Glazed Honey Baked Ham

Introduction

Few dishes evoke the warmth and joy of a family gathering quite like a perfectly cooked honey baked ham.

With its caramelized glaze, tender slices, and rich flavor, this centerpiece dish is a favorite for holidays, special occasions, or any time you want to treat your loved ones to a memorable meal.

The image showcases the beautifully charred edges and succulent layers of a ham that’s both visually stunning and incredibly delicious.

This recipe ensures your honey baked ham will be the star of the table.

Ingredients

For the Ham:

1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–10 pounds)

1/2 cup (120ml) water or chicken broth (for the roasting pan)

For the Glaze:

1/2 cup (120ml) honey

1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar

1/4 cup (60ml) Dijon mustard

1/4 cup (60ml) orange juice (or pineapple juice)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Ham

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place a rack in the lower third of the oven.

Prepare the Ham: Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. If the ham has a plastic disk covering the bone, remove it. Place the ham flat side down in a roasting pan.

Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, score the ham in a crisscross pattern, creating a diamond design on the surface. This allows the glaze to seep into the meat, enhancing the flavor.

Add Liquid: Pour 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth into the bottom of the roasting pan to keep the ham moist while cooking.

Making the Glaze

Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and orange zest. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.

Roasting the Ham

Apply the Glaze: Brush a generous layer of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham.

Cover and Roast: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Roast for 10–12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

Baste the Ham: Every 30 minutes, remove the foil and baste the ham with more glaze to ensure it stays moist and flavorful.

Caramelize the Glaze: In the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush on a final layer of glaze. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C) to caramelize the glaze. Watch carefully to prevent burning.

Serving

Rest the Ham: Once cooked, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.

Slice and Serve: Slice the ham thinly and serve with the pan drippings or extra glaze on the side.

Tips for Success

For added flavor, insert whole cloves into the scored pattern before glazing.

Use the leftovers to make sandwiches, soups, or casseroles for the following days.

If you prefer a smokier flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the glaze.

Conclusion

A glazed honey baked ham is the ultimate showstopper, bringing people together with its rich flavor and enticing aroma.

The sweet and tangy glaze complements the savory ham perfectly, creating a dish that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Whether it’s the centerpiece for a holiday feast or a special dinner, this recipe guarantees a ham that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Give it a try, and enjoy the smiles around the table!