Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a mouthwatering centerpiece for your next holiday meal or family gathering, this Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe is calling your name. Its irresistibly tender, juicy ham is smothered in a sticky sweet honey glaze with just the right hint of spice—absolutely perfect for Easter, Christmas, or any special Sunday supper. Whether you’re a kitchen newbie or a seasoned cook, you’ll nail this show-stopping ham every single time. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
- Easy to prepare with straightforward steps but yields a stunning result.
- Sweet, caramelized honey glaze complements the smoky, savory ham perfectly.
- Feeds a crowd, making it ideal for holiday feasts and special occasions.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, perfect for sandwiches or breakfast hashes.
- Customizable with simple flavor variations to suit any taste.
Ingredients for the Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
- 1 fully cooked, bone-in spiral ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Directions: Step-by-Step Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
1. Prep Time and Ham Preparation (Prep Time: 15 min)
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Active cooking time: 15 minutes prep, 2 hours bake
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove all packaging and the plastic disk from the bone of the ham. Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan. Score the outside of the ham in a diamond pattern (about 1/4 inch deep) to help the glaze seep in.
2. Create the Honey Glaze for the Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, butter, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and orange juice. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir frequently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture is silky (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Bake the Ham
Brush half of the honey glaze generously over the scored ham. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 90 minutes.
4. Glaze and Caramelize
After 90 minutes, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (205°C) and bake for another 20-25 minutes, basting once or twice, until the glaze is bubbly and slightly caramelized. The internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
5. Rest and Serve
Transfer the ham to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes: Tips for the Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
- For extra flavor, baste the ham every 30 minutes while it bakes.
- If your ham is larger or smaller, adjust the baking time—about 15 minutes per pound. Learn more about cooking ham here.
- Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness; double-check at the thickest part of the ham (safe cooking temps).
Variations: Twist on the Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
- Spicy Kick: Add 1 teaspoon sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze.
- Cranberry-Orange: Replace half the honey with cranberry sauce and double the orange juice for a tangy twist.
- Maple-Mustard: Swap honey for maple syrup and use whole grain mustard for a deeper, earthier glaze.
Required Equipment for Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
- Large roasting pan
- Basting brush
- Small saucepan
- Sharp carving knife
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
Storage Instructions for Honey Baked Ham
Let leftovers cool to room temperature, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.
Serving Suggestions: What Goes Well With the Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe
- Creamy mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Classic mac and cheese
- Buttery dinner rolls or cornbread
- Fresh fruit salad
Pro Tips for Best Results in Your Honey Baked Ham Recipe
- Let the ham sit out for 30 minutes before baking to ensure even heating—don’t skip this step!
- Bake the ham cut side down to keep it moist and juicy.
- Double the glaze recipe and offer extra for drizzling over each slice—it’s a crowd favorite! Check out more ham-serving ideas from Taste of Home.
FAQ: Best Honey Baked Ham Recipe Answers
- Q: Can I use a boneless ham instead?
- A: Absolutely! Boneless hams work well—just reduce the baking time by about 15-20 minutes.
- Q: Is it okay to prepare the honey glaze ahead of time?
- A: Yes, you can make the glaze up to 3 days in advance. Store it in the fridge and warm gently before using.
- Q: How do I keep my ham from drying out?
- A: Baste frequently with glaze and keep it covered with foil until the last half hour of baking for a moist, juicy ham every time!
Ingredients
- 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Place ham, flat side down, in a large roasting pan and score the surface in a diamond pattern.
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2In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, melted butter, apple cider vinegar, and black pepper. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, about 3-4 minutes.
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3Brush a generous amount of the honey glaze over the ham, covering all scored surfaces.
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4Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour 30 minutes, basting every 30 minutes with more glaze.
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5Remove foil and bake uncovered for an additional 30 minutes, basting twice, until the glaze is caramelized and the ham is heated through.
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6Rest the ham for 15 minutes before carving. Serve with remaining glaze, if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
370cal
Protein:
33 gg
Fat:
18 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
22 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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