Homemade honey baked ham glazed with honey and brown sugar, sliced and served on a platter

Introduction

When you want a meal that looks impressive but is surprisingly easy to prepare, a honey baked ham is one of the best choices you can make. It has everything people love in a celebration dish: glossy glaze, rich flavor, tender slices, and that irresistible caramelized finish around the edges.

This homemade honey baked ham recipe is designed for real kitchens and real family meals. It uses simple ingredients, a balanced sweet-and-savory glaze, and a gentle baking method that keeps the meat moist. The result is a ham that feels festive enough for holidays, yet easy enough to make for a weekend gathering or dinner party.

What makes this recipe special is the layering of flavor. Honey brings sweetness and shine, brown sugar creates depth, mustard adds balance, and warm spices round everything out. The final touch is a light sugary coating that melts into the glaze and gives the outside a beautiful finish.

Whether you are preparing Easter lunch, a holiday table, or a cozy family dinner, this recipe gives you a reliable and delicious centerpiece that tastes homemade in the best possible way.

Homemade Honey Baked Ham Recipe

Ingredients

For the ham

• 1 fully cooked bone-in spiral-cut ham, about 8 to 10 pounds
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

For the glaze

• 1 cup honey
• 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 small pinch salt

For the finishing crust

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

---

Equipment

• Roasting pan
• Aluminum foil
• Small saucepan
• Pastry brush
• Small mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the ham

Take the ham out of the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before baking so it can begin to come closer to room temperature. This helps it heat more evenly.

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C).

Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan. Brush the outside lightly with the melted butter. Cover the ham loosely with foil to keep moisture in while it warms.

Step 2: Heat the ham

Bake the covered ham for about 10 to 12 minutes per pound. For an 8 to 10 pound ham, this usually means around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Because the ham is already cooked, the goal is simply to heat it through without drying it out.

Step 3: Make the glaze

While the ham is in the oven, add the honey, brown sugar, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt to a small saucepan.

Warm the mixture over low to medium-low heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze becomes smooth. Let it simmer gently for 4 to 6 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat.

Step 4: Glaze the ham

When the ham is nearly heated through, remove it from the oven and uncover it carefully.

Brush a generous layer of glaze over the outside of the ham. If your ham is spiral-cut, gently brush a little glaze between some of the slices as well.

Return the ham to the oven uncovered.

Step 5: Build the flavor

Continue baking the ham for another 20 to 30 minutes, brushing with more glaze every 10 minutes. This creates a rich finish and helps the surface develop color and shine.

Step 6: Make the crust mixture

In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.

This mixture gives the outside of the ham a sweet, lightly crisp finish once caramelized.

Step 7: Add the finishing layer

When the ham is fully hot and glossy, remove it from the oven again. Sprinkle or gently press the sugar mixture over the top and sides.

Step 8: Caramelize

Place the ham under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, just until the sugar begins to bubble and darken slightly. Watch closely during this step so it does not burn.

Step 9: Rest and serve

Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle and makes slicing easier.

What to Serve with Honey Baked Ham

This recipe pairs well with:

• Mashed potatoes
• Roasted carrots
• Green beans
• Mac and cheese
• Dinner rolls
• Scalloped potatoes
• Fresh salad
• Roasted sweet potatoes