Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham
There’s something incredibly special about serving a homemade honey-glazed ham that you’ve prepared from scratch. This recipe brings out all the rich, savory flavors of a fresh ham, balanced perfectly with the sweetness of honey and a blend of spices.
The slow cooking ensures a tender, juicy ham that my family just can’t get enough of. Whether it’s for a holiday feast or a Sunday dinner, this recipe is a showstopper that leaves everyone smiling. After making this, I’m sure you’ll agree—there’s no going back to store-bought!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Can I use a different cut of ham?
Yes, a bone-in or boneless fresh ham works well. Bone-in tends to be more flavorful, while boneless is easier to carve.
Do I need to brine the ham before cooking?
While not absolutely necessary, brining your ham can add moisture and extra flavor. If you have the time, I recommend doing a simple brine for a day before cooking.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the glaze?
Definitely! If you prefer a less sweet glaze, you can reduce the honey or add a bit of mustard to balance the flavor.
What You Need to Make Honey-Glazed Ham
Ingredients:
1 fresh bone-in ham (about 8-10 pounds)
1 cup honey
1/2 cup Dijon mustard
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Equipment:
Roasting pan with a rack
Basting brush
Meat thermometer
Aluminum foil
How to Make Honey-Glazed Ham
Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Prep the ham: Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the fat on the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
Season the ham: Rub the ham all over with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper generously on the surface.
Prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted together and the glaze thickens slightly.
Cook the ham: Place the ham on the roasting rack and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes per pound, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
Remove the foil for the final glazing: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. Let the glaze caramelize on the ham for a golden-brown finish.
Check the internal temperature: The ham is done when a meat thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the meat. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Tips for Making the Best Honey-Glazed Ham
Use fresh ingredients: Freshly ground spices and good-quality honey will make a noticeable difference in flavor.
Don’t skip the scoring: Scoring the fat allows the glaze to penetrate the meat and adds a beautiful presentation.
Monitor the glaze carefully: You don’t want the glaze to burn, so keep an eye on it, especially during the final minutes of cooking.
Rest the ham: Allowing the ham to rest before carving lets the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and moist.
Reader Reviews
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I made this for Thanksgiving, and it was a hit! The glaze was the perfect balance of sweet and savory.” — Sarah W.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “This was my first time making a fresh ham, and it turned out amazing. The instructions were easy to follow, and my family loved it.” — Tom K.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I adjusted the recipe by adding a little bit of bourbon to the glaze, and it gave the ham a nice kick. Highly recommend!” — Jenna L.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “My ham came out a little dry, but I think I overcooked it. The flavor was still great, and I’ll definitely try it again.” — Lisa M.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “The perfect holiday ham! I’ll never go back to store-bought now that I know how easy this is to make from scratch.” — Mike S.
Printable Recipe Card
Perfect Honey-Glazed Ham
This honey-glazed ham recipe is made from scratch with a perfect blend of sweetness and spices. Slow-cooked to juicy, tender perfection, it's ideal for holiday dinners or special family meals. Includes tips for achieving the perfect glaze and flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 fresh ham (about 8-10 pounds)
- 1 cup honey
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prep the ham: Rinse the ham under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Score the fat on the surface of the ham in a crisscross pattern, being careful not to cut into the meat.
- Season the ham: Rub the ham all over with olive oil, then sprinkle salt and pepper generously on the surface.
- Prepare the glaze: In a saucepan, combine honey, mustard, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, ground cloves, and cinnamon. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until everything is melted together and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Cook the ham: Place the ham on the roasting rack and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes per pound, basting with the glaze every 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil for the final glazing: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, remove the foil and brush the ham with the remaining glaze. Let the glaze caramelize on the ham for a golden-brown finish.
- Check the internal temperature: The ham is done when a meat thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the meat. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.
Notes
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If this honey-glazed ham recipe made your family’s meal extra special, why not spread the love? Share this recipe on social media with your friends and family, or pin it to your favorite holiday board.
You never know who might be looking for the perfect ham recipe, and your share could help them create a memorable meal. Plus, I’d love to see how your ham turned out! Tag me on Instagram or Facebook so we can celebrate your kitchen success together!
