As the holidays approach and the scent of pine fills the air, I find myself yearning for that standout dish that brings everyone together. Picture this: a glistening Honey-Glazed Ham resting on the dinner table, its sweet and savory aroma enveloping your guests in warmth and nostalgia. This recipe is not just about creating a meal; it celebrates the moments spent gathering with loved ones, sharing laughter, and making memories.
The rich flavors of honey and brown sugar meld harmoniously with the savory depth of Dijon mustard, making each bite an experience in itself. What I adore most about this ham is how wonderfully simple it is to prepare—allowing you to focus on what truly matters: enjoying your celebration rather than being tethered to the stove. Whether you’re hosting a festive feast or a cozy dinner, this irresistible honey-glazed ham will undoubtedly become the centerpiece that dazzles your guests and invites compliments long after the last slice is served.
Why is this Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham special?
Mouthwatering Aroma: Imagine the inviting scent of a honey-glazed ham wafting through your home, making your brunch or holiday dinner unforgettable.
Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort—perfect for busy season meals, letting you focus on your loved ones.
Versatile Dish: Pair it perfectly with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a full spread.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The rich, sweet, and tangy glaze will have everyone asking for seconds, creating lasting memories around the table.
Festive Centerpiece: Elevate any gathering with this stunning dish that steals the show, making every meal feel like a celebration.
Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham Ingredients
• Get ready to impress your guests!
For the Ham
- Fully Cooked Bone-in Ham (8-10 pounds) – Choose a high-quality ham for the best flavor and juicy texture.
For the Glaze
- Honey (1 cup) – The main sweetener that creates a rich, sticky glaze; feel free to swap with maple syrup for a unique twist.
- Brown Sugar (1/2 cup) – Contributes caramelization and depth, enhancing the sweetness of the honey beautifully.
- Dijon Mustard (1/4 cup) – Adds tang and sophistication to the glaze; yellow mustard works well as a substitute.
- Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon) – Infuses warm, aromatic flavor; can be replaced with ground cinnamon for a different spice note.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon) – Offers a mild kick; freshly ground is preferred for a stronger flavor punch.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (1/4 cup) – Balances out the sweetness with its acidity, with white vinegar as a suitable alternative.
Optional Additions
- Whole Cloves (for studding, optional) – Not just for flavor but also enhances the ham’s visual appeal.
This Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe will be your go-to for festive gatherings!
How to Make Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham
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Prepare the Ham: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the fully cooked bone-in ham cut side down in a roasting pan, allowing it to heat evenly and stay juicy.
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Make the Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, releasing a delightful aroma.
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Score the Ham: Using a sharp knife, carefully score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern. Optionally, stud the scored areas with whole cloves for added flavor and visual appeal.
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Glaze the Ham: Generously brush half of the glaze all over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored sections for maximum flavor.
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Bake the Ham: Cover the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. In the last 30 minutes of baking, remove the foil and brush on the remaining glaze every 10 minutes to build up that sticky, irresistible coating.
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Serve: After removing the ham from the oven, let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This ensures all those juicy flavors are locked in, making every slice delectable.
Optional: Garnish with fresh herbs for a festive touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe and customize it to your taste!
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the glaze for a bold, fiery twist. This will elevate the flavor profile, giving it a surprising heat that your guests will love.
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Vegan Option: Swap honey for agave nectar and use a plant-based ham alternative for a vegan version. This keeps the sweet-savory essence while accommodating dietary preferences.
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Bourbon Boost: For a delightful depth of flavor, stir in a splash of bourbon to the glaze. The smoky undertones will add a new dimension, making your ham unforgettable.
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Citrus Zest: Add the zest of an orange or lemon to the glaze for a refreshing citrus note. This brightens the flavor and perfectly complements the sweetness of the honey.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the glaze for an aromatic touch. The earthy flavors will pair beautifully with the ham and create a more complex taste.
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Different Sweeteners: Substitute maple syrup for the honey for a caramelized flavor with a hint of earthiness. It gives the glaze a unique sweetness that’s pleasing to the palate.
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Nutty Crunch: Top your glazed ham with chopped pecans or walnuts during the last 10 minutes of baking for extra texture. The added crunch enhances the visual appeal and adds a delicious flavor contrast.
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Savory Root Vegetables: Position chopped carrots, sweet potatoes, or parsnips around the ham while it bakes. They will absorb the savory glaze and become irresistible, creating a wonderful side that complements your ham perfectly.
