Honey Baked Ham

Honey Baked Ham is a classic holiday centerpiece that’s juicy, tender, sweet, savory, and coated in a beautifully caramelized honey glaze. This homemade version gives you that irresistible combination of brown sugar, honey, butter, and warm spices without making the recipe complicated.

Whether you’re preparing it for Easter, Christmas, Thanksgiving, a family celebration, or a special Sunday dinner, this Honey Baked Ham recipe is sure to impress. The glaze caramelizes around the edges while the inside stays moist and flavorful.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Baked Ham

Juicy and tender
Sweet and savory flavor
Beautiful caramelized glaze
Easy to prepare
Perfect for holidays and celebrations
Great for leftovers
Can be prepared ahead of time
Delicious served warm or cold

Ingredients

For the Ham

1 fully cooked bone-in spiral-sliced ham, approximately 8–10 pounds
½ cup water or apple juice
2 tablespoons butter, melted

For the Honey Glaze

½ cup honey
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Finishing Sugar Mixture

½ cup granulated sugar
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Pinch of nutmeg

How to Make Honey Baked Ham

Step 1: Prepare the Ham

Remove the ham from its packaging.

If your ham has a plastic bone guard or other packaging material, remove it completely.

Pat the outside dry with paper towels.

Place the ham cut-side down in a large roasting pan.

If your ham is spiral-sliced, you don’t need to make additional cuts.

Step 2: Add Liquid to the Pan

Pour approximately ½ cup water or apple juice into the bottom of the roasting pan.

This helps create moisture while the ham reheats.

Be careful not to pour the liquid directly over the glaze.

Step 3: Cover the Ham

Cover the roasting pan tightly with aluminum foil.

Keeping the ham covered during most of the heating process helps prevent it from drying out.

Step 4: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).

Because the ham is already fully cooked, the goal is primarily to warm it thoroughly while maintaining its moisture.

Step 5: Warm the Ham

Place the covered ham in the oven.

For an 8–10 pound ham, allow approximately 1½–2 hours, depending on its shape and starting temperature.

The exact time can vary, so use an instant-read thermometer.

A fully cooked ham should be reheated to approximately 140°F (60°C) when following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Avoid overcooking because it can make the ham dry.

Step 6: Prepare the Honey Glaze

While the ham is warming, prepare the glaze.

Place the honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a small saucepan.

Heat over medium-low heat.

Stir until the butter melts and the brown sugar dissolves.

Allow the mixture to gently simmer for approximately 2–3 minutes.

Don’t boil it aggressively.

Remove from the heat and set aside.

Step 7: Uncover the Ham

Once the ham is almost fully heated, carefully remove the aluminum foil.

Increase the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

Brush the ham generously with the honey glaze.

Make sure some of the glaze reaches between the slices.

This is where the flavor really develops.

Step 8: Add the Finishing Sugar

If you’re using the optional finishing sugar mixture, combine the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg in a small bowl.

Sprinkle a thin, even layer over the glazed surface of the ham.

The sugar will caramelize under the high heat.

Step 9: Caramelize the Glaze

Return the uncovered ham to the oven.

Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes.

Keep a close eye on it because the sugar can caramelize quickly.

For an extra caramelized exterior, you can briefly use the broiler.

If using the broiler, watch the ham constantly and remove it as soon as the surface becomes golden and caramelized.

Step 10: Rest the Ham

Remove the ham from the oven.

Allow it to rest for approximately 15–20 minutes before serving.

Resting helps the juices redistribute and makes the slices easier to handle.

Step 11: Serve

Transfer the ham to a large serving platter.

Drizzle some of the warm glaze from the roasting pan over the slices.

Serve warm with your favorite holiday side dishes.

Tips for the Best Honey Baked Ham

Use a Fully Cooked Ham

This recipe is designed for a fully cooked ham.

Always check the packaging instructions because heating recommendations can vary between products.

Don’t Overheat It

The biggest mistake when making baked ham is cooking it too long.

You’re reheating an already cooked product, not cooking raw meat from scratch.

Keep It Covered Initially

The foil helps trap moisture and prevents the ham from drying out.

Glaze Near the End

Adding the honey glaze too early can cause the sugars to burn before the ham is warmed through.

