Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Welcome to a classic favorite that never fails to steal the show at any gathering: Glazed Ham with Honey Glaze. This recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, boasting a mouthwatering caramelized crust and succulent slices that will have everyone asking for seconds. Picture a perfectly cooked bone-in ham, generously coated with a luscious glaze made from light brown sugar, honey, tangy Dijon mustard, and a hint of apple juice.

I can still vividly recall the aroma wafting through the kitchen as this glazed ham baked to perfection, evoking memories of cherished family gatherings and festive celebrations. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its delicious simplicity but also in the way each slice is infused with the sweet, sticky essence of the glaze, creating a tantalizing blend of flavors. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a cozy Sunday dinner, this Glazed Ham with Honey Glaze is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.

So, gather your loved ones around the table, carve into this delectable ham, and savor the joy of sharing a meal that brings people together. With its irresistible taste and easy preparation, this recipe is bound to become a staple on your menu, creating lasting memories and leaving everyone clamoring for more. Get ready to elevate your dining experience with this timeless classic that promises to delight taste buds and warm hearts alike.

Quick Benefits

  • Succulent and juicy slices with a sweet caramelized crust make this glazed ham a crowd-pleaser for holiday feasts and casual dinners alike.
  • Versatile ingredients like brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple juice allow for easy customization and adaptation to personal flavor preferences.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for quick and delicious meals long after the main event.
  • The recipe offers tips for variations such as using orange juice and thyme for a spring-inspired glaze or adding fresh fruits like peaches or apricots for a brighter flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Glazed Ham Recipe Recipe

  • Deliciously Sweet and Savory: The combination of brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple juice creates a rich, sweet, and savory flavor profile that is sure to please your taste buds.
  • Crowd Pleaser: Glazed ham is a classic dish that always impresses and gathers a crowd, making it perfect for holiday feasts or special occasions.
  • Juicy and Succulent: The glossy glaze not only adds a beautiful shine but also helps seal in the juices, ensuring each slice is moist and flavorful.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize the glaze by swapping ingredients like honey for maple syrup, Dijon mustard for spicy brown or honey mustard, and apple juice for orange juice for different flavor variations.
  • Make-ahead and Freezer Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to five days or frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient option for meal prep and quick weeknight dinners.
  • Traditional and Festive: Glazed ham is a staple in American holiday celebrations, bringing a sense of tradition and togetherness to the table.
  • Easy to Prepare: With simple steps like scoring the ham, basting every 30 minutes, and baking until glazed and heated through, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof.
  • Unforgettable Flavor: The sticky, caramelized crust and tender slices of ham will leave a lasting impression on your guests, making it a dish they’ll rave about long after the meal is over.

Ingredients for Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Main Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (approximately 8 to 10 pounds)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup honey

Pro Tips for Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

To enhance the flavor of your glazed ham, try scoring the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern. This will allow the glaze to penetrate deeper into the meat, creating a more flavorful result. Remember to baste the ham every 30 minutes during cooking to ensure a thick, beautiful crust. Cover loosely with foil if needed to retain moisture and prevent the glaze from burning.

If you want to switch up the flavors of your glaze, feel free to substitute Dijon mustard with whole grain or yellow mustard for a different taste profile that suits your preference. When baking the ham, aim for 15 minutes per pound at 325°F until thoroughly heated and glazed. Serve your glazed ham with popular sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salads, or fresh fruit to create a balanced and delicious meal that will impress your guests.

How to Make Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

Step 2: Prepare Ham

Place the ham in a large roasting pan and score the surface diagonally to create a diamond pattern.

Step 3: Prepare Glaze

Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple juice in a small mixing bowl and blend until smooth.

Step 4: Glaze Ham

Brush the glaze mixture generously over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to coat the scored areas.

Step 5: Roast Ham

Roast in the center of the oven, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes, until caramelized and fully heated through, about 15 minutes per pound.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with desired accompaniments.

Storage Tips

After serving the Glazed Ham with Honey Glaze, store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Carved ham slices can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to freeze the leftovers, wrap the slices tightly in foil and seal them in a freezer bag. This method keeps the ham moist and tender for up to three months. When reheating, add a splash of water or apple juice and warm the slices gently to prevent them from drying out.

