Honey Baked Ham

Get ready for the ham centerpiece that’ll bring everyone running to the table! This Honey Baked Ham is succulent, tender, and blanketed in a shimmering, sticky-sweet glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.

Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of salty, smoky ham and luscious honey-mustard glaze, with hints of warm spice and citrus. You’ll love how easily this impressive dish comes together with minimal prep and simple ingredients.

It’s a quintessential showstopper for holidays like Easter and Christmas—or anytime you want to treat a crowd to something special. Best of all, leftovers are just as irresistible the next day (hello, ham sandwiches!).

Inspired by family gatherings and those classic honey-glazed hams from the deli, this recipe is foolproof and always gets rave reviews.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• No-fuss prep delivers juicy, flavor-packed results every time
• Irresistible honey glaze crisps beautifully in the oven
• Feeds a hungry crowd—great for gatherings and holidays
• Delicious leftovers for sandwiches, omelets, and more

Key Ingredients for Honey Baked Ham

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Spiral Sliced Ham

The star of the show! A fully cooked, spiral-sliced ham ensures easy serving and maximal flavor absorption. Look for a bone-in ham around 8-10 pounds for juiciness. If yours is unsliced, simply score the surface in a diamond pattern to let the glaze soak in. Smoked or unsmoked both work—just avoid heavily flavored or seasoned varieties.

Honey

Sweet, floral honey forms the backbone of the sticky glaze. Use good-quality honey for the best flavor. Clover, orange blossom, or wildflower honey are all great options. In a pinch, maple syrup can be used, though it will have a distinct maple undertone.

Brown Sugar

Light or dark brown sugar adds a rich, caramel note and helps the glaze become glossy and crisp. It also promotes a beautiful caramelized crust as the ham bakes. If needed, coconut sugar or plain granulated sugar can be substituted, but the molasses flavor of brown sugar is classic.

Dijon Mustard

Dijon brings a subtle tang and a bit of sharpness, balancing the sweetness of the honey and sugar. Whole grain mustard or even yellow mustard can be used if desired, but they’ll alter both texture and taste a touch.

Orange Juice

A splash of orange juice brings bright acidity and a hint of fruitiness, keeping things vibrant and balancing the savory-sweet glaze. If you don’t have orange juice, pineapple juice or apple cider works too.

Instructions for Honey Baked Ham

See recipe card below for full list of measurements, ingredients, and instructions.

Prepare the Ham

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Unwrap the ham and place it cut-side down on a large roasting pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. If the ham isn’t spiral cut, score the surface in a crosshatch pattern with a sharp knife about 1/4 inch deep.

Mix the Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the honey, brown sugar, Dijon mustard, orange juice, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper. Warm over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the glaze is glossy—about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

Glaze and Bake

Brush about half of the glaze all over the ham, making sure to get into the slices if spiral cut. Cover loosely with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting with juices every 30 minutes.

Caramelize the Crust

Remove the foil and brush on the remaining glaze. Increase oven temperature to 400°F (200°C). Continue baking, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, basting once or twice, until the crust is deep golden brown and caramelized.

Rest and Serve

Let the ham rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. Transfer to a platter, drizzle with extra pan juices, and garnish with orange slices or parsley if you’d like. Serve warm.

Recipe Variations

Spice It Up

Add 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze if you love a little kick with your sweetness.

Pineapple Twist

Swap orange juice for pineapple juice, and lay pineapple rings over the ham before baking for a sweet-tart, tropical variation.

Maple Glaze Option

Try replacing half the honey with pure maple syrup for a deeper, more nuanced sweetness in your glaze.

Make It Gluten-Free

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check labels on your ham and sauces for hidden gluten-containing ingredients.

Bourbon Baked Ham

Add 2 tablespoons of bourbon to the glaze for a rich, smoky, adults-only flavor boost.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Honey Baked Ham with classic sides like creamy scalloped potatoes, roasted asparagus, and buttery dinner rolls. For a bright touch, add a citrusy salad or green beans. Garnish the ham platter with fresh orange slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a festive finish.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover ham tightly wrapped or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, place slices in a baking dish with a splash of water or leftover glaze, cover with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through (about 10-15 minutes). Ham also freezes beautifully—wrap portions tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Baked Ham (FAQ)

Q: Can I use an unsliced ham for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! Score the surface in a diamond pattern to help the glaze soak in, and adjust glazing and slicing as needed.

Q: How do I keep the ham from drying out?
A: Baking the ham covered with foil and basting it regularly with the glaze and pan juices keeps it juicier. Don’t skip the resting time after baking!

Q: Can I make Honey Baked Ham ahead of time?
A: Yes! Bake the ham, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat gently, covered with foil, at 325°F with some extra glaze or pan juices until hot.

Ready to wow your family and friends? This Honey Baked Ham is everything you want in a holiday centerpiece—easy, flavorful, and downright irresistible. Give it a try, and let me know how yours turns out in the comments below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your tips!