foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes. Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, basting occasionally.
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6Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
400 caloriescal
Protein:
45 gg
Fat:
14 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
28 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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