This Honey Brown Sugar Glazed Ham is the ultimate show-stopping centerpiece for holidays, family gatherings, or Sunday dinners. With its glossy caramelized glaze, crispy edges, and juicy, tender interior, this ham is both stunning and incredibly flavorful.
The sweet and savory glaze made with brown sugar, honey, and warm spices creates that irresistible sticky coating everyone loves.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for holidays like Easter, Thanksgiving, or Christmas
- Beautiful caramelized glaze
- Juicy, tender, and packed with flavor
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
- Great leftovers for sandwiches and soups
Ingredients
For the Ham:
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–9 pounds)
- 2–3 fresh rosemary sprigs (optional, for garnish)
For the Honey Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons butter
Optional: ¼ cup orange juice for a citrus twist
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the ham from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels.
If it’s not already scored, use a sharp knife to score the surface in a diamond pattern, about ¼-inch deep. This allows the glaze to penetrate and creates that classic look.
Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan lined with foil.
2. Make the Glaze
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine:
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Apple cider vinegar
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Black pepper
- Butter
Stir continuously until the butter melts and the glaze becomes smooth and slightly thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
If using orange juice, add it now and simmer for another minute.
Remove from heat.
3. Bake the Ham
Cover the ham loosely with foil and bake for about 15 minutes per pound.
Example:
An 8-pound ham will bake for about 2 hours.
The ham is already cooked — you’re just heating it through. Internal temperature should reach 140°F (60°C).
4. Glaze & Caramelize
About 30–40 minutes before the ham is done:
- Remove the foil.
- Brush a generous layer of glaze over the ham.
- Return it to the oven uncovered.
Brush with more glaze every 10–15 minutes to build up a thick, sticky coating.
For extra caramelization, switch to broil for the last 3–5 minutes — but watch carefully to prevent burning.
5. Rest & Serve
Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs if desired.
Slice and spoon extra pan juices over the top for maximum flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Glazed Ham
- Don’t skip scoring — it helps flavor soak in.
- Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- If the glaze thickens too much, add a tablespoon of water.
- Line your pan with foil for easy cleanup.
- Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Flavor Variations
- Maple Glaze: Replace honey with pure maple syrup.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Pineapple Style: Add crushed pineapple to the glaze.
- Bourbon Glaze: Add 2 tablespoons bourbon for depth.
What to Serve With Honey Glazed Ham
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Scalloped potatoes
- Dinner rolls
- Mac and cheese
- Fresh green salad
Storage & Leftovers
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Ham freezes well for up to 2 months.
Leftover ideas:
- Ham sandwiches
- Ham and cheese sliders
- Split pea soup
- Breakfast omelets
- Pasta dishes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a spiral-cut ham?
Yes! Spiral-cut hams work beautifully and absorb glaze well. Just be gentle when brushing so slices don’t separate.
Do I need to baste it?
Yes — basting builds that glossy, caramelized crust.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store it in the fridge and gently reheat before using.