Name: Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 2 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 fully cooked bone-in ham approximately 8–10 lbs; 1 cup honey; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon ground cloves; ¼ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed or store-bought; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

If you're craving a delicious, comforting centerpiece for your next holiday or family dinner, this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe is a perfect pick. It's that beautiful combination of sweet honey glaze with a hint of warmth from cloves, all coating a tender, juicy ham that's easy to prepare and impressively satisfying. Whether it's Christmas, Easter, or just a weekend where you feel like making something special, you'll love how this recipe fills your kitchen with toasty aromas and delightful flavors.

A shiny glazed ham with a deep reddish-brown caramelized crust sits on a white oval plate. The ham is scored in a diamond pattern, with small dark cloves placed at each intersection, giving the surface texture and contrast. Two thick slices have been cut from one end, showing the smooth, pale pink inside meat with a slight fat edge. A sprig of fresh green rosemary lies beside the ham on the plate. The setting includes blurred pine branches and a pine cone on a white marbled texture surface. The lighting highlights the glossy glaze and juicy texture of the ham, making it look rich and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Honey Glazed Ham, Honey Glazed Ham recipe, holiday ham recipes, easy ham glaze, festive main course

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
Ingredient Game Plan
How to Cook Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
Pro Moves I Swear By
Serve It Up
Make-Ahead & Storage
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Complete Recipe

🍳

Why This Recipe Works

This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe hits the sweet spot between simplicity and impressive flavor. From experience, I find that the glaze's texture and balance are key to elevating a pre-cooked ham into something special, not just reheated meat. You'll notice how the slow baking melts the glaze into the fat, creating an irresistible caramelized crust while keeping the inside moist and tender.

Consistent Texture: Scoring the ham ensures the glaze seeps in beautifully without drying out the meat.
Deep, Balanced Flavor: The mix of honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves layers sweetness with warmth and a little tang.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your pantry, making it very approachable for any skill level.
Fast Prep, Big Payoff: It takes less than 15 minutes to prep, and the oven does most of the work while you focus on your sides.

Ingredient Game Plan

A white oval plate holds a shiny glazed ham with a diamond-shaped pattern on top made by shallow cuts, each diamond marked with a clove; the ham has a rich golden-brown crust and a smooth pink inside. Two slices are placed in front of the main ham piece, showing the tender pink meat with a slightly darker brown edge. Green rosemary sprigs are arranged beside the ham on the plate. The plate is set on a dark wood surface with pinecones and green pine branches around it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 — Honey Glazed Ham, Honey Glazed Ham recipe, holiday ham recipes, easy ham glaze, festive main course

Choosing the right ham and fresh ingredients can make all the difference in executing this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe. I always go for a fully cooked bone-in ham-it has more flavor and stays juicier through baking compared to boneless varieties.

Bone-in Ham: Look for an 8-10 lb fully cooked ham with the bone included for richer flavor and even cooking.
Honey: Use a mild, runny honey so it blends smoothly with the glaze without overpowering the other flavors.
Brown Sugar: Opt for light brown sugar to add gentle molasses notes and help caramelize the glaze beautifully.
Fresh Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed gives that bright citrus lift; bottled works fine if fresh isn't available.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that balances the sweetness of honey and sugar.
Ground Cloves: Just a pinch to add warmth-too much can be overpowering, so measure carefully.
Unsalted Butter: Helps add silkiness and richness to the glaze without extra saltiness.

Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.

How to Cook Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1 - Prep & Season

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham on a roasting rack inside a baking dish to ensure even heat circulation. Now, take your sharp knife and score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern by making shallow cuts about ¼ inch deep-not too deep to cut into the meat, but enough to penetrate the fat. This is my favorite trick because it lets the glaze seep in and gives your ham those attractive caramelized edges that always impress guests. Wrap loosely with foil to keep the ham moist as it begins to warm through.

