If you’re craving a sweet, sticky, and utterly delicious ham that’s sure to be the star of your next gathering, this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s easy to make, packed with rich flavor, and guarantees that perfect balance of caramelized crust and tender, juicy meat every time.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Effortlessly impressive: This recipe turns an ordinary ham into a showstopper with minimal prep and fuss.
Perfectly balanced flavors: The sweet honey and brown sugar glaze is enhanced with tangy Dijon mustard and a hint of spice, creating a mouthwatering profile.
Versatile cooking methods: Whether you prefer oven baking or slow cooking, this recipe adapts to your style.
Great for leftovers: Once you try this ham, you’ll happily incorporate its rich flavors into sandwiches and salads for days!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Every ingredient in this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is simple yet essential, working together to create that gorgeous glaze and juicy, flavorful meat. From the creamy butter to the tangy Dijon mustard, each element adds its own magic – whether it’s sweetness, zest, or depth.
- Unsalted butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for the glaze without adding extra saltiness.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep, molasses-like sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the ham.
- Honey: Brings natural floral sweetness and helps create that sticky finish.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy punch that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Pineapple juice: Adds a subtle tropical acidity, brightening the glaze and tenderizing the ham.
- Garlic powder & paprika: Give the glaze a savory warmth and a gentle smoky note.
- Plain fully cooked spiral sliced bone-in ham: Choose one without a preexisting glaze to ensure your homemade glaze shines.
- Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup in your pan or slow cooker.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Honey Glaze
Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, garlic powder, and paprika until everything’s smoothly combined. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes until it bubbles and thickens slightly — this glaze will get even stickier as it cools, so resist the urge to rush this step!
Step 2: Prep the Ham for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9″x13″ baking pan with generous foil that runs up the sides, then spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place your ham cut side down into the pan. If you want extra glaze penetration, score the ham skin by making shallow diagonal cuts along the thicker top — it looks beautiful and allows the glaze to soak in more deeply.
Step 3: Glaze and Bake
Brush one-third of your glaze evenly over the ham’s surface. Bake for an hour and a half at 350°F, allowing that sweet glaze to penetrate and the ham to get warm all the way through. When the time’s up, crank the oven to 425°F and brush the ham again with half of the remaining glaze. Let it bake for 15 more minutes, then brush it one last time with the remaining glaze.
Step 4: Broil for a Sticky Finish
To get that irresistible sticky caramelized crust, place your ham under the broiler for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully as the sugars bubble and thicken, turning golden and irresistible. This step locks in that luscious glaze flavor, making every bite a tasty treat! Allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Bonus: Slow Cooker Method
If you prefer a hands-off approach, spray the inside of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker, place the ham inside, coat it with the glaze as shown, cover, and cook on low for 8 hours. This method yields tender, juicy ham with a beautifully infused glaze and almost no effort!
How to Serve Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Garnishes
To enhance your Honey Glazed Ham, sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme over the top right before serving. A little brightness from orange or lemon zest can also complement the sweet glaze beautifully. These simple garnishes add freshness and color to your presentation without overpowering the star flavor.
Side Dishes
This ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a crisp green salad. For a touch of seasonal flair, try serving with sweet potato casserole or honey-glazed carrots — they echo the dish’s sweetness while adding texture and balance.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive centerpiece, arrange thick slices of the glazed ham on a platter layered with fresh fruit like pineapple rings, orange slices, and cherries that nod to the glaze’s ingredients. Add a drizzle of any leftover glaze on the side for guests to enjoy extra sweetness with each serving. This not only looks stunning but makes the meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Honey Glazed Ham is sliced, store leftover pieces in an airtight container, preferably keeping them submerged or coated in the ham’s own juices to retain moisture and flavor. Properly stored, it will keep in the fridge for up to five days, giving you plenty of time to enjoy those delectable leftovers.
Freezing
If you want to save some ham for later, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them inside a freezer-safe bag or container. This prevents freezer burn and locks in flavor. Frozen ham can be stored for one to two months and makes for an amazing quick meal when thawed properly.
Reheating
To bring your leftover ham back to life, gently reheat slices in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or leftover glaze to keep them moist. Alternatively, wrap slices in foil and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out, ensuring every bite stays juicy and flavorful.
FAQs
-
Can I use a ham that already has a glaze?
For the best results with this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe, it’s recommended to choose a plain ham without any pre-applied glaze. This ensures your homemade glaze fully shines and adheres properly, creating that perfect sweet and sticky crust.
-
Is it necessary to score the ham?
Scoring the ham skin is optional but highly recommended. It allows the glaze to seep into the meat more effectively and creates an attractive diamond pattern once baked, both enhancing flavor and presentation.
-
Can I make this recipe without pineapple juice?
Yes! If you don’t have pineapple juice on hand, you can substitute it with orange juice, apple juice, or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a light tang. Each will slightly alter the flavor but keep that lovely acidic balance in the glaze.
-
How long does it take to cook the ham in a slow cooker?
The slow cooker method for this recipe takes about 8 hours on low, making it a perfect set-it-and-forget-it way to enjoy tender, flavorful ham without babysitting the oven.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser — sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, yet surprisingly easy to prepare. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner, the sticky, caramelized glaze and tender ham will win over hearts at your table. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to ham recipe for celebrations and beyond!
Print
Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Honey Glazed Ham recipe delivers a perfectly sweet, sticky, and savory spiral-sliced ham that’s easy to prepare and ideal for holiday meals or special occasions. Made with a luscious glaze of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and pineapple juice, it bakes to a beautiful golden finish and can also be adapted for slow cooker use.
Ingredients
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Ham
- 8–10 lb plain fully cooked spiral sliced bone-in ham (make sure it does not already have a glaze)
- Cooking spray (for pans and slow cooker)
Instructions
- Prepare the Glaze: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, pineapple juice, garlic powder, and paprika until combined. Let the mixture cook for 5-7 minutes or until it begins to bubble and slightly thickens. Remove from heat; the glaze will continue thickening as it stands.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9″ x 13″ baking pan with heavy-duty foil, extending the foil up the sides to catch drips, and generously spray with cooking spray.
- Prepare the Ham: Place the spiral-sliced ham cut side down in the prepared pan. If desired, score the top of the thicker skin by making shallow cuts to allow the glaze to penetrate more deeply.
- First Glazing and Baking: Brush one-third of the prepared glaze evenly over the top of the ham. Bake at 350°F for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Second Glazing and Increased Heat: Raise the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C). Brush half of the remaining glaze over the ham, ensuring the surface is well coated. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Final Glazing and Broiling: Brush the ham with the remaining glaze. Place the ham under the oven broiler for 3 to 5 minutes to caramelize the glaze and achieve a sticky, delicious finish. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures maximum tenderness.
- Slow Cooker Option: Spray the inside of a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Place the ham inside and prepare it with the glaze as described above. Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours, allowing the ham to absorb all the flavors slowly and stay moist.
Notes
- How to Store: Store leftover ham slices in the refrigerator in an airtight container with juices for up to 5 days to keep them moist and flavorful.
- Freezing Tips: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze in portions rather than the whole ham for 1-2 months.
- Serving Suggestion: This ham is fantastic for next-day sandwiches. Use fresh bread and a bit of mustard, then dip the sandwich in the leftover ham juices for extra flavor.
