There’s something undeniably festive about a glossy, caramelized honey-baked ham sitting in the middle of the dinner table. The sweet-savory glaze, the juicy slices, and that irresistible golden crust — it’s comfort and celebration all in one bite.
So, for the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner celebration, make this special honey-baked ham recipe for you and your loved ones.
Tips for Cooking and Prepping
When it comes to making honey-baked ham at home, the secret is in the glaze and the patience. I always start with a fully cooked bone-in ham, since it saves time and guarantees tender meat.
The magic really happens when the glaze caramelizes; that’s where all the flavor and shine come from.
I like to make my glaze with a mix of honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, and a bit of orange juice for brightness. If you want a bolder kick, add a touch of ground cloves or cinnamon.
Brush the glaze generously over the ham before it goes in the oven, then keep basting every 15 minutes as it roasts. This layering builds that perfect sticky, golden crust.
Pro tip: Don’t cover the ham during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking. This helps the glaze thicken and caramelize beautifully.
If you want restaurant-style results, after baking, turn on the broiler for 2–3 minutes to slightly char and caramelize the sugar, but watch it closely so it doesn’t burn!
What to Serve It With
Honey-baked ham pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or mac and cheese. If you want something fresher, try a crisp green salad or buttery dinner rolls to soak up all that glaze.
For a holiday spread, you can’t go wrong with scalloped potatoes, baked sweet potatoes, or even pineapple fried rice for a tropical twist. As a Filipino, my vote is definitely in the latter.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
You can make this recipe your own with a few simple swaps:
If you don’t have honey, use maple syrup or agave nectar. These alternatives give the glaze a different but equally rich sweetness.
Instead of Dijon mustard, try whole grain mustard for texture or spicy brown mustard for a bit of heat.
For a smoky flavor, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or add a splash of bourbon or apple cider to the glaze.
If you’re short on time, you can even skip the oven and cook thick ham slices in a skillet with the glaze until caramelized. It won’t look like a centerpiece ham, but I can guarantee you that the flavor will still be incredible.
What If I Don’t Have an Oven?
No oven? No problem. You can actually make a smaller honey-baked ham in an air fryer or slow cooker.
In an air fryer, preheat it to 320°F (160°C), wrap the ham in foil to keep it from drying out, and glaze halfway through cooking. It’ll take about 40–50 minutes, depending on size.
For a slow cooker version, place the ham cut-side down, pour the glaze over, and cook on low for 4–5 hours, basting occasionally. Before serving, transfer it to a baking tray and broil for 5 minutes to get that shiny crust.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
This dish is fantastic for make-ahead meals. You can bake the ham a day before serving, then slice it and reheat it in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10–15 minutes, covered with foil to keep it moist.
Leftover ham will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, and it freezes for up to 2 months. Slice it before freezing so you can easily reheat portions for sandwiches, breakfast scrambles, or fried rice.
If you’re freezing the whole ham, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Put Glaze on Ham Before Cooking?
Yes, but not all at once. I start by brushing a light layer of glaze before baking, then continue to baste every 15 minutes during cooking. The final brush happens toward the end, which helps the sugar caramelize instead of burning.
What Is So Special About Honey Baked Ham?
It’s the combination of sweet honey glaze, savory meat, and the caramelized crust that makes honey-baked ham so special. The flavor balance and glossy finish make it both comforting and elegant.
What Goes Well With Honey Baked Ham?
Honey-baked ham goes well with both savory and sweet sides. Potato gratin, roasted veggies, dinner rolls, or fruit salad are common choices. For brunch, serve it with biscuits and eggs for a Southern-inspired spread.
What Kind of Meat Is in a Honey Baked Ham?
It’s made from pork, usually a bone-in or spiral-cut ham that’s been smoked or cured. You can also use boneless ham if you prefer easier slicing.
Is Honey Baked Ham Expensive?
Store-bought versions can be pricey, especially from specialty shops. But making your own at home costs a fraction of that and tastes just as good (if not better) since you can customize the glaze.
Classic Honey-Baked Ham Recipe
Image credit: @withwendyandshannon
Ingredients
For the Ham
- 1 fully cooked bone-in ham (about 8–10 lbs)
- Whole cloves (optional, for studding the ham)
For the Honey Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons orange juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven. Set your oven to 325°F (165°C). Place the ham, cut-side down, on a roasting rack in a baking dish. Score the surface of the ham in a diamond pattern if desired.
- Make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, orange juice, vinegar, and cloves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Glaze and bake. Brush the ham with about half of the glaze. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour, basting with more glaze every 15 minutes.
- Caramelize. Remove the foil during the last 20 minutes and brush on the remaining glaze. Continue baking until the surface is golden and glossy.
- Rest and serve. Let the ham rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Spoon extra glaze from the pan over the slices before serving.
Featured image credit: @sugarmaplekitchen
