My Favorite Holiday Ham
This honey baked ham recipe is my Easter and Christmas ham. It feels like a hug on a plate. The secret is that brown sugar glaze. It makes the whole house smell like a happy memory.
I use a spiral ham. It comes pre-sliced. This makes serving so much easier for a big family. Everyone just pulls off a perfect slice. Isn’t that clever?
The Magic is in the Glaze
Let’s talk about the homemade ham glaze. You mix honey, brown sugar, and a bit of orange juice. The spices are warm, like ginger and cinnamon. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
*Fun fact*: The orange juice isn’t just for flavor. Its acid helps balance all that sweet, rich goodness. This matters because a good glaze should sing, not shout. It should complement the ham, not hide it.
A Simple Oven Roasted Ham
This is truly an easy ham recipe. You start it covered with water in the pan. This keeps it juicy. The low heat slowly warms it through. No stress needed.
Then, you crank up the heat. You brush on that glorious glaze. I still laugh at that time I got talking and nearly let it get too dark. Watch it closely at the end. The sugar caramelizes fast!
Why We Gather
A beautiful oven roasted ham in the center of the table says “welcome.” It says we are together. This matters to me. Food is how I show my love.
What’s your favorite holiday food memory? Is it the smell of something baking? Or the taste of a special dish? Tell me about it.
Don’t Forget the Leftovers!
The best part might be the next day. You need good leftover ham ideas. I chop it for omelets. I cube it for soup. I layer it in grilled cheese.
My grandson’s favorite is ham fried rice. What’s your family’s favorite way to use leftover ham? I am always looking for new tricks.
Your Turn to Try
I hope you try this holiday ham recipe. It looks fancy but is so simple. The sweet and salty taste is pure joy.
Will you make it for Easter, Christmas, or just a Sunday supper? Let me know how it turns out in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| bone-in spiral ham | 8-10 pounds | |
| water | 2 cups | for the baking dish |
| packed light brown sugar | 1 cup | for the glaze |
| honey | ½ cup | for the glaze |
| orange juice | ⅓ cup | for the glaze |
| Dijon mustard | ¼ cup | for the glaze |
| ground mustard | 1 teaspoon | for the glaze |
| ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | for the glaze |
| ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon | for the glaze |
| ground ginger | ¼ teaspoon | for the glaze |
| cloves | ⅛ teaspoon | for the glaze |
Instructions
Step 1: Warm your oven nice and slow. Unwrap your spiral ham and give it a quick rinse. Pat it dry and set it in your pan. Pour the water around it and cover it tight with foil. This keeps your holiday ham recipe juicy. I still laugh at that time I forgot the water!
Step 2: Let your oven roasted ham cook low and slow. Now, make your homemade ham glaze. Mix the brown sugar, honey, and juice in a pot. Add the mustard and all those lovely spices. Doesn’t that smell amazing? (A hard-learned tip: always save a little glaze for later.)
Step 3: Time for the magic! Take the ham out and turn the heat up. Spoon on that beautiful brown sugar glaze. Be sure to get it in all the slices. Do you think the glaze makes it sweet or tangy? Share below! Put it back, uncovered, so it gets all shiny.
Step 4: Watch it closely now. The sugar caramelizes fast! Add one more coat of glaze halfway through. If the bone looks dark, just tuck a little foil over it. This easy ham recipe just needs patience. Let it rest before you slice. That wait is the hardest part.
Creative Twists
Use pineapple juice instead of orange in your glaze. Press whole cloves into the ham for a pretty pattern. Add a tablespoon of maple syrup for extra depth. Which one would you try first? Comment below!Serving & Pairing Ideas
This honey baked ham recipe is a feast. Serve it with creamy mashed potatoes. The sweet glaze is perfect with them. Buttery dinner rolls are a must for soaking up juices. Don’t forget simple green beans on the side. This makes the best Easter ham or Christmas ham. And you’ll love all the leftover ham ideas! Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Holiday Ham Happy
Let’s talk about leftovers. They are a gift to your future self. First, let your ham cool completely. Then, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag. They will keep for two months in the freezer.
