Honey Baked Ham: A Perfectly Glazed Holiday Classic

When it comes to holiday dinners, honey baked ham is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes. With its sweet and savory glaze, crispy caramelized edges, and tender, juicy meat, this dish has become a go-to centerpiece for gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. While many people opt to purchase honey-baked hams from specialty stores, making it at home is surprisingly easy—and far more cost-effective.

Homemade honey baked ham allows you to customize the glaze to your liking, whether you prefer a bit of bourbon for depth, pineapple juice for a tropical twist, or a straightforward honey-sugar mix. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Once you’ve had your fill of holiday ham, the leftovers are perfect for sandwiches, breakfast casseroles, and soups.

For more insight into getting the perfect caramelized crust on your ham, check out these perfect baked ham tips, which offer professional advice on glazing and roasting.

Ingredients for Honey Baked Ham

Before diving into the step-by-step process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect honey baked ham.

For the Ham:

• Spiral-cut ham (bone-in or boneless): 7-10 lbs (fully cooked, not raw)
• Honey: ½ cup
• Brown sugar: ½ cup
• Butter: 4 tablespoons (unsalted)
• Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon
• Ground cloves: ½ teaspoon
• Ground mustard: 1 teaspoon
• Orange or pineapple juice (optional): ¼ cup

Optional Add-ins:

• Bourbon: ¼ cup for depth and complexity in the glaze
• Maple syrup: Replace half of the honey for a richer flavor
• Pineapple slices: Classic accompaniment that adds a bright, sweet note

Using the right ingredients ensures your glaze has the perfect balance of sweetness and spice. The combination of honey, brown sugar, and spices brings out the best in the ham’s natural flavor, while adding citrus juice or bourbon can elevate the glaze to a whole new level.

For those seeking gluten-free options, make sure to check that all your spices and mustard powder are certified gluten-free. More tips on how to adapt recipes for gluten-free diets can be found in this gluten-free honey glaze recipe.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Honey Baked Ham

1. Preparing the Ham

The first step in making the perfect honey baked ham is selecting the right ham and preparing it for baking.

Instructions:

1. Choosing the Right Ham: You’ll want a pre-cooked, spiral-cut ham that weighs between 7 and 10 pounds. Spiral-cut hams make carving a breeze and allow the glaze to seep into every slice.
2. Score the Ham: If your ham isn’t pre-scored, use a sharp knife to make shallow cuts in a diamond pattern on the surface. This helps the glaze penetrate the meat and ensures a flavorful crust.
3. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 325°F. Place the ham in a roasting pan with the flat side down, and cover it loosely with foil to keep it from drying out.

2. Making the Glaze

The glaze is the heart of any honey baked ham, and getting the balance right between sweet, spicy, and tangy is key.

Instructions:

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, ground cloves, mustard, and orange juice (or bourbon, if using).
2. Simmer the Glaze: Let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly. The goal is to create a thick, syrupy glaze that will coat the ham beautifully.
3. Set Aside for Basting: Reserve some glaze for the final basting and crust formation.

For additional tips on how to glaze and bake ham to perfection, check out this helpful Pineapple glazed ham recipe, which offers variations and flavor-boosting ideas.

3. Baking the Ham

Once your ham is prepped and your glaze is ready, it’s time to start baking.

Instructions:

1. Bake the Ham: Place the ham in the oven, covered with foil, and bake for about 10-12 minutes per pound. For a 7-pound ham, this will take roughly 1 hour and 10 minutes.
2. Basting the Ham: After 30 minutes of baking, start basting the ham with the glaze every 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 30 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize and form a crispy crust.
3. Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the ham should reach 140°F when measured with a meat thermometer. If you’re unsure, give the ham an additional 5-10 minutes in the oven.

4. Creating the Perfect Crust

The final step in making the best honey baked ham is achieving that coveted golden, caramelized crust.

Instructions:

1. Increase the Temperature: For the last 5 minutes of cooking, increase the oven temperature to 425°F or turn on the broiler. Keep a close eye on the ham during this stage to prevent the glaze from burning.
2. Rest the Ham: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful result.

Serving and Storing Honey Baked Ham

Once your honey baked ham is out of the oven, it’s ready to be served. Here are a few tips for serving and storing:

• Carving Tips: Spiral-cut ham is easy to serve—just follow the natural cuts made by the butcher. Use a sharp knife to slice down the sides and serve with extra glaze drizzled over the top.
• Storage: Leftover ham can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze ham slices in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover ham in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Variations of Honey Baked Ham

Here are a few variations to try if you want to switch things up or add a unique twist to your ham:

1. Bourbon Honey Baked Ham

• Add ¼ cup of bourbon to the glaze mixture to give the ham a deeper, more complex flavor. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a smoky richness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the honey and brown sugar.

2. Pineapple Honey Baked Ham

• Brush the ham with pineapple juice before applying the glaze, and add pineapple slices to the top of the ham before baking. This variation adds a tropical sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the smoky, savory ham.

3. Gluten-Free Honey Baked Ham

• Ensure all your spices and mustard powder are gluten-free, and you can easily make this dish safe for those with gluten intolerance. The glaze is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your ingredients to be safe.

FAQs About Honey Baked Ham

1. Can I make honey baked ham ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the ham a day ahead. Let it cool, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate it. When ready to serve, gently reheat it in a 300°F oven for 20-25 minutes.

2. Can I use a boneless ham?

Yes, boneless ham works well with this recipe, although bone-in ham generally has more flavor. The process is the same, but boneless hams tend to cook faster.

3. How do I store leftover honey baked ham?

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze sliced ham in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

4. What sides go best with honey baked ham?

Classic sides like mashed potatoes, green beans, and dinner rolls pair beautifully with honey baked ham. For a more festive meal, try serving it with cranberry sauce or roasted vegetables.

Conclusion: A Sweet and Savory Holiday Tradition

There’s nothing quite like the combination of sweet honey glaze and savory ham to create the perfect holiday meal. Whether you’re hosting a large gathering or making a small family dinner, honey baked ham is a surefire hit. With its tender meat and caramelized crust, this dish never fails to impress.

Try experimenting with variations like bourbon or pineapple glaze to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the versatility of ham leftovers in soups, sandwiches, and casseroles.

For more ideas on how to elevate your ham, check out gluten-free honey glaze recipe and explore different flavors that make this dish a standout at any gathering.