Apply most of the glaze during the final stage.

Glaze Between the Slices

If using spiral-sliced ham, gently separate some slices and brush glaze between them.

This gives every bite more flavor.

How to Make the Glaze Extra Caramelized

For a more dramatic caramelized crust, apply the glaze and finishing sugar mixture during the final 10 minutes.

Then briefly place the ham under the broiler.

Keep the oven door slightly open if required by your oven’s broiler instructions.

Watch continuously because sugar can go from beautifully caramelized to burnt very quickly.

Honey Baked Ham Without a Spiral-Sliced Ham

You can use a regular fully cooked bone-in ham.

Score the surface in a diamond pattern using a sharp knife.

Brush the ham with the glaze.

The cuts allow the glaze to penetrate the outer layer and create a beautiful presentation.

Flavor Variations

Maple Honey Ham

Replace half of the honey with pure maple syrup.

The maple flavor pairs beautifully with brown sugar and cinnamon.

Orange Honey Ham

Add 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice and 1 teaspoon orange zest to the glaze.

Pineapple Honey Ham

Add pineapple juice to the roasting pan and serve the finished ham with pineapple slices.

Spicy Honey Ham

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the glaze.

Garlic Honey Ham

Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves to the glaze for a sweet and savory flavor.

What to Serve With Honey Baked Ham

Honey baked ham pairs beautifully with classic comfort-food sides.

Mashed Potatoes

Creamy mashed potatoes are perfect with the sweet glaze.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted carrots, Brussels sprouts, green beans, and sweet potatoes make excellent sides.

Macaroni and Cheese

Rich, creamy mac and cheese is a family favorite alongside ham.

Dinner Rolls

Soft rolls are perfect for soaking up the sweet glaze.

Green Salad

A fresh salad provides a lighter contrast to the rich ham.

Sweet Potato Casserole

The sweet flavors complement the honey glaze beautifully.

How to Store Leftover Ham

Allow leftover ham to cool slightly.

Place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly.

Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.

Properly refrigerated leftovers are generally best consumed within 3–4 days.

How to Reheat Leftover Ham

Place slices in a baking dish.

Add a small splash of water or broth.

Cover with foil.

Warm in a 325°F (165°C) oven until heated through.

You can also reheat individual slices in a skillet over low heat.

Avoid overheating because ham can become dry.

Delicious Ways to Use Leftover Honey Ham

Don’t let those leftovers go to waste.

Ham and Cheese Sandwiches

Layer ham with cheddar or Swiss cheese on toasted bread.

Ham and Eggs

Chop leftover ham and add it to scrambled eggs or an omelet.

Ham Fried Rice

Dice the ham and stir it into fried rice with vegetables and eggs.

Ham and Potato Soup

Use leftover ham to add flavor to a creamy potato soup.

Ham and Cheese Pasta

Add chopped ham to a creamy pasta sauce.

Breakfast Hash

Combine diced ham with potatoes, onions, and peppers.

Can You Freeze Honey Baked Ham?

Yes.

Slice the leftover ham into portions.

Wrap tightly in freezer-safe packaging and place in a freezer bag or container.

Freeze for up to approximately 2 months for the best quality.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use boneless ham?

Yes. Boneless fully cooked ham can be used, although bone-in ham tends to have excellent flavor and makes an impressive presentation.

Should I glaze the ham before or after cooking?

Apply the main glaze toward the end of the reheating process so the sugars can caramelize without burning.

Why is my honey glaze burning?

The sugar may have been exposed to high heat for too long. Apply the glaze near the end and watch carefully during broiling.

Can I prepare the ham ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the glaze in advance and refrigerate it. Warm it gently before brushing it onto the ham.

How do I keep ham from drying out?

Keep it covered while reheating, add a little liquid to the pan, and avoid heating it beyond the recommended internal temperature.

Recipe at a Glance

Recipe: Honey Baked Ham
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Heating Time: 1½–2 hours
Glazing Time: 10–15 minutes
Resting Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 12–16
Course: Main Course
Method: Oven-Baked
Main Ingredients: Fully cooked ham, honey, brown sugar, butter, Dijon mustard