Honey-Glazed Ham
Honey-Glazed Ham is a classic festive dish where a cooked or cured ham is coated with a sweet glaze made from honey (often combined with mustard, brown sugar, or spices) and baked until caramelized and golden. It’s popular for holidays, family gatherings, or special dinners.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 1 fully cooked Ham (about 4–6 lbs / 1.8–2.7 kg)
- ½ cup Honey
- ¼ cup Brown Sugar
- 2 tbsp Dijon Mustard (optional)
- 1 tsp Ground Cloves (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Prepare the ham:
- Score the surface in a diamond pattern with shallow cuts.
- Place the ham in a roasting pan, flat side down.
- Make the glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, mustard, and cloves.
- Apply glaze:
- Brush half of the glaze over the ham.
- Bake:
- Roast the ham for 1.5–2 hours (or 15–20 minutes per pound), basting with remaining glaze every 20–30 minutes.
- Finish:
- Once caramelized and heated through, remove from oven and let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing.
Tips & Variations
- Extra flavor: Add orange juice or pineapple juice to the glaze for a fruity twist.
- Smoky touch: Sprinkle a little smoked paprika for depth.
- Serving suggestion: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
- Make-ahead: Ham can be glazed and baked a few hours before serving; cover and reheat gently.
💡 Fun fact: The diamond scoring on the ham allows the glaze to penetrate deeper and creates a classic decorative look with caramelized edges.
I can also make a one-spice brain-friendly honey-glazed ham recipe using turmeric or ginger to enhance health benefits without changing the sweet flavor.
