© Original recipe by Serena Miller ©
🎉✨ Easy Honey Baked Ham for Festive Holidays: The Perfect Glazed Ham Recipe! 🐖🍯
1. Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the warmth and aroma of a honey baked ham filling your home during the holiday season. This dish, often called a sweet ham or holiday ham, offers a delightful combination of smoky, savory flavors with a sticky, sweet glaze. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Easter, or any special occasion, a well-made glazed ham creates a festive atmosphere and graces your table beautifully. Today, I’ll guide you through making an easy honey baked ham that’s tender, juicy, and coated in a perfect honey glaze.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 2 hours—perfect for last-minute holiday prep.
- Simple ingredients that deliver maximum flavor.
- One-pan process for easy clean-up.
- Impressive presentation that will wow your guests.
3. Ingredient Notes
For this holiday ham, I recommend choosing a high-quality pre-cooked and bone-in ham. The bone adds extra flavor during baking, and a good quality ham will ensure tender meat. For the glaze, pure honey creates that beautiful sticky sweetness, but you can also substitute with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different nuance. Brown sugar adds depth and richness, while Dijon mustard gives a subtle tang that balances the sweetness beautifully. Fresh garlic, pineapple juice, and optional spices like cloves enhance the aroma and complexity of flavor. Using fresh ingredients ensures your glazed ham is as flavorful as possible.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — This versatile appliance speeds up cooking and helps develop a crispy exterior if you want extra caramelization on your ham’s edges.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Perfect for preparing any side dishes or sauces with ease.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo — Ideal for reheating leftovers or adding grilled touches for added flavor.
5. How to Make Easy Honey Baked Ham for Festive Holidays
Prepare the Ham
Start with a fully cooked, bone-in ham. Score the surface with shallow cuts in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife. This not only creates a beautiful presentation but also allows the glaze to seep into the meat. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the ham on a roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup.
Make the Glaze
In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and pineapple juice. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes glossy. Your kitchen should be filled with an irresistible, sweet aroma here. Brush half of the glaze generously over the ham, using a basting brush, ensuring it seeps into the scored cuts.
Baking & Glazing
Place the ham in the oven and bake uncovered for about 1.5 hours, basting with more glaze every 20-30 minutes. The sugar caramelizes, creating a beautiful, sticky crust. When the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), your sweet ham is ready. The glaze will be beautifully golden and slightly caramelized, with an aromatic, inviting scent.
Final Touches
Once baked, let the ham rest for 15 minutes before carving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and flavorful. Serve with extra glaze on the side for drizzling or dipping for an extra burst of sweetness.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Always start with a fully cooked ham for faster prep and guaranteed tenderness.
- Score in a diamond pattern to maximize flavor absorption and presentation.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Apply the glaze in layers and baste frequently for a luscious, sticky coating.
- If you want a crispy exterior, broil the ham for the last 3-5 minutes—watch closely to prevent burning.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you’re allergic to honey, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute, providing a similar sweet glaze. For a low-sugar version, use a sugar-free honey alternative or skip the glaze altogether. Vegetarian? Roast large slices of eggplant or zucchini coated in the glaze for a plant-based celebratory dish. Spicy lovers can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a slight heat kick.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. To reheat, wrap leftover ham in foil and warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. For an extra touch, brush with fresh glaze before reheating to regain that glossy, caramelized finish.
9. FAQ
Can I make this honey baked ham ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare and bake the ham the day before, then reheat gently in the oven. GLAZE the ham just before serving to keep the sticky exterior fresh and flavorful.
What side dishes go well with honey glazed ham?
Classic choices include roasted vegetables, scalloped potatoes, sweet potato casserole, or a fresh green salad. Check out our wizarding brunch menu for more inspiring ideas.
How do I prevent my glaze from burning?
Apply the glaze during the last 30 minutes of baking and baste frequently. If you notice signs of burning, tent the ham with foil or reduce the oven temperature slightly.
10. Conclusion
This easy honey baked ham recipe transforms a simple pre-cooked ham into a show-stopping centerpiece perfect for festive holidays. The irresistible sweet and savory glaze, combined with tender, juicy meat, makes every bite a celebration. Whether you’re preparing for family gatherings or special dinners, this glazed ham guarantees delight. For more festive recipes, explore our collection of holiday dishes and keep celebrating with delicious, memorable meals!
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Easy Honey Baked Ham for Festive Holidays
A delicious honey glazed baked ham, perfect for holiday celebrations and family dinners, featuring a tender interior and caramelized exterior.
- Total Time: 2 hours
- Yield: 10-12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked ham (8–10 pounds)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves
- Fresh thyme and orange slices for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern.
- In a bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar.
- Brush the glaze generously over the ham.
- Place ham in a roasting pan and bake, basting every 20 minutes, until heated through (about 1.5 to 2 hours).
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with thyme and orange slices.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on ham size. Use a meat thermometer to ensure proper heating.
- For extra flavor, add a splash of bourbon to the glaze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/8 of ham)
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
