Create a Showstopping Centerpiece with This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe
When it comes to holiday traditions, nothing brings family and friends together like the sight and aroma of a glistening, succulent ham at the center of the table. This honey glazed ham recipe is designed to take the stress out of holiday hosting while delivering a masterpiece that looks as beautiful as it tastes. By using the natural, floral sweetness of American Harvest Honey, you can achieve that iconic sticky, caramelized crust that everyone carves out first. Whether it is Christmas, Thanksgiving, or a festive Sunday brunch, this recipe ensures your main course is the highlight of the celebration.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You will love this recipe because it balances the salty richness of the ham with the delicate, golden sweetness of American Harvest Honey for a perfectly rounded flavor profile. It is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal active prep time so you can spend more moments with your guests instead of being stuck in the kitchen. Additionally, this method ensures the meat stays moist and tender, providing a nutritious and protein-packed meal that satisfies even the heartiest appetites.
Ingredients
- 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral sliced ham (approx. 8-10 lbs)
- 1 cup American Harvest Honey
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice or apple cider (optional, for the pan)
- Whole cloves for studding (optional)
Instructions
To begin your honey glazed ham recipe, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Remove the ham from its packaging and discard the plastic disk covering the bone if present. Place the ham cut-side down in a heavy-duty roasting pan. If you prefer extra aromatics, you can lightly score the top of the ham in a diamond pattern and stud the intersections with whole cloves. Pour the pineapple juice or apple cider into the bottom of the pan to provide moisture, then cover the entire pan tightly with aluminum foil to prevent the meat from drying out during the initial bake.
Place the roasting pan in the oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes per pound. While the ham is heating through, prepare your signature glaze in a small saucepan over medium heat. Combine the American Harvest Honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Whisk the mixture constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved and the glaze begins to simmer and slightly thicken. Once the glaze is smooth and fragrant, remove it from the heat and set it aside.
About 30 minutes before the ham is finished cooking, carefully remove it from the oven and discard the foil. Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Using a pastry brush, generously coat the entire surface of the ham with about half of the prepared honey glaze, making sure to let it drip down between the spiral slices. Return the ham to the oven uncovered for 15 minutes. Remove it once more, apply the remaining glaze, and bake for a final 10-15 minutes until the edges are beautifully caramelized and the glaze is bubbling and dark golden brown. Let the ham rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Holiday Ham
- Add a Zesty Kick: For a brighter flavor profile, whisk in a tablespoon of fresh orange zest and a splash of orange juice into your glaze mixture.
- Leftover Magic: Don't let the bone go to waste; use it to flavor a hearty split pea soup or a slow-cooked bean stew the next day.
- Control the Texture: If you prefer a crunchier, more "burnt sugar" crust, you can sprinkle a little extra brown sugar over the final layer of glaze before the last 10 minutes of baking.
Ready to make your holiday meal truly unforgettable? Shop American Harvest Honey today to get the essential ingredient for the perfect golden glaze: https://americanharvestfoods.co/shop/honey