Creole Pecan Glazed Ham Recipe

The Ham That Brings Everyone Together

I love a good ham. It feels like a celebration. This one is extra special with a sweet and spicy glaze.

My grandson calls it candy ham. He always asks for the crispy bits on top. I still laugh at that. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it’s baking?

A Little Story From My Kitchen

The first time I made this, I was a bit nervous. I worried the Creole seasoning would be too spicy. But it just adds a nice warmth.

I learned that the sweet honey and sugar balance it out perfectly. It’s a lesson in trying new things. This matters because food should be a gentle adventure, not a scary one.

Let’s Talk About That Glaze

The glaze is the magic part. You just stir everything in a pot. It bubbles and gets all thick and shiny.

The pecans make it crunchy. Fun fact: Pecans are the only major tree nut that naturally grows in North America. What’s your favorite nut to cook with? I’d love to know.

Why This Recipe Matters

This isn’t just about food. It’s about taking care of people. A good meal says, I’m happy you’re here.

That feeling matters more than any fancy ingredient. It connects us. Does your family have a special meal that makes everyone feel at home?

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Don’t be afraid of the water in the pan. It keeps the ham juicy. That’s my little secret for you.

When you pour that glaze, get it in all the slices. That’s where the flavor lives. What’s the first dish you ever felt proud of making? Share your story with me.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Spiral sliced, smoked ham	1 (10 to 12-pound)
Dark brown sugar	1/2 cup	Firmly packed
Stone ground mustard	1/2 cup
Honey	1/3 cup
Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning	1 tablespoon
Pecans	1 cup	Chopped

A Ham to Remember

This ham recipe always makes me smile. It reminds me of big family dinners. My grandson calls it the “candy ham.” He gets so excited when it comes out of the oven. The sweet and spicy smell fills the whole house. Doesn’t that smell amazing?

Here is how we make our special ham. Just follow these simple steps. You will have a beautiful centerpiece for your table.

Step 1: First, warm up your oven to 275 degrees. Take all the plastic off the ham. I still laugh at the time I forgot that part. Place the ham in your big pan, flat side down. Pour one cup of water in the bottom. Cover it all up tight with foil.

Step 2: Now, let’s make the magic glaze. Put the brown sugar, mustard, honey, and Creole seasoning in a pot. Stir it over the heat until it gets bubbly. This only takes about two minutes. (Hard-learned tip: Don’t walk away from a bubbling pot. It can boil over so fast!). Then, stir in those lovely chopped pecans.

Step 3: Your kitchen should smell wonderful now. Take the ham out and remove the foil. Be careful, it’s hot! Gently turn the ham on its side. Pour that delicious pecan glaze all over it. Make sure it drips into all the slices. Put it back in the oven for about ten more minutes. You will know it’s ready when the glaze is all bubbly.

What is your favorite holiday food to help cook? Share below!

Cook Time: 2 ½ – 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10-12 servings
Category: Dinner, Holiday

Three Tasty Twists

This recipe is like a good friend. It is always happy to try something new. You can change the glaze to match your mood. Here are three fun ideas I like to play with.

Maple & Apple: Swap the honey for real maple syrup. Add a pinch of cinnamon. It tastes like a cozy fall day.

Spicy Peach: Use peach preserves instead of honey. Add an extra pinch of Creole seasoning. It gives you a sweet and spicy kick.

Orange & Ginger: Use orange marmalade in your glaze. Stir in a little grated fresh ginger. It is so bright and sunny.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Up Sunshine

A ham this good needs the right friends on the plate. I love to keep things simple and colorful. That makes the whole meal feel like a celebration.

For sides, buttery mashed potatoes are a must. The glaze is so good on them. Some crisp green beans or a bright citrus salad are perfect too. They cut through the richness so nicely.

What to drink? A cold glass of sweet iced tea is my go-to. It is a classic for a reason. For a festive touch, a sparkling apple cider is lovely. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Glazed Ham Tasty Later

Let’s talk about storing your beautiful ham. First, let it cool completely. Then wrap it tightly in foil. You can keep it in the fridge for four days.

For longer storage, pop it in the freezer. Slice it first for easy meals later. It will be good for two months. This helps you avoid wasting good food.

I once reheated a big slice too fast. It dried out and made me sad. Now I reheat slices in a pan with a little water. This keeps the ham juicy and warm.

Batch cooking this ham is a smart idea. It gives you ready-made meals for a busy week. This matters because it makes weeknight dinners a breeze. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Ham Troubles

Sometimes the glaze can burn. If this happens, your oven was too hot. Just scrape off the burnt bits. The ham underneath will still be delicious.

I remember when my glaze was too runny. I did not let it simmer long enough. Let it bubble for two full minutes. It will thicken up nicely for you.

Is your ham drying out? You might not have used enough foil. Covering it tightly keeps the steam in. This matters because a moist ham is a happy ham.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. You learn that mistakes are okay. This helps you create food that tastes great every time. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Ham Questions, Answered

Q: Is this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, it is! All the ingredients are naturally safe.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: You can make the glaze a day early. Just stir in the pecans right before using.

Q: What if I don’t have pecans? A: Walnuts are a fine swap. You can even leave nuts out completely.

Q: Can I make a smaller ham? A: Of course! Just adjust the baking time. Use 12-15 minutes per pound.

Q: Any extra tips? A: Use the pan juices for gravy. It adds a wonderful flavor. Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this special ham. It always makes my table feel festive. I would love to see your creation.

Share a picture of your beautiful dinner. It makes this old grandma’s heart smile. *Fun fact: Pecan trees can live for over 300 years!*

Your stories and photos inspire me every day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I cannot wait to see what you cook up.

Happy cooking!

—Elowen Thorn.