Honey Glazed Ham: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Any Occasion

There’s something undeniably special about a honey-glazed ham. The glistening, mahogany-colored exterior, the sweet and savory aroma that fills the kitchen, and the tender, juicy meat – it’s a centerpiece that commands attention and elevates any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday feast, a Sunday supper, or a special celebration, a honey-glazed ham is a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to prepare.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating the perfect honey-glazed ham, from selecting the right ham to mastering the glaze and ensuring a moist and flavorful result. We’ll cover different types of ham, essential equipment, detailed instructions, helpful tips, variations, and even serving suggestions. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a show-stopping ham that’s as delicious as it is beautiful.

## What You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment. Having everything ready beforehand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

### Ingredients:

* **Ham:** The star of the show! We’ll discuss the different types of ham in more detail below, but for this recipe, a fully cooked, bone-in ham (shank or butt portion) is recommended. Aim for a ham that’s between 8-12 pounds.
* **Honey:** The key ingredient for our glaze, honey adds sweetness, moisture, and a beautiful shine to the ham. Choose a good quality honey with a flavor you enjoy. Clover, wildflower, or orange blossom honey are all excellent choices.
* **Dijon Mustard:** Dijon mustard provides a tangy and savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey. Its sharp flavor balances the glaze perfectly.
* **Brown Sugar:** Brown sugar adds depth of flavor and helps create a rich, caramelized glaze. Light or dark brown sugar can be used, depending on your preference.
* **Apple Cider Vinegar:** A touch of acidity from apple cider vinegar helps balance the sweetness and adds complexity to the glaze.
* **Spices (Optional):** A pinch of ground cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg can add a warm and aromatic touch to the glaze. Use sparingly, as they can easily overpower the other flavors.
* **Pineapple Juice (Optional):** Pineapple juice adds sweetness, acidity, and a tropical flavor to the glaze. It also helps tenderize the ham.
* **Whole Cloves (Optional):** Studding the ham with whole cloves adds a festive touch and infuses the meat with a subtle, aromatic flavor.

### Equipment:

* **Roasting Pan:** A large roasting pan with a rack is essential for cooking the ham. The rack allows air to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking.
* **Basting Brush:** A good quality basting brush is necessary for applying the glaze to the ham. Choose a brush with natural bristles or silicone bristles.
* **Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring that the ham is cooked to the proper temperature. An instant-read thermometer is the most convenient.
* **Sharp Knife:** A sharp carving knife is essential for slicing the ham after it’s cooked.
* **Aluminum Foil:** Aluminum foil is used to cover the ham during the initial baking period to prevent it from drying out.
* **Small Saucepan:** A small saucepan is needed to prepare the honey glaze.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate measurement of ingredients.

## Choosing the Right Ham

The type of ham you choose will significantly impact the final result. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of ham available:

* **Fully Cooked Ham:** This is the most common type of ham and is readily available at most grocery stores. Fully cooked hams have already been cooked to a safe internal temperature and only need to be reheated. They are a convenient option for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
* **Spiral-Cut Ham:** Spiral-cut hams are fully cooked hams that have been pre-sliced in a spiral pattern. This makes them incredibly easy to carve and serve. However, they can dry out more quickly than whole hams, so it’s important to baste them frequently.
* **Bone-In Ham:** Bone-in hams have more flavor and moisture than boneless hams. The bone also helps to keep the ham from drying out during cooking. They are a good choice for those who want a more flavorful and traditional ham.
* **Boneless Ham:** Boneless hams are convenient and easy to slice. They are a good choice for sandwiches or for those who don’t want to deal with a bone.
* **Fresh Ham:** Fresh ham is an uncured ham that needs to be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). It has a different flavor and texture than cured ham and is not as commonly available.

For this honey-glazed ham recipe, we recommend using a fully cooked, bone-in ham (shank or butt portion) that’s between 8-12 pounds. The bone-in ham will provide more flavor and moisture, while the fully cooked nature ensures that it’s easy to prepare.

## Preparing the Honey Glaze

The honey glaze is what makes this ham so special. It’s a simple mixture of sweet and savory ingredients that creates a beautiful and flavorful crust.

Here’s how to prepare the honey glaze:

1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a small saucepan, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, and apple cider vinegar. If using, add a pinch of ground cloves, cinnamon, or nutmeg, and/or pineapple juice.
2. **Heat and Simmer:** Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir constantly until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
3. **Reduce Slightly:** Reduce the heat to low and simmer the glaze for 5-10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. Be careful not to burn the glaze.
4. **Remove from Heat:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the glaze aside to cool slightly.

