Honey Baked Ham

This Honey Baked Ham combines succulent spiral-sliced ham with a rich glaze of honey, Dijon mustard and butter. It’s easy to make and perfect for Christmas, Easter or any holiday gatherings!

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Updated December 2023

Perfectly Glazed Honey Baked Ham: A Mouthwatering Dish for Any Occasion

Craving a show-stopping centerpiece for your holiday table or a special family dinner? This Honey Baked Ham recipe is a crowd-pleaser, combining succulent spiral-sliced ham with a delectable honey glaze.

Making a spiral baked ham for your Christmas or Easter table is easier than you think and doesn’t have to be something you slave over all day. All it takes is just a few minutes of prep and you end up with a juicy and tender ham that your friends and family will love! Want to free up your oven? Try making this Instant Pot Ham or Slow Cooker Ham to guarantee that there’ll be no more dry ham on the center of the table.Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or simply treating your loved ones to a special meal, this recipe is sure to impress.

Why you’ll love this easy ham recipe

• easy to make
• simple to customize with a 4 ingredient glaze
• paleo and low carb with only 3 total carbs per serving
• for diabetic guests or a sugar free ham – try this keto ham or swap out the honey for golden monk fruit sweetener

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• Spiral sliced ham: The star of the show, providing a juicy and flavorful base for our honey glaze.
• Unsalted grass-fed butter, ghee, or vegan butter: Adds richness and depth to the glaze, ensuring a mouthwatering taste.
• Dijon mustard: Infuses a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of the honey and complementing the ham’s savory profile.
• Honey (or preferred sweetener): Creates a luscious glaze that caramelizes beautifully, adding a delightful sweetness to each bite. (Feel free to use maple syrup for a Maple Mustard Ham. For a lower sugar / keto-friendly option, opt for Lakanto Sugar Free Maple Syrup, Allulose, Monk Fruit Sweetener or preferred sugar-free sweetener. Leave the sugar and sweetener out completely for a Whole30 Holiday Ham)
• Garlic: Elevates the flavor profile with its aromatic and savory notes.

Instructions: How to make Honey Baked Ham

Most spiral hams are cooked already, so all we need to do is to heat and serve! It’s the best part about this recipe. Less time in the kitchen and more time spent with my family.

How to cook Ham in the Oven:

• Make the glaze: Start by combining the butter and honey in a small sauce pan or microwave-safe bowl and heat until melted and combined. Stir in Dijon Mustard and minced garlic until combined.
• Brush glaze on ham: Place the ham on a large pan, with the cut side down. Brush the ham with the glaze covering all areas.
• Bake ham: Tent ham loosely with tin foil and place into oven.
  • For an 8 lb ham, cook for approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. (about 15 minutes per pound), or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. For a caramelized coating, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until desired doneness.
• Slice and serve: Remove from oven and transfer onto a cutting board.
  • Slice ham and serve with any leftover glaze.

How long to cook

This depends on the size of your ham and oven. We set ours at 325 F and it takes just under 2 hours for an 8 lb spiral-cut ham.

It takes approximately 15 minutes per pound. If you are using a larger 10 lb bone-in thigh ham, it will take much longer.

Tips for Success:

• Choose Quality Ingredients: Opt for a high-quality ham, and use grass-fed butter or a suitable alternative for the best flavor.
• Even Glaze Application: Ensure the glaze covers the entire ham evenly for a balanced taste in every slice.
• Temperature Accuracy: Use a reliable meat thermometer to achieve the perfect internal temperature of 140 degrees F for optimal juiciness.
• Broiler Caramelization: For a caramelized coating, briefly broil the ham after baking for an irresistible finish.
• Glaze Repurposing: Serve any leftover glaze on the side for those who enjoy an extra burst of flavor.
• Slice Thickness: Adjust slice thickness to personal preference, ensuring each serving meets your desired taste and texture.
• Basting Technique: Baste the ham with the glaze every 30 minutes during baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Ensure the ham reaches an internal temperature of 140 degrees F for optimal juiciness.
• Rest Before Slicing: Allow the ham to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.

Serving Suggestions:

• Holiday Feast: Perfect for festive occasions, this honey baked ham is a centerpiece that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Sandwiches and Wraps: Use leftover ham in sandwiches or wraps for a delicious lunch option.
• Charcuterie Board: Thinly sliced ham makes a delightful addition to a charcuterie board paired with cheeses and crackers.
• • Low Carb Roasted Brussels Sprouts Recipe
  • Lemon Parmesan Roasted Asparagus
  • Broccoli Pasta Salad
  • Honey Roasted Carrots with HerbsSide Dishes: Serve your Easter Ham with these side dishes for the ultimate feast.

