Nothing beats sinking your fork into a glossy, honey-brown ham topped with a sweet, spiced crust that crackles under each slice. With a caramelized honey and brown sugar glaze, warm cinnamon and cloves, plus a hint of tangy Dijon mustard and bright apple cider vinegar, this honey baked ham transforms any meal into a celebration. Read on for step-by-step instructions, savvy tips, and serving ideas that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Key Ingredients
Before you fire up the oven, gather these simple ingredients that work together to create a tender, juicy ham with a glossy, sticky crust and a hint of warm spice.
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds): The hearty centerpiece that’s already cooked and just waiting to soak up the sweet-spiced glaze.
- 1 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and creates a glossy, sticky coating as it caramelizes.
- 1 cup packed brown sugar: Deep molasses notes that help thicken and caramelize the glaze.
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Brings a mild tang that balances the sweetness and enhances flavor depth.
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar: Cuts through richness with a touch of bright acidity for balance.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Infuses warm, aromatic spice for holiday-worthy flair.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers sweet, woody undertones that complement the honey.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to round out the sweet and spicy notes.
- Whole cloves (optional, for decoration): Stick around for extra aroma and a festive, studded look.
How To Make Honey Baked Ham
Turning a pre-cooked ham into a glistening, flavor-packed showstopper is easier than you think. You’ll prep the ham, whisk together a honey-brown sugar glaze spiked with warm spices and tangy Dijon, then bake and baste for that signature crackly crust. Don’t skip scoring or resting—the little details ensure every slice is moist, tender, and bursting with sweet-spiced goodness.
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C), ensuring even cooking temperature for the ham.
2. Place the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan. If the ham has a rind, use a sharp knife to score it in a diamond pattern (about 1/4-inch deep) to help the glaze penetrate and caramelize.
3. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
4. Brush half of the honey glaze generously over the ham, making sure to coat the surface and fill the scored cuts for maximum flavor.
5. Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1½ to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining glaze to build up those sticky layers.
6. Remove the foil for the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and brown. If using whole cloves, insert them into the scored areas for decoration and extra spice.
7. Once the ham’s internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest, loosely covered, for 15–20 minutes to set juices.
8. Slice the ham and serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze over the slices for an extra pop of sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This honey baked ham pairs beautifully with classic sides and can be dressed up or down for weeknight family dinners or festive gatherings. Whether you keep it traditional or add a creative twist, these serving ideas will help you present your ham in style and balance all the sweet and savory notes.
- Serve with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of sticky glaze and contrast the sweet crust with buttery smoothness.
- Accompany with green bean almondine, tossing crisp-tender beans in toasted almonds and a hint of lemon for a bright, nutty counterpoint.
- Plate alongside sweet potato casserole, topped with marshmallows or pecan streusel to echo the ham’s warm spices and brown sugar flavors.
- Offer a fresh green salad with seasonal fruits or a tart vinaigrette to cut through richness and add a refreshing bite.
Tips For Perfect Honey Baked Ham
Nailing this recipe is all about balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, plus a bit of technique for that shiny crust. Don’t shy away from prepping ahead for stress-free serving, and feel free to tailor the glaze or side pairings to suit your taste. A few simple tricks will help you achieve caramelized perfection and keep your guests coming back for seconds.
- Add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a fruity twist that introduces bright acidity and tropical flavor.
- Use a spiral-cut ham for easy serving—just follow the same glazing steps and adjust cooking time to about 10–12 minutes per pound.
- Transform leftovers into sandwiches, salads, or soups, giving that tender ham a second life throughout the week.
- Pair your ham with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or sweet potato casserole to round out a complete feast.
How To Store It
After everyone’s had their fill, you’ll want to store any extra slices properly to maintain that juicy texture and sweet-spiced flavor. Whether you plan to enjoy leftovers the next day or freeze for later, follow these tips to lock in moisture and taste.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days, placing butcher paper or wax paper between slices to prevent sticking.
- Freeze slices by wrapping them tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap, then placing in freezer bags for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven with a splash of extra glaze or broth to restore moisture without drying out the ham.
- Keep any extra glaze in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week, reheating or whisking it before brushing on warm ham slices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions? Here are some common concerns to help you master this honey baked ham with confidence.
