Honey Glazed Ham

When it comes to creating a show-stopping Thanksgiving Ham or a Holiday Glazed Ham, few recipes compare to the irresistible beauty of a perfectly baked Honey Glazed Ham. With its sweet and sticky coating, smoky depth, and juicy, tender slices, this classic centerpiece is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or planning a smaller sweet & savory dinner, this recipe will help you achieve the perfect balance of flavor and presentation.

Ingredients for Honey Glazed Ham

To prepare the ultimate holiday glazed ham, gather the following ingredients:

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)

• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Honey Glaze

• 1 cup honey

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or orange juice for a citrus twist)

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of salt

Required Kitchen Tools

To make your Thanksgiving ham come out perfectly, these kitchen tools will make the process smoother:

• Large roasting pan with rack

• Aluminum foil

• Sharp carving knife

• Basting brush or spoon

• Small saucepan

• Meat thermometer

• Serving platter

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

1: Prepare the Ham

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

2. Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.

3. If the ham has a thick rind or excess fat, trim it slightly, leaving about ¼ inch of fat for flavor.

4. Score the ham by making shallow diagonal cuts across the surface in a crisscross pattern. This not only makes it look beautiful but also allows the glaze to seep into the meat.

5. If desired, stud the intersections with whole cloves for a traditional holiday look and added aroma.

2: Make the Honey Glaze

1. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, pepper, and a pinch of salt.

2. Simmer over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture thickens slightly (about 5–7 minutes). Stir often to prevent burning.

3: Glaze and Bake

1. Place the ham on a rack inside the roasting pan. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.

2. Bake the ham for about 15–18 minutes per pound, until the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).

3. Every 20–30 minutes, baste the ham generously with the honey glaze. Remove the foil during the last 30–40 minutes of baking to allow the glaze to caramelize beautifully.

4: Rest and Serve

1. Once fully heated and glazed, remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes.

2. Transfer to a serving platter, carve into thin slices, and serve with extra glaze drizzled on top.

Helpful Tips for the Perfect Holiday Glazed Ham

• Choose the right ham: A bone-in ham adds more flavor and moisture compared to boneless options. Spiral-cut hams make carving easier but can sometimes dry out, so be generous with the glaze.

• Don’t skip the scoring: This step helps the glaze penetrate deeper into the meat and gives a professional presentation.

• Customize the glaze: Swap apple cider vinegar for orange juice or pineapple juice for a tropical twist. For a spicier glaze, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes.

• Use a meat thermometer: This ensures your ham is heated through without overcooking.

• Serving ideas: Pair your ham with sides like scalloped potatoes, roasted vegetables, cranberry sauce, or warm dinner rolls for the ultimate sweet & savory dinner experience.

• Leftover ideas: Honey glazed ham makes excellent sandwiches, omelets, soups, and casseroles the next day.

Why This Honey Glazed Ham Is Perfect for the Holidays

When planning your Thanksgiving Ham or any holiday glazed ham, you want something that feels both indulgent and approachable. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between smoky, savory meat and a luscious, sweet coating that caramelizes in the oven. The familiar aroma of cloves, cinnamon, and honey instantly sets the mood for a festive gathering, making every slice a celebration.

Whether it’s the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table, a Christmas feast, or even a special sweet & savory dinner, this Honey Glazed Ham is more than just a dish—it’s a tradition in the making.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a holiday dish that impresses both in taste and presentation, this Honey Glazed Ham is your answer. It’s simple to prepare, deeply flavorful, and guaranteed to make your Thanksgiving ham or holiday glazed ham the star of the evening.

Honey Glazed Ham

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• Author: Emma roze
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 12–14 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients for Honey Glazed Ham

To prepare the ultimate holiday glazed ham, gather the following ingredients:

For the Ham

• 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 pounds)

• Whole cloves (optional, for studding)

For the Honey Glaze

• 1 cup honey

• 1 cup brown sugar (light or dark, depending on preference)

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• ¼ cup Dijon mustard

• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar (or orange juice for a citrus twist)

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of salt

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Required Kitchen Tools

To make your Thanksgiving ham come out perfectly, these kitchen tools will make the process smoother:

• Large roasting pan with rack

• Aluminum foil

• Sharp carving knife

• Basting brush or spoon

• Small saucepan

• Meat thermometer

• Serving platter

Notes

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per 3 oz serving)

• Calories: 220

• Protein: 18g

• Fat: 12g

• Saturated Fat: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Sugars: 9g

• Sodium: 880mg

Note: Nutritional values will vary based on ham size, glaze thickness, and serving portions.