Step 2 - Build Flavor

While the oven warms up, it's your chance to whip up the luscious honey glaze. Combine honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, orange juice, and unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens just slightly and the sugar dissolves fully. You'll notice the aroma shifts to something sweet and warmly spiced-that's the magic happening. Taste your glaze and adjust if needed: add more mustard if you want extra tang, or a tiny pinch more cloves for a deeper spice note. Keep this glaze warm and ready for basting.

Step 3 - Finish for Best Texture

Place the ham in the oven uncovered and bake for about 1.5 hours total. Every 20 minutes, baste generously with your honey glaze-this step is where the sticky, golden crust builds up. For the final 30 minutes, remove the foil to let the glaze caramelize and form that tempting, glossy shell. Use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C)-this ensures your ham is warmed through without drying. Taking out the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute so each slice stays juicy and tender.

📎

Pro Moves I Swear By

Over the years, I've learned a few tricks to get the most out of this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe. These tips help keep the ham juicy and the glaze perfectly sticky every time.

Doneness Cue: Aim for an internal temperature of 140°F-too high and the ham gets dry, lower and it won't be warm enough.
Temperature Trick: Keep your oven steady at 325°F to allow gentle cooking without rushing the glaze caramelization.
Make-Ahead Move: You can prep the glaze a day ahead and gently warm it before baking to save yourself time.
Skip This Pitfall: Don't baste right before pulling the ham out; let the glaze set while resting for a shiny finish.

Serve It Up

Honey Glazed Ham Recipe - Recipe Image — Honey Glazed Ham, Honey Glazed Ham recipe, holiday ham recipes, easy ham glaze, festive main course

Finishing Touches

For the final presentation, I love serving this ham with an extra drizzle of the warm honey glaze on the side-just in case your guests want a little extra sweet stickiness. The amber sheen on the surface of each slice makes it look as good as it tastes. Adding a few sprigs of fresh herbs, like rosemary or thyme, brings a subtle hint of freshness that complements the clove's warmth beautifully.

Great Pairings

To balance the richness of the ham and its glaze, I recommend classic sides like rosemary roasted potatoes, honey-glazed carrots, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. Applesauce or a tangy cranberry relish adds a bright contrast to the sweet, luscious ham that your family will enjoy.

Easy Plating Wins

For weeknight dinners, just sliced ham on a platter with a simple garnish of fresh herbs and your favorite sides is warm and inviting. But for special occasions, layer slices on a decorative tray, interspersed with orange slices and a sprinkle of toasted pecans or pine nuts for crunch. It really elevates the look without much extra effort.

Make-Ahead & Storage

Storing Leftovers

Use an airtight container or wrap leftover ham tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to keep it fresh. You'll want to refrigerate the leftovers and enjoy them within 3 to 5 days. You might notice the glaze firms up a bit in the fridge-just warm gently to bring back that silky, sticky texture.

Freezer Notes

This honey glazed ham freezes well if wrapped securely in heavy-duty foil and a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. For best quality, consume within 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat in the oven to keep it moist and flavorful.

Reheating Honey Glazed Ham Recipe Without Drying Out

The trick to reheating slices without drying is low and slow. In the oven, cover slices with foil and heat at 275°F until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. For microwave reheating, cover with a damp paper towel to lock in moisture. Air fryer fans should reduce temperature and time slightly to avoid overcooking. Always reheat with a bit of reserved glaze or a splash of orange juice to revive that glossy finish and silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a boneless ham for this Honey Glazed Ham Recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless ham, but I recommend bone-in because it retains moisture better and adds more flavor during baking. If choosing boneless, watch cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.

How do I prevent the glaze from burning?

Keep the oven at a moderate temperature (325°F) and baste frequently to keep the glaze moist. Removing the foil only during the last 30 minutes helps avoid burning while still allowing caramelization.

Can I make the glaze in advance?

Absolutely! The glaze can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Warm it gently before using to restore its lovely silky texture.

What's the best way to carve the ham?

Carve against the grain in thin slices for the most tender bites. Let the ham rest before slicing to keep it juicy and easier to cut cleanly.

Final Thoughts

Complete Recipe