- How do I know when the honey baked ham is fully cooked and safe to serve?
The ham is fully cooked when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (without touching bone) registers 140°F (60°C). Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the oven, tent it loosely with foil, and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
- Can I prepare the glaze or the ham ahead of time?
Yes. You can mix the honey glaze up to a day in advance and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Brush half of it onto the ham just before baking. The ham itself can be glazed and covered with plastic wrap, then refrigerated for a few hours before you plan to bake. Remove from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature.
- What should I do if my glaze starts to darken or burn before the ham is done?
If the glaze is browning too quickly, loosely tent the ham again with foil to shield it from direct heat. You can also reduce oven temperature by 15–25°F (about 7–12°C) and continue basting at regular intervals. This prevents scorching while still allowing the ham to heat through.
- Can I use a spiral-cut ham instead of a whole bone-in ham?
Absolutely. A spiral-cut pre-cooked ham works well. Place it cut-side down in the roasting pan, follow the same glazing and baking steps, and adjust cooking time to about 10–12 minutes per pound since spiral hams heat more quickly. Be sure to baste between each layer to keep the slices moist and flavorful.
- Is it possible to add fruit to the glaze, and how would that affect cooking?
Yes. For a fruity twist, stir about 1/2 cup crushed pineapple (with juice) into the honey glaze. The added acidity and moisture may require an extra minute or two of baking per 10 minutes of cooking to achieve proper caramelization. Keep an eye on the glaze to prevent burning, and tent with foil if it browns too fast.
- How should I store and use leftover honey baked ham?
Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature, then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days. You can also freeze slices for up to 2 months, wrapped tightly in foil and placed in freezer bags. Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven with a little extra glaze or broth to retain moisture. Leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, salads, casseroles, omelets, and soups.
- Why is scoring the ham rind recommended, and how do I do it properly?
Scoring creates channels that help the glaze penetrate and caramelize the surface. To score, use a sharp knife to make shallow diagonal cuts about 1/4 inch deep, then turn the ham and cut another set of diagonal lines, forming a diamond pattern. This also gives the finished ham an attractive appearance and helps any decorative whole cloves stay in place.
- What side dishes pair particularly well with a honey baked ham?
Classic complements include creamy mashed potatoes, green bean almondine, sweet potato casserole, roasted Brussels sprouts, and dinner rolls. A bright salad or cranberry relish also balances the sweetness of the glaze. For beverages, try a dry white wine or light-bodied red to cut through the richness.
What Makes This Special
This recipe shines because it marries simple ingredients—honey, brown sugar, warm spices, and a tangy kick—into a sticky, glossy glaze that crackles delightfully with each bite. Scoring the rind invites the flavors deep into the meat, while regular basting builds layers of caramelized sweetness. Grab a printout of this article and save it for your next feast; you’ll thank yourself when that first slice glistens on the platter. Tried it? Leave a comment, share your tweaks, or ask questions if you need any help. Enjoy every juicy, sweet-spiced bite!
Honey Baked Ham
Description
Caramelized honey and brown sugar glaze forms a shiny, sticky coating on tender, juicy ham. Warm spices like cinnamon and cloves mingle as the crust crisps, filling the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
-
Place the ham, cut side down, in a large roasting pan. If the ham has a rind, you can score it in a diamond pattern to help it caramelize.
-
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, ground cinnamon, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
-
Brush half of the honey glaze generously over the ham, making sure to get it into the scored cuts if applicable.
-
Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 1.5 to 2 hours, basting every 30 minutes with the remaining honey glaze.
-
Remove the foil for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking to allow the glaze to caramelize and brown. If you are using whole cloves, you can insert them into the scored areas of the ham for added flavor and decoration.
-
Once the ham has reached a temperature of 140°F (60°C), remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 15-20 minutes before slicing.
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Slice and serve warm, drizzling any remaining glaze over the slices as desired.
Note
- For an extra touch, you can add crushed pineapple to the glaze for a fruity twist.
- This recipe can also be adapted using a spiral-cut ham for easier serving.
- Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, and soups for a delicious second meal.
- Pair the ham with classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, or sweet potato casserole for a complete feast.
