Honey Glazed Ham
There’s something enchanting about the rich, sweet aroma of honey glazed ham wafting through your home. It’s a dish that doesn’t just feed the body; it fills your space with warmth and joy. From the moment the honey meets the heat and begins to caramelize into a beautiful, sticky glaze, you know you’re in for an experience that delights the senses. This honey glazed ham, with its inviting golden-brown crust and juicy slices, is perfect for gatherings, holiday celebrations, or an ordinary Sunday dinner that deserves a little extra love.

My first taste of honey glazed ham came during a family holiday, and I was instantly hooked. The balance of sweetness from honey, the slight tang of mustard, and the warmth of spices wrapped around the savory notes of the smoked ham created a heavenly flavor symphony. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various recipes, but I always come back to this easy, flavorful version. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to add it to your rotation of go-to dishes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Prepping this dish takes only 20 minutes, leaving you with plenty of time to spend with family.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices creates a perfect blend of sweet and savory.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The shiny, sticky glaze makes for a stunning centerpiece at any table.
- Flexible Serving: This dish is perfect for holiday feasts, casual dinners, or meal prep for leftovers.
- Budget-Friendly: With straightforward ingredients, it won’t break the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- ½ cup honey: A natural sweetener that adds depth and creates that beautiful glaze.
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed): This adds extra moisture and enhances the sweetness. Light or dark can work in a pinch.
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard: It gives a subtle tang that balances the sweetness.
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar: Introduces acidity, brightening the overall flavor of the glaze.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: For a hint of warmth and savoriness.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
- ¼ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, ensuring the sweetness isn’t overwhelming.
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked): A little heat to cut through the sweetness.
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon: Evokes warmth and pairs beautifully with honey.
- 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham (boneless and spiral cut): The star of the show, ensuring your dish is juicy and flavorful.
- ½ inch water: Helps keep the ham moist while baking.
How to Make Honey Glazed Ham
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This allows the ham to warm evenly.
- Whisk the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup honey, ¼ cup packed brown sugar, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, and ¼ tsp ground cinnamon. Whisk them together until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Prepare the Ham: Place your 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham cut side down in a 9×13 casserole dish. Brush half of the warm glaze over the ham, ensuring it covers every curve and crevice.
- Add Water: Pour ½ inch of water into the bottom of the dish around the ham. This is key for keeping the ham moist as it bakes and prevents the glaze from burning.
- Bake the Ham: Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake the ham for approximately 18-20 minutes per pound. For this 4 lb. ham, you’ll bake it for about 1 hour & 20 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 140°F for pre-cooked ham using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part.
- Glaze for Greatness: About 20-30 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil. Brush the ham with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes. This creates a sticky, golden crust that is simply irresistible.
- Rest and Serve: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute for juicier slices. Drizzle any extra glaze over the ham when serving for that extra touch.
Storing & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap portions of the ham tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and rewarm in the oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly, but a bit of the glaze will refresh the flavor!
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid drying out the ham by ensuring it stays covered with foil during the initial baking stages.
- Use a meat thermometer. It’s an easy way to guarantee your ham reaches the right temperature without overcooking.
- Feel free to experiment with the glaze. Add crushed pineapple or bourbon for a unique twist.
- Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, salads, or scrambled eggs — the flavor possibilities are endless!
- If your glaze seems too thick, whisk in a splash of water or apple cider vinegar to loosen it up.
There’s no denying the agency that honey glazed ham has in the culinary world. It stands tall as a crowd-pleaser with its rich sweetness and savory depth. Each slice rings with familiar joy, whether served during holidays or shared at a casual barbecue. The delightful flavors pair seamlessly with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables, making it a versatile addition to any meal.
This recipe not only elevates your dining experience but also encourages you to step into the kitchen with confidence. Feel free to put your spin on it—maybe a bit of pineapple juice in the glaze or a sprinkle of finely chopped herbs. Make it a family tradition or a special occasion staple. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this absolute favorite!

Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of ham?
How do I know when my ham is fully cooked?
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
What do I do with leftovers?
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Honey Glazed Ham
This Honey Glazed Ham boasts an irresistible flavor and simple preparation. Made with honey, brown sugar, and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect centerpiece for any gathering, delivering both comfort and satisfaction in every bite.
- Prep Time 20 minutes
- Cook Time 110 minutes
- Yield 12 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup honey (170g)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (packed, 50g)
- 1 tsp dijon mustard (5g)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (0.18 oz.)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper (freshly cracked)
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
- 4 lb. fully cooked smoked ham (boneless and spiral cut)
- ½ inch water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (163°C) and gather all the ingredients.
- In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon. Heat until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Place the ham cut side down in a 9×13 casserole dish. Brush half of the glaze over the ham.
- Pour ½ inch of water around the ham in the pan.
- Cover the dish loosely with foil and bake for 18-20 minutes per pound, basting with pan juices once or twice. Bake a 4lb ham for about 1 hour and 20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 140°F.
- Remove the foil in the last 20-30 minutes of baking. Brush with the remaining glaze every 10 minutes to achieve a sticky golden-brown crust.
- Allow the ham to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with any leftover glaze.
Notes
For a sweeter glaze, adjust the honey to taste.
Make sure to baste the ham regularly for the best flavor and crust.
This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 3 oz)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.