## Cooking the Honey Glazed Ham

Now that we’ve prepared the glaze, it’s time to cook the ham.

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. **Prepare the Ham:** Remove the ham from its packaging and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. If using, score the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. This will help the glaze adhere to the ham and create a more beautiful presentation. If desired, stud the ham with whole cloves at the points of the diamond pattern.
3. **Place in Roasting Pan:** Place the ham in a large roasting pan with a rack. The rack will allow air to circulate around the ham, ensuring even cooking.
4. **Cover with Foil:** Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil. This will prevent it from drying out during the initial baking period.
5. **Bake:** Bake the ham for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the ham, avoiding the bone.
6. **Glaze the Ham:** Remove the ham from the oven and remove the aluminum foil. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
7. **Baste:** Generously brush the ham with the honey glaze. Be sure to coat the entire surface of the ham.
8. **Bake Again:** Return the ham to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Baste the ham with the glaze every 5-7 minutes to ensure even coverage.
9. **Rest:** Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the ham, resulting in a more moist and flavorful result.

## Tips for a Perfect Honey Glazed Ham

* **Don’t Overcook:** Overcooking the ham will result in a dry and tough product. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the ham is cooked to the proper temperature.
* **Baste Frequently:** Basting the ham frequently with the honey glaze will help to keep it moist and create a beautiful, caramelized crust.
* **Let it Rest:** Letting the ham rest before carving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful result.
* **Use a Good Quality Ham:** The quality of the ham will significantly impact the final result. Choose a ham that is well-marbled and has a good flavor.
* **Adjust the Glaze to Your Taste:** Feel free to adjust the ingredients in the honey glaze to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add more honey or brown sugar. If you prefer a more savory glaze, add more Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar.
* **Use a Sharp Knife:** A sharp carving knife will make it easier to slice the ham and create even slices.

## Variations

Here are a few variations on the honey-glazed ham recipe:

* **Maple-Glazed Ham:** Substitute maple syrup for the honey in the glaze. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Brown Sugar-Glazed Ham:** Omit the honey and use brown sugar as the primary sweetener in the glaze. Add a splash of bourbon for a boozy twist.
* **Pineapple-Glazed Ham:** Use pineapple juice in the glaze and garnish the ham with pineapple rings before baking.
* **Spiced Ham:** Add a variety of spices to the glaze, such as ground ginger, allspice, and cardamom.
* **Cranberry-Glazed Ham:** Add cranberry sauce to the glaze for a festive and colorful twist.

## Serving Suggestions

Honey-glazed ham is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic accompaniment to ham.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potatoes, are a healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Green Bean Casserole:** Green bean casserole is a traditional holiday side dish that pairs well with ham.
* **Mac and Cheese:** Mac and cheese is a comforting and crowd-pleasing side dish.
* **Salad:** A fresh salad can provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the ham.
* **Rolls:** Warm rolls are perfect for soaking up the delicious honey glaze.

## Storing Leftovers

Leftover honey-glazed ham can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap the ham tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze leftover ham for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the ham in the refrigerator before reheating.

## Reheating Leftovers

There are several ways to reheat leftover honey-glazed ham:

* **Oven:** Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Place the ham in a baking dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes per pound, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Place the ham on a microwave-safe plate and cover it with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes per slice, or until heated through.
* **Skillet:** Slice the ham and sauté it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

## Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Here is a printable version of the honey-glazed ham recipe:

**Yields:** 12-16 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 2-3 hours

**Ingredients:**

* 8-12 pound fully cooked, bone-in ham (shank or butt portion)
* 1 cup honey
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
* 1/4 cup brown sugar
* 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
* 1/4 cup pineapple juice (optional)
* Whole cloves (optional)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. Remove ham from packaging and rinse under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. Score the ham in a diamond pattern with a sharp knife. Stud with whole cloves, if desired.
3. Place ham in a large roasting pan with a rack.
4. Cover the ham tightly with aluminum foil.
5. Bake for 10-12 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
6. While the ham is baking, prepare the honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves (if using), ground cinnamon (if using), and pineapple juice (if using). Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the brown sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth.
7. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
8. Remove ham from oven and remove the aluminum foil. Increase the oven temperature to 425°F (220°C).
9. Generously brush the ham with the honey glaze.
10. Return the ham to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Baste the ham with the glaze every 5-7 minutes.
11. Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
12. Carve and serve.

## Conclusion

Honey-glazed ham is a classic dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its sweet and savory flavor and beautiful presentation, it’s sure to impress your family and friends. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, follow these instructions, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and unforgettable honey-glazed ham!