To enhance the flavor of the Glazed Ham with Honey Glaze, consider using alternatives for some ingredients. For instance, you can substitute pure maple syrup for honey, coconut sugar or molasses for brown sugar, and spicy brown or honey mustard for Dijon mustard. Additionally, swapping apple juice for orange juice can provide a different fruit note to the glaze. By customizing the ingredients, you can create variations of the dish suitable for different occasions and preferences.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have honey on hand, you can substitute it with pure maple syrup for a similar sweet flavor profile in the glaze. Additionally, if you run out of Dijon mustard, you can use spicy brown mustard or honey mustard as a replacement for a different taste twist. For a fruitier note, consider swapping the apple juice with orange juice to bring a new dimension to the glaze.

To enhance the spring flavors, try adding a touch of fresh thyme to the glaze and use orange juice instead of apple juice. For a cozy winter twist, consider making a clove-studded ham for added fragrance. If you have summer fruits like peaches or apricots on hand, cook them down and substitute half of the honey with the fruit reduction for a brighter and fruitier glaze. These simple swaps can help tailor the ham to different seasons and flavor preferences.

Serving Suggestions

For a cozy family dinner, serve the glazed ham with honey glaze alongside creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. The sweet and savory flavors complement each other perfectly, creating a comforting meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. If you have any leftovers, consider using them in a hearty omelet or a flavorful casserole for a delicious twist on classic dishes.

To elevate your brunch spread, pair cold slices of the honey-glazed ham with fluffy sweet rolls and a colorful fruit platter. The combination of the sticky-sweet ham, soft bread, and fresh fruit creates a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will make your brunch feel like a special occasion. Don’t forget to save some ham for later use in sandwiches or salads for easy and delicious meals throughout the week.

FAQs for Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Can I substitute Dijon mustard with a different type of mustard?

Yes, you can substitute Dijon with whole grain or yellow mustard for a different flavor profile.

How long should I bake the ham for?

Bake the ham for 15 minutes per pound at 325°F, until thoroughly heated and glazed.

What sides pair well with glazed ham?

Popular sides include roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, salads, or fresh fruit for balance.

Why is it important to score the ham’s surface?

Scoring the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern helps the glaze penetrate and enhances the flavor of the ham.

Conclusion

Congratulations on mastering the art of making Glazed Ham with Honey Glaze! Your kitchen is now a place where memories are made, and loved ones gather around the table to enjoy your delicious creations. Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual Sunday meal, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your guests.

As you continue to hone your cooking skills, don’t be afraid to experiment with different glaze variations and side dishes to make this classic dish your own. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless possibilities, so feel free to get creative and add your personal touch to each meal.

Remember, the joy of cooking lies not only in the process but also in sharing your culinary creations with others. So, gather your friends and family, serve up a beautiful Glazed Ham with Honey Glaze, and savor the moments of togetherness and celebration that food brings. Cheers to many more delicious meals and happy gatherings in your kitchen!

Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Honey Glazed Ham Recipe

Succulent glazed ham with a caramelized honey crust; perfect for festive occasions or an elevated weeknight dinner that will leave everyone craving more.
Prep Time20 min
Cook Time150 min
Total Time170 min
CuisineAmerican
Skill LevelEasy
Servings16 Servings (Serves approximately 16 portions)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup apple juice
  • 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (approximately 8 to 10 pounds)
  • 1 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup honey

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. Prepare Ham: Place the ham in a large roasting pan and score the surface diagonally to create a diamond pattern.
  3. Prepare Glaze: Combine brown sugar, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple juice in a small mixing bowl and blend until smooth.
  4. Glaze Ham: Brush the glaze mixture generously over the entire surface of the ham, making sure to coat the scored areas.
  5. Roast Ham: Roast in the center of the oven, basting with pan juices every 30 minutes, until caramelized and fully heated through, about 15 minutes per pound.
  6. Slice and Serve: Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving with desired accompaniments.