For reheating, add a splash of water or broth to the pan. Cover it with foil. This keeps everything moist and tender. I remember my first big ham. I reheated it dry. It was like eating salty cardboard! Now I know better.
Batch cooking with a spiral ham is smart. Use the bone for soup later. This saves you time and money on a busy weeknight. It turns one special meal into many. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Ham Hiccups
Even grandmas run into problems sometimes. Here are three easy fixes. First, is your glaze too thin? Just let it simmer a few minutes longer. It will thicken up as it cools.
Second, watch that sugar! A brown sugar glaze can burn. I once got distracted by a phone call. My beautiful glaze turned black. Now I set a timer. This matters because burnt sugar tastes bitter.
Third, is your ham drying out? You probably cooked it too long without foil. Always keep it covered until the last step. This matters for juicy, flavorful meat every time. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
What temperature should a honey ham be cooked at?
Cook your honey baked ham at 300 degrees F. This low and slow heat is perfect. It warms the spiral ham all the way through gently. It keeps the meat juicy and tender. This is the best method for any oven roasted ham. No one likes a dry holiday ham!
How long do you cook a precooked honey ham?
For a precooked ham, plan for about 10-12 minutes per pound. So, an 8-pound ham takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours. Always use a meat thermometer. You want the inside to reach 120°F before you add the glaze. This easy ham recipe rule keeps things simple and safe.
What is the best glaze for a honey ham?
The best homemade ham glaze mixes sweet and spice. Brown sugar and honey are the sweet base. Orange juice and mustard add a nice tang. Spices like cinnamon and clove make it special. This classic brown sugar glaze is perfect for Easter ham or Christmas ham.
Can you make the glaze for ham ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the glaze ahead of time. This is a great time-saver. Just mix the ingredients in a saucepan a day before. Store it covered in your fridge. When you are ready, warm it up on the stove. It will thin out and be ready to brush on.
How do you keep ham from drying out?
Keep your ham from drying out with two tricks. First, always add water to the pan. Second, keep it tightly covered with foil while it heats. Only remove the foil for the last 30 minutes to caramelize the glaze. This traps steam and keeps every bite moist.
What sides go best with brown sugar glazed ham?
This sweet ham loves creamy or tangy sides. Scalloped potatoes are a classic choice. Buttery green beans or roasted carrots are great too. A simple applesauce cuts the richness. *Fun fact: The acid in applesauce helps you digest rich meats!* These sides make your holiday ham recipe a full feast.
Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love this honey baked ham recipe. It has been a joy in my home for years. Seeing a beautiful glazed ham on the table feels like a hug. It brings everyone together.
Remember, the best leftover ham ideas start with a good bone. Save it for a wonderful soup. Now, I would love to hear from you. Have you tried this recipe? Tell me all about it in the comments.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Hollander.
Brown Sugar Glazed Honey Ham
Description
Honey Baked Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300 degrees F.
- Unpack the ham and rinse thoroughly. Pat dry with a paper towel and place in a 9×13 pan. Pour 2 cups of water into the baking dish.
- Cover tightly with aluminum foil and cook for 1 ½ to 2 hours, depending on the size of your ham. The rule of thumb is approximately 10-12 minutes per pound at 300 degrees F. Cook until the internal temperature of the ham reaches 120 degrees F.
- While the ham is cooking, make the brown sugar glaze. In a saucepan, add the brown sugar, honey, orange juice, mustard, and spices. Place over medium heat. Mix until all ingredients are combined.
- Bring to a boil, mixing occasionally, and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until desired thickness. NOTE: I put ¼ cup of the glaze aside, and I used it when I reheated the ham for added moisture.
- Once the ham has reached the internal temperature of 120 degrees F., take it out of the oven and increase the oven temperature to 425 degrees F.
- Glaze the ham using a spoon or pastry brush. Don’t use all the glaze; you will glaze again. Place the ham back in the oven once at temperature and cook for 15 minutes, uncovered.
- Glaze the ham again and cook for an additional 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it, with the high concentration of sugar, it will caramelize quickly. NOTE: If the bone of the ham is browning too quickly, cover it with a small piece of aluminum foil.
- Take the ham out of the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board.
Notes
- If the bone of the ham is browning too quickly, cover it with a small piece of aluminum foil.