Best Homemade Glazed Ham: A Juicy, Sweet, and Irresistible Feast 🍖🍯✨

1. Introduction

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly glazed ham to elevate your holiday or special occasion meal. This best glazed ham recipe delivers a succulent, flavorful centerpiece with a caramelized, sweet-tangy crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply craving a comforting homemade dish, this recipe guarantees a show-stopping result that’s perfect for dinner parties or holiday brunches.

2. Ingredients

To make the best glazed ham, you’ll need these simple ingredients that create magic together:

• 1 (8-10 lb) fully cooked bone-in ham (spiral cut works great too)
• 1 cup packed brown sugar (dark or light both work)
• ½ cup high-quality honey (local honey adds wonderful flavor)
• ¼ cup Dijon mustard (or whole grain mustard for texture)
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (balances the sweetness perfectly)
• 1 tsp ground cloves (the secret to that classic holiday aroma)
• 1 tsp cinnamon (adds warmth to the glaze)
• ½ tsp freshly grated nutmeg (makes a difference vs pre-ground)
• 1 large orange (juiced and zested – don’t skip the zest!)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional but beautiful)

If you love this combination of flavors, you might also enjoy our Keto Ranch Chicken Feast which uses similar herbs and spices.

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 sturdy cutting board. 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. If your ham has a fat cap, leave about 1/4 inch of fat to keep the meat moist during cooking.

Step 2: Make the Glaze

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange juice plus zest. Whisk constantly as it simmers for 5-7 minutes until thickened to a syrup-like consistency. The glaze should coat the back of a spoon. For more glaze inspiration, check out this brown sugar ham glaze variation from our friends at The Kitchn.

Step 3: Apply the Glaze

Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan (a rack helps but isn’t essential). Using a basting brush, apply half of the warm glaze generously over the surface, making sure to get into all the scored crevices. Cover loosely with aluminum foil (shiny side out) and bake for 1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes with pan juices. This slow cooking method ensures the ham stays incredibly juicy while absorbing all those wonderful flavors.

Step 4: Finish Baking

Remove the foil carefully (steam will escape!), apply the remaining glaze generously, and increase the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until the glaze is beautifully caramelized and bubbly. Watch closely during these final minutes to prevent burning – every oven varies. The internal temperature should reach 140°F when checked with a meat thermometer.

4. Serving Suggestions

Let the ham rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing – this allows the juices to redistribute. Serve with classic side dishes like roasted root vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For an elegant presentation, garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs, orange slices, and perhaps some whole cloves studded into the ham’s surface. The leftover ham makes incredible sandwiches, or try it in our Ultimate Seafood Lasagna for a surf-and-turf twist!

5. Storage Tips

Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap then foil before freezing for up to 3 months – perfect for adding to Cozy Crockpot Chicken Stroganoff or our Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken for extra flavor. The bone makes fantastic soup stock – don’t throw it away!

6. Variations

Try these delicious twists on the best glazed ham recipe to suit different tastes and occasions:

• Spicy Version: Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper or 2 tbsp bourbon to the glaze for adults
• Tropical Twist: Top with pineapple rings and maraschino cherries before baking
• Maple-Bourbon: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup and add 2 tbsp bourbon
• Herb-Infused: Add 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary or thyme to the glaze
• Citrus Burst: Use a mix of orange, lemon, and lime zest in the glaze

7. Why This Recipe Works

The magic of this best glazed ham recipe lies in the perfect balance of flavors and cooking technique. The brown sugar provides deep caramel notes, while honey adds floral sweetness that complements the salty ham. Dijon mustard isn’t just for tang – it contains enzymes that help tenderize the meat. The combination of warming spices (cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg) creates that nostalgic holiday aroma we all love. Slow baking at lower temperature first ensures the ham heats through evenly without drying out, while the final high-heat blast creates that irresistible sticky, caramelized crust. It’s the same principle we use in our Classic Glazed Ham but with an extra flavor boost!

8. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a boneless ham for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Boneless hams work well but will cook faster – reduce initial cooking time by about 30 minutes and check internal temperature earlier. The glaze application remains the same.

Q: My glaze isn’t thickening – what did I do wrong?
A: If your glaze isn’t thickening, you may have had the heat too low. Simmer uncovered while stirring frequently – the sugars need to concentrate. If really stuck, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp cold water and whisk into the simmering glaze.

Q: Can I prepare this ham in advance?
A: Yes! You can glaze and bake the ham completely 1-2 days ahead. Cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Reheat covered at 300°F for about 45 minutes or until warmed through. The glaze actually becomes more flavorful!

Q: What’s the difference between this and your Easy Glazed Ham recipe?
A: This version uses more spices and fresh orange for deeper flavor, while the easy version is simplified with fewer ingredients. Both are delicious – choose based on your time and ingredient availability!

9. Conclusion

This best glazed ham recipe is more than just a meal – it’s a centerpiece that creates lasting memories. The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors with that perfect caramelized crust makes it irresistible. Whether it’s Christmas, Easter, or just a special Sunday dinner, this ham will have your guests raving. The leftovers (if you have any!) are incredibly versatile too. We’d love to hear how your ham turns out – share your photos and variations in the comments below. For more showstopping main dishes, explore our baking recipes collection. Happy cooking and even happier eating! 🎉🍽️

Best Homemade Glazed Ham

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• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

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Description

This Best Homemade Glazed Ham recipe delivers a succulent, flavorful centerpiece with a caramelized, sweet-tangy crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Perfect for holidays or special occasions, it’s juicy, irresistible, and easy to make with simple ingredients.

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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
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• 1 orange (juiced and zested)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Score ham surface in a diamond pattern.
2. Make glaze by simmering brown sugar, honey, mustard, vinegar, spices, and orange juice for 5-7 minutes.
3. Brush half the glaze on ham, cover with foil, and bake for 1.5 hours, basting every 30 minutes.
4. Remove foil, apply remaining glaze, increase oven to 375°F (190°C), and bake 15-20 minutes until caramelized.
5. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for 3 months.
• For a spicy twist, add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the glaze.
• Boneless ham works but requires less cooking time.
• Make glaze ahead and store in fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (4 oz)
• Calories: 320 Kcal
• Sugar: 18g
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: best glazed ham, homemade ham recipe, holiday ham, easy ham glaze, baked ham, Christmas ham, Easter ham, sweet and tangy ham