Make Ahead Options
These Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the holiday rush! You can prepare the glaze up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Simply mix the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. The ham itself can also be scored and studded with whole cloves a day prior, keeping it ready to pop in the oven. When you’re ready to serve, just brush the ham with the prepared glaze and bake as directed, ensuring it’s heated through to 140°F (60°C). This way, your holiday centerpiece is just as delicious with minimal last-minute effort!
Tips for the Best Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham
- Choose Quality Ham: Opt for a high-quality, fully cooked bone-in ham to ensure juicy and flavorful results that will impress your guests.
- Perfect Glaze Consistency: Ensure your glaze is smooth and bubbling before applying it to prevent it from clumping on the ham’s surface.
- Scoring Technique: Use a sharp knife for scoring in a diamond pattern; this allows the glaze to penetrate deeper, enhancing the flavor.
- Monitor Baking Time: Keep an eye on your ham as it bakes; remove the foil in the last 30 minutes to achieve that beautiful caramelized coating.
- Rest Before Carving: Always let your ham rest for 15 minutes after baking; this helps retain moisture and makes for deliciously tender slices.
- Save Leftovers: Don’t forget, leftovers are perfect for sandwiches or casseroles, making this Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham a dish that keeps on giving!
Storage Tips for Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham
Fridge: Store leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil for up to 5 days. This keeps it juicy and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer preservation, wrap slices in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy the sweet and savory ham anytime!
Reheating: To reheat, place ham slices in a baking dish covered with foil, and warm in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy each bite as if it were fresh out of the oven!
What to Serve with Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham?
Elevate your festive gathering with delightful pairings that enhance this centerpiece dish and tantalize your taste buds.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Their buttery, velvety texture contrasts beautifully with the sweet glaze, making every bite of ham even more indulgent.
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Glazed Carrots: Cooked in a light honey glaze, these tender veggies mirror the ham’s flavor while adding a pop of bright color to your table.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with crunchy greens and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the ham, providing a refreshing balance to your meal.
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Homemade Biscuits: Soft and flaky biscuits are perfect for sopping up the flavorful ham drippings, making each bite irresistible and comforting.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized bites add earthy flavors that complement the sweet glaze while providing a lovely crunch.
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Apple Sauce: A classic pairing, the tangy sweetness of apple sauce enhances the dish’s flavor and offers a refreshing contrast to its savory notes.
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Spiced Mulled Wine: Warm, spiced wine complements the festive atmosphere, with its flavors echoing the sweet and savory elements of the ham.
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Pumpkin Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with this seasonal favorite that delivers warmth and coziness, making your holiday feast truly memorable.
Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting a ham?
Absolutely! When choosing a fully cooked bone-in ham, go for one that weighs between 8 to 10 pounds for the best flavor and moisture. Look for hams with a deep color and a good amount of marbling, which indicates tenderness and juiciness in the final dish.
How should I store leftover honey-glazed ham?
After your celebration, store leftover ham in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in aluminum foil in the fridge for up to 5 days. This storage method helps lock in the juiciness and flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or casseroles later on!
Can I freeze leftover honey-glazed ham?
Certainly! To freeze leftover slices, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. This delicious ham can be safely frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
How can I troubleshoot if my glaze doesn’t stick properly?
If your glaze isn’t sticking as you’d like, it could be due to two things: insufficient scoring on the ham or the glaze not being thick enough. Ensure to score the ham evenly in a diamond pattern to allow the glaze to seep in better. If needed, let the glaze reduce on the stovetop until thicker before applying it to the ham for a better adherence.
Is this recipe suitable for those with dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you’re looking to accommodate dietary considerations, keep in mind that honey can be substituted with maple syrup for a unique flavor and to avoid allergens. For those watching their sugar intake, you could use agave nectar or a sugar-free syrup. Always check labels if certain allergies exist, particularly in prepared mustard or sauces.
Can I use a different type of mustard in the glaze?
Yes! While Dijon mustard adds a specific tangy flavor, you can easily swap it for yellow mustard if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different mustards will impart their unique flavors, so enjoy experimenting to find your preferred taste!
These Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe FAQs should help you make the most of your festive ham!
Sweet and Savory Honey-Glazed Ham Recipe You'll Adore
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham cut side down in a roasting pan.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, ground cloves, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar until smooth and bubbling.
- Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern and optionally stud with whole cloves.
- Brush half of the glaze all over the ham, ensuring it seeps into the scored sections.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 1.5 to 2 hours. Remove foil in the last 30 minutes and brush on remaining glaze every 10 minutes.
- Let the ham rest for about 15 minutes before carving to lock in juicy flavors.
