Honey-Glazed Baked Ham (Easy Holiday Baked Ham Recipe)
If you’re searching for the best baked ham recipe to serve for Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any special family dinner, this Honey-Glazed Baked Ham delivers unbeatable flavor with minimal effort. With a sweet, sticky glaze made from honey, brown sugar, mustard, and warm spices, this ham turns into a beautifully caramelized, juicy centerpiece that everyone will love.
This step-by-step recipe guarantees a perfectly baked ham every time.
Why You’ll Love This Honey-Glazed Ham
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Perfect for holiday feasts and celebrations
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Sweet, savory, aromatic glaze
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Simple ingredients you already have at home
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Gorgeous caramelized finish
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Feeds a large crowd effortlessly
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Easy to reheat and great for leftovers
Ingredients
For the Baked Ham
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1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 pounds)
For the Honey Glaze
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1 cup honey
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon ground cloves
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 325°F (165°C) so it’s ready once you prepare the ham.
Step 2: Prepare the Ham for Roasting
Line a roasting pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Place a rack inside the pan, then set the ham (flat side down) on the rack.
This ensures even heating and keeps the ham from sitting in its juices.
Step 3: Make the Honey Glaze
In a medium saucepan, combine:
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1 cup honey
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup Dijon mustard
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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1 teaspoon ground cloves
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Heat over medium heat, whisking until:
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the sugar dissolves,
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the butter melts,
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the glaze becomes smooth and glossy.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Score the Ham
Use a sharp knife to cut shallow diagonal lines across the surface of the ham, creating a diamond pattern.
This step helps:
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the glaze seep deeper into the meat,
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the flavor intensify,
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and the ham caramelize beautifully.
Step 5: Glaze the Ham
Brush a generous amount of glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure it gets into the scored cuts.
The more glaze you apply, the more flavorful your ham will become.
Step 6: Bake the Ham
Loosely cover the ham with foil to prevent the glaze from burning.
Bake for 2 to 2.5 hours, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Each time you baste, the ham becomes sweeter, stickier, and more flavorful.
Step 7: Caramelize the Glaze
For the last 30 minutes, remove the foil.
This allows the glaze to:
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bubble
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thicken
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caramelize
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form a beautiful golden crust
Step 8: Check the Temperature
The ham is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C).
Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
Step 9: Rest and Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes.
This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.
Slice, serve, and spoon extra glaze over the top for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This honey-glazed ham pairs wonderfully with:
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Mashed potatoes
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Roasted vegetables
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Mac and cheese
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Dinner rolls
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Scalloped potatoes
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Green beans
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Cranberry sauce
Also great for sandwiches and breakfast the next day!
Variations & Tips
Maple Twist
Swap honey with maple syrup for a deeper, richer sweetness.
Savory Boost
Add 1–2 teaspoons soy sauce to the glaze.
Spicy Kick
Stir in:
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Cayenne pepper
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Chili flakes
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Hot honey
Citrus Flavor
Add:
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Orange zest
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Orange juice
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Lemon zest
This brightens the glaze and adds a holiday aroma.
Whole Cloves Option
Stud the ham with whole cloves by inserting them into the scored diamonds for a stronger clove flavor.
Using Pre-Sliced Ham
Cuts down cooking time and allows glaze to penetrate each slice.
Storage Tips
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Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days
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Freeze slices for up to 3 months
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Reheat gently with extra glaze to keep moist
Final Thoughts
This Honey-Glazed Baked Ham is a guaranteed showstopper that looks impressive but takes very little effort. Sweet, sticky, aromatic, and beautifully caramelized, it’s a must-have recipe for any holiday table.