What to do with Leftover Ham

• Easy Ham Sandwiches: Create delicious sandwiches with leftover ham, mustard, and your favorite toppings.
• Impressive Ham and Cheese Board: Pair sliced ham with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and condiments for a stunning charcuterie board.
• Tasty Ham Salad: Chop leftover ham into cubes and toss it into a fresh salad for a protein-packed meal.
• Loaded Ham and Egg Breakfast: Incorporate ham into your breakfast routine by adding it to omelets or scrambled eggs.

Variations and Substitutions:

• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients, including the mustard, are gluten-free for a gluten-free version.
• Keto-Friendly: Use sugar-free maple syrup, yacon syrup, monk fruit sweetener, or allulose as a substitute for honey for a keto-friendly option.
• Whole30 Compliant: Omit honey for a Whole30-compliant version, focusing on the savory flavors of the mustard and garlic.
• Spices: Change up the flavor with some warm spices: cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves
• Glaze: Add sweetness to your glaze with: cranberries, cherries or orange
• Pineapple Twist: Add pineapple juice to the glaze for a tropical flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
• Citrus Infusion: Squeeze fresh orange or lemon juice into the glaze for a citrusy brightness.

Storage and Freezer Instructions:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the glaze a day before and store it in the refrigerator for a quick assembly on the day of cooking.
• Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual ham slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen ham slices in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): 

Q1: Can I use a different cut of ham for this recipe? A1: While the spiral-sliced ham is ideal for absorbing the delicious glaze, you can adapt this recipe to other cuts. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure your ham is cooked to perfection.

Q2: Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time? A2: Absolutely! Preparing the glaze a day in advance and refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld. When ready to cook, simply reheat and brush onto the ham for a time-efficient and equally tasty result.

Q3: How do I prevent my ham from drying out during baking? A3: To maintain juiciness, tenting the ham with foil during baking helps retain moisture. Additionally, basting every 30 minutes with the glaze ensures a succulent and flavorful outcome.

Q4: How thick should I slice the ham? A5: The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. Adjust the thickness of your slices according to personal preference. Thin slices work well for sandwiches, while thicker slices showcase the glaze’s caramelization.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat frozen ham slices? A7: Thaw frozen ham slices in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat them in the oven for a crispy exterior or use the microwave for a quicker option.

More ham recipes you will love:

Ham and Cheese Sliders

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Keto Frittata with Asparagus, Ham and Goat Cheese

5 from 4 votes

Print

Honey Baked Ham

Prep Time

8 mins

Cook Time

2 hrs

Total Time

2 hrs 8 mins

 

This Honey Baked Ham combines succulent spiral-sliced ham with a rich glaze of honey, Dijon mustard and butter. It's easy to make and perfect for Christmas, Easter or any holiday gatherings!

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: baked ham, christmas ham, easter dinner, easter ham, holiday ham, keto ham, low carb ham, paleo ham, slow cooker ham

Servings: 18 servings

Calories: 504 kcal

Author: Kelly

Ingredients

• 8-9 pound spiral sliced ham
• 1/2 cup unsalted grass-fed butter, ghee , or if you have dairy-free guests, you can swap with vegan butter (we like Miyokos) or vegan ghee
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 tablespoons honey , you can sub with any other preferred liquid sweetener (sugar-free maple syrup, yacon syrup etc, monk fruit sweetener, allulose.) of choice for keto or leave out for Whole30
• 3 cloves garlic , minced

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 F.

   Prepare the glaze: Heat the butter and honey in a sauté pan over medium heat and bring to a low boil. Whisk in the mustard and garlic until smooth. Remove from heat.

2. Place the ham on a large oven-safe pan, with the cut side down. Brush the ham with the glaze covering all areas.

   Tent ham loosely with tin foil and place into oven.

3. For an 8 lb ham, cook for approximately 1.5 - 2 hours. (about 15 minutes per pound), or until internal temperature reaches 140 degrees F. For a caramelized coating, turn on the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until desired doneness.

   Remove from oven and transfer onto a cutting board. Slice ham and serve with any leftover glaze.

For a caramelized coating:

1. Set the oven to broil and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the glaze is bubbly and caramelized. Slice ham and serve.

Recipe Notes

How to store:

• Refrigeration: Store leftover ham in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

• Make-Ahead: Prepare the glaze a day before and store it in the refrigerator for a quick assembly on the day of cooking.
• Freezing Instructions: Wrap individual ham slices tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Label with the date and freeze for up to two months.
• Reheating: To reheat, thaw frozen ham slices in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in the oven or microwave.

Nutrition Facts

Honey Baked Ham

Amount Per Serving (1 serving)

Calories 504 Calories from Fat 306

% Daily Value*

Fat 34g52%

Carbohydrates 3g1%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 44g88%

* Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy using the WPRM recipe calculator. It is best to make your own calculations to ensure accuracy. We expressly disclaim any and all liability of any kind with respect to any act or omission wholly or in part in reliance on anything contained in this website. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.