Glazed Ham with a Twist: A Succulent, Sweet & Savory Masterpiece 🍖🍯✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly glazed ham to elevate your holiday feast or special occasion meal. This Glazed Ham with a Twist recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of ham with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a show-stopping centerpiece, this recipe guarantees a juicy, flavorful ham every time. If you love classic ham recipes, you might also enjoy our Classic Glazed Ham which uses a simpler approach to this timeless dish.

2. Ingredients

Before you begin, gather these high-quality ingredients to ensure your glazed ham turns out perfectly:

• 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham (preferably spiral-cut for easier serving)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (light or dark both work well)
• ½ cup pure honey (for the best flavor, use local raw honey)
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard (this adds the perfect tangy contrast)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (helps balance the sweetness)
• 1 tsp ground cloves (for that warm, aromatic spice)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (adds depth to the glaze)
• Whole cloves for studding (optional, but makes for beautiful presentation)

Looking for more delicious dinner ideas? Check out our collection of dinner recipes that pair perfectly with this glazed ham.

3. Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and place it on a clean cutting board. If your ham has a thick fat cap, you may want to trim it to about 1/4-inch thickness. Using a sharp knife, score the surface in a diamond pattern about 1/4-inch deep – this helps the glaze penetrate and creates those beautiful caramelized edges. For extra flavor and presentation, stud the center of each diamond with a whole clove. This technique is similar to what we use in our Easter Dirt Cake Casserole where presentation matters just as much as taste!

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Stir continuously until the sugar completely dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). You’ll know it’s ready when the glaze coats the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly. For more glaze inspiration, check out this brown sugar ham glaze recipe from our friends at Kitchn.

Step 3: Glaze the Ham

Place the prepared ham in a roasting pan, fat side up. Using a pastry brush, apply half of the warm glaze generously over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get into all the scored crevices. For even more flavor, you can gently separate some of the slices (if using spiral-cut) to get glaze between them. Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil – this creates a steamy environment that keeps the ham moist while it cooks. Bake for 1.5 hours at 325°F. This baking technique is similar to what we use in our baking recipes where controlled heat is key.

Step 4: Finish Baking & Serve

After 1.5 hours, carefully remove the ham from the oven. The kitchen will smell amazing at this point! Remove the foil and brush the remaining glaze over the ham. Return it to the oven, uncovered, for another 30 minutes. This final bake allows the glaze to caramelize and create that beautiful, sticky crust we all love. The internal temperature should reach about 140°F when done. Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing – this allows the juices to redistribute. For another show-stopping main dish, try our Easy Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas which uses similar resting techniques.

4. Serving Suggestions

This Glazed Ham with a Twist pairs beautifully with classic sides like roasted potatoes, green bean casserole, or a fresh garden salad. For a festive touch, garnish with pineapple rings or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. The sweet glaze complements savory sides perfectly. If you’re looking for protein pairings, our Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts or Salmon in Coconut Lime Curry make excellent alternative main courses.

5. Storage Tips

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For best results, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap before placing in the container. Reheat slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) with a splash of water or broth to keep them moist. Leftover ham makes excellent sandwiches, omelets, or can be diced for soups and casseroles. For another great leftover idea, try our Keto Ranch Chicken Feast which uses similar storage methods.

6. Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Twist: Add 1 tsp of cayenne pepper or 2 tbsp of sriracha to the glaze for a kick that balances the sweetness.
• Fruity Glaze: Substitute orange juice for apple cider vinegar and add 1 tbsp of orange zest for a bright citrus note.
• Low-Sugar Option: Use sugar-free maple syrup instead of honey and reduce the brown sugar by half.
• Bourbon Glaze: Add 2 tbsp of bourbon to the glaze mixture for a sophisticated depth of flavor.
• Maple Mustard: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweetness profile.

7. Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this recipe lies in the perfect balance of flavors and cooking techniques. The combination of honey’s floral sweetness with Dijon mustard’s tang creates a complex flavor profile that enhances the natural richness of the ham without overpowering it. The ground cloves and cinnamon add warm, aromatic notes that make this dish particularly festive. Baking covered first ensures the ham stays incredibly juicy, while the final uncovered bake delivers that irresistible caramelized crust we all crave. The resting period is crucial – it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. For another recipe that uses similar flavor balancing techniques, check out our Marry Me Chicken Soup.

8. FAQs

Q: Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
A: Absolutely! Spiral-cut hams work beautifully with this recipe. Just reduce the baking time by about 15-20 minutes to prevent drying, and be sure to get glaze between the slices.

Q: Can I make the glaze ahead?
A: Yes, the glaze can be prepared up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and gently reheat it before using. You may need to add a teaspoon of water when reheating if it’s too thick.

Q: What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar?
A: White wine vinegar or even lemon juice can be substituted in equal amounts. Each will slightly alter the flavor profile but still yield delicious results.

Q: Can I cook this in a slow cooker?
A: While oven baking yields the best results, you can adapt this for a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, applying the glaze during the last hour of cooking. For more slow cooker ideas, our Cozy Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff is a reader favorite.

9. Conclusion

This Glazed Ham with a Twist is more than just a recipe – it’s a centerpiece that will create lasting memories around your dinner table. The perfect balance of sweet and savory, with aromatic spices that fill your home with irresistible aromas, makes this dish special enough for holidays but easy enough for Sunday dinners. The caramelized glaze creates a beautiful presentation that’s as impressive to look at as it is delicious to eat. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, this recipe delivers on every level. Try it today and watch it become a new family tradition! 🎉🍽️

Glazed Ham with a Twist

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• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

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Description

This Glazed Ham with a Twist recipe combines the rich, savory flavors of ham with a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, this juicy, flavorful ham is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp ground cloves
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• Whole cloves for studding (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Prepare ham by scoring the surface and studding with whole cloves if desired.
2. Make the glaze by combining brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and cinnamon in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
3. Place ham in roasting pan, brush with half the glaze, cover with foil, and bake for 1.5 hours.
4. Remove foil, brush with remaining glaze, and bake uncovered for 30 minutes until caramelized.
5. Let ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• For a spicy twist, add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• Substitute orange juice for apple cider vinegar for a fruity variation.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat slices with a splash of water to maintain moisture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (4 oz)
• Calories: 280 Kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: glazed ham, holiday ham, honey mustard ham, baked ham recipe, Christmas ham, Easter ham, sweet and savory ham