BEST Honey Glazed Ham

This honey glazed ham brings the perfect balance of sweet and savory to your holiday table. Made with a warm glaze of honey brown sugar mustard and spices it turns out juicy and tender whether you cook it in the oven or in your slow cooker. Every slice is richly flavored and always draws a crowd in my house during the holidays.

I remember making this on Christmas Eve six years ago and watching my family sneak slices before dinner because they could not resist the aroma. Now it is a tradition for every holiday get together.

Ingredients

• Spiral cut bone in ham: juicy and packed with flavor look for a fully cooked ham with a good balance between meat and fat for the best result
• Honey or pure maple syrup: brings natural sweetness and glossy finish choose local honey if possible for richer flavor
• Packed brown sugar: deepens the caramel notes check for soft moist brown sugar for easy mixing
• Allspice: warms up the glaze with a gentle spice perfume use freshly ground if available for stronger taste
• Ground ginger: gives a hint of brightness and sharpness to balance out the sweet glaze
• Onion powder or garlic powder: adds a savory kick pick your favorite based on whether you love garlicky or classic undertones
• Ground mustard or Dijon mustard: brings tang and complexity creamy Dijon can make the glaze extra smooth

Tips

select the ham that feels firm and moist not too dry or spongy and try to get one that fits your roasting pan or slow cooker comfortably

Step by Step Instructions

Preparation and Preheat:

Let the spiral ham sit out at room temperature for one to two hours so it cooks evenly all the way through Preheat your oven to 275 degrees F and set the rack on the lowest level to help the ham heat evenly

Setting Up the Ham:

Add a cup of water to your roasting pan to create gentle steam and keep the ham moist Remove any packaging disk and place the ham cut side down The cut side should touch the pan so the natural juices can circulate If you have a roasting rack place the ham on it If not the pan works fine Cover the ham loosely with foil to trap steam and prevent drying out

Baking the Ham:

Bake for about two and a half hours or fifteen minutes per pound Thirty to forty five minutes before the end of cooking remove the ham and baste with the juices from the pan This keeps the meat extra moist and juicy

Making and Applying the Glaze:

Mix together honey brown sugar allspice ginger onion or garlic powder and mustard in a microwave safe bowl Microwave on high for thirty seconds Stir and microwave again for another thirty seconds until smooth and pourable Brush half the glaze over the ham making sure to work it between the slices for added flavor

Finishing in the Oven:

Return the ham to the oven uncovered to finish baking for the remaining time This helps the glaze caramelize and create a shiny sweet crust Check the temperature by inserting an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the ham away from the bone When it is at 135 F you know it is ready Brush on the rest of the glaze right before serving for a glossy final touch

Slow Cooker Method:

Let ham sit at room temperature for one to two hours before cooking Spray the inside of a six quart slow cooker with non stick spray and set the ham in cut side down Pour the glaze over the ham Add half to three quarters cup pineapple juice or water for extra moisture and a slight fruity taste if you like Cook on low for four to six hours Baste the ham with juices every hour and just before serving to keep it moist and flavorful Make sure to test for 135 F in the thickest section to ensure it is heated through

Save

I love how the brown sugar creates almost a candy like shell on the outside That first slice is always the most tempting and my kids fight to grab the sweet crusty bits right as it comes out of the oven

Storage Tips

Leftover honey glazed ham can be kept in the fridge tightly wrapped for up to four days Slice off what you need and reheat gently to avoid drying the meat It also freezes well in slices or chunks stored in airtight bags for up to two months

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer skip the honey and use pure maple syrup for a deeper more earthy sweetness For a spicier kick try adding a pinch of cayenne or crushed red pepper Dijon mustard works for a tangier glaze and a vegetarian version can be made with plant based ham substitutes using the same glaze

Serving Suggestions

Honey glazed ham pairs beautifully with roasted potatoes buttery rolls and green vegetables like asparagus or beans It is also excellent cold with biscuits or chopped into breakfast hash the next day The glaze can be drizzled over roasted carrots or squash for a cohesive holiday flavor profile

Save

Historical Note

Serving ham with a sweet glaze goes back to European holiday feasts where preserved pork was a centerpiece Long before refrigerators families would cure hams then warm them with a honey or spiced sugar glaze to celebrate the season Over time different regions added their own touches with spices and local sweeteners

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of ham works best for this dish?

A fully cooked, bone-in spiral-cut ham weighing 8–10 pounds is ideal for achieving juicy, flavorful results.

→ How do I make the glaze rich and flavorful?

Combine honey, brown sugar, allspice, ground ginger, and mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully during cooking.

→ Oven or slow cooker: which method is better?

Both methods yield a tender, moist ham. The oven creates a slightly firmer exterior, while the crockpot makes for extra succulence.

→ How can I ensure the ham stays moist?

Tenting with foil during baking and frequent basting with pan juices help keep the ham juicy and prevent drying out.

→ How will I know when the ham is ready?

Use an instant-read thermometer and remove the ham when it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for best texture and flavor.