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Easy glazed ham recipe with caramelized brown sugar honey glaze on serving platter

Easy Glazed Ham Recipe

This easy glazed ham recipe creates a stunning holiday centerpiece with a perfect honey brown sugar glaze. The foolproof method delivers restaurant-quality results with tender, juicy ham and beautiful caramelization every time.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 35 minutes
Servings: 14 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 285
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Ham
  • 1 spiral cut ham 8-10 pounds, bone-in preferred
  • 1/2 cup water for the roasting pan
For the Glaze
  • 1 cup brown sugar packed
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Optional Add-ins
  • whole cloves for studding the ham surface
  • orange zest 1 tablespoon for citrus notes
  • bourbon 2 tablespoons for depth of flavor
  • fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Roasting Pan with rack
  • 1 Aluminum Foil heavy-duty
  • 1 Medium saucepan for making glaze
  • 1 Pastry brush for applying glaze
  • 1 Meat Thermometer instant-read preferred

Method
 

Prepare the Ham
  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Remove the ham from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature. Pro tip: Room temperature ham cooks more evenly
  2. Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan with a rack. Add 1/2 cup water to the bottom of the pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil. Pro tip: The water creates steam to keep the ham moist during cooking
Make the Glaze
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Pro tip: Whisk thoroughly to ensure no lumps of brown sugar remain
  2. Cook over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside. Pro tip: The glaze will thicken more as it cools, so don't overcook it
Initial Baking
  1. Bake the covered ham for 15 minutes per pound. For an 8-pound ham, this means 2 hours of initial baking time. Pro tip: Set a timer to avoid overcooking - ham can dry out quickly
  2. Remove the ham from oven and increase temperature to 425°F (218°C). Carefully remove the foil and flip the ham cut-side up. Pro tip: Save the pan juices - they make an excellent base for gravy
Apply the Glaze
  1. Using a pastry brush, generously apply half of the glaze over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to get between the spiral cuts. Pro tip: Work quickly while the ham is hot so the glaze adheres better
  2. Return to the oven uncovered and bake for 10 minutes. Remove and apply the remaining glaze, then bake for another 10-15 minutes until beautifully caramelized. Pro tip: Watch carefully during the final minutes to prevent burning
Rest and Serve
  1. Remove ham when internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C). Tent with foil and let rest for 15 minutes before carving. Pro tip: The temperature will continue to rise slightly during resting
  2. Carve along the spiral cuts and arrange on a serving platter. Drizzle with any remaining pan juices before serving. Pro tip: Use a sharp carving knife for clean slices

Notes

  • Ham will continue cooking during resting time, so don't overcook
  • Save pan drippings to make gravy or glaze vegetables
  • Leftover ham keeps for 5 days refrigerated and makes excellent sandwiches