If you’re searching for a show-stopping centerpiece that brings warmth, sweetness, and a touch of spice to your table, this Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy spiral-sliced ham infused with a rich, golden glaze that’s perfectly balanced between honey’s natural sweetness and a medley of aromatic spices. It’s a dish that turns any gathering into a celebration, making every bite comforting and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham Recipe lies in its beautifully simple yet essential ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role—honey and brown sugar create that luscious, caramelized glaze; warming spices add depth and intrigue; and apple cider vinegar and orange juice bring a bright, tangy contrast that keeps every slice bursting with flavor.
- Fully-cooked, bone-in spiral cut ham (8-10 pounds): The star of the show, already spiral-sliced for easy serving and maximum glaze absorption.
- Honey (1 cup): Brings natural sweetness and gives the glaze that irresistible sticky sheen.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Enhances caramelization and adds a molasses-rich depth.
- Apple cider vinegar (1/4 cup): Balances sweetness with a gentle acidity for complexity.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Lends a subtle tanginess to brighten the glaze.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm spice notes that perfectly complement the ham.
- Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a fragrant kiss of aromatic flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/2 teaspoon): Provides a cozy, nutty hint.
- Ground ginger (1/4 teaspoon): Offers a subtle zing that lifts the overall profile.
- Orange juice (1/4 cup): Gives a fresh citrus brightness that cuts through the sweetness.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): Perfect for thickening the glaze if you prefer a more luscious coating.
- Whole cloves (optional): For studding the ham and adding visual appeal along with extra flavor.
How to Make Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Ham
Start by heating your oven to 325°F (160°C), creating the perfect environment to slowly heat the ham and let flavors meld together. As you remove the packaging and plastic disk from the ham’s bottom, you’ll feel one step closer to a savory, caramelized feast.
Step 2: Position and Optional Studding
Place the ham cut side down in a spacious roasting pan. For that classic holiday aesthetic and a flavor boost, score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves if you love a spicy aroma and elegant presentation.
Step 3: Make the Glaze
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, whisk together honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly, enveloping your kitchen in an irresistible scent.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
Pour this fragrant glaze generously over the ham, making sure it seeps into every spiral cut, infusing each slice with that perfect balance of sweet and spice.
Step 5: Slow Bake with Care
Cover the ham with aluminum foil to keep moisture locked in and bake for 10 to 12 minutes per pound. This slow roasting allows the glaze to soak in and the ham to heat evenly without drying out.
Step 6: Caramelize the Glaze
About 15 minutes before your ham is done, remove the foil so the glaze can caramelize and develop a gorgeous, glossy finish that sings with flavor and irresistible texture.
Step 7: Optional Glaze Thickening
If you adore a thick, clingy glaze, take some pan juices, mix with cornstarch dissolved in water, and heat until shiny and thickened—ready to be brushed right back on your ham for that dazzling final touch.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the ham rest for about 10 minutes. This pause allows juices to redistribute, guaranteeing every slice is juicy and tender when you carve into that glorious spiral of ham.
How to Serve Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme alongside some orange slices can enhance the presentation and add subtle fragrant notes that complement the ham’s sweet and spiced glaze perfectly.
Side Dishes
This ham shines brightest next to creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a vibrant, crisp green salad dressed with a citrus vinaigrette to balance the richness. Sweet potato casserole or green bean almondine also pair beautifully, creating a well-rounded, festive plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a rustic touch, serve the spiral ham on a wooden board surrounded by fresh fruits like pineapple, grapes, and figs, offering colorful bursts and refreshing bites between savory slices. Alternatively, carve and layer the ham on warm slider buns with a smear of honey-mustard glaze for a crowd-pleasing sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham is a gift that keeps on giving. Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, preserving that wonderful glaze and juicy texture for easy meals throughout the week.
Freezing
If you want to save the ham for later, wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil or place in freezer bags. Frozen ham keeps well up to 2 months without losing flavor or moisture. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place ham slices in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm at 275°F (135°C) until heated through. Brushing a little reserved glaze over the slices before warming ensures every bite remains moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use a spiral ham that is not pre-cooked?
This Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham Recipe is designed for fully-cooked ham, which only requires heating and glazing. Using raw ham would need significantly longer cooking times and different preparation.
What if I don’t have apple cider vinegar? Can I substitute it?
Yes! You can replace apple cider vinegar with white vinegar or lemon juice to maintain the glaze’s bright acidity, but apple cider vinegar offers a uniquely mellow tang that’s perfect here.
Is it okay to skip the whole cloves?
Absolutely. Whole cloves add a lovely aroma and look, but the ground cloves in the glaze provide the necessary flavor, so your ham will still be delicious without the studding.
How do I get a thicker glaze if it seems too runny?
Simply mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of cold water, then stir this slurry into some of the pan juices and heat until thickened. Pour it back over the ham for a glossy, thicker coating.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the glaze a day before, refrigerate it, and gently reheat before applying to your ham. This step saves you time on the big day without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say this Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham Recipe brings such warmth and joy to any meal, it quickly becomes a beloved tradition. Its perfect harmony of sweet, spice, and tang will have you looking forward to every gathering. So go ahead, give it a try and watch the smiles unfold around your table!
Print
Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 2h 0m
- Total Time: 2h 20m
- Yield: 8-10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey-Glazed Baked Spiral Ham recipe features a tender, fully-cooked spiral cut ham glazed with a sweet and spiced honey mixture. The ham is roasted to perfection with a delicious caramelized finish, making it a perfect centerpiece for holiday dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Ham
- 1 fully-cooked, bone-in spiral cut ham (approximately 8–10 pounds)
Honey Glaze
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 cup orange juice
Optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening glaze)
- Whole cloves for studding
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C) to prepare for baking the ham evenly.
- Prepare Ham: Remove all packaging and the plastic disk from the bottom of the ham to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
- Place Ham in Pan: Position the ham cut side down in a large roasting pan. If desired, score the ham’s surface in a diamond pattern and stud with whole cloves for added aroma and presentation.
- Make Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, cinnamon, ground cloves, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir frequently until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly.
- Glaze Ham: Pour the warm glaze over the ham, making sure to let it seep into the spiral cuts for maximum flavor penetration.
- Bake Covered: Tent the ham loosely with aluminum foil and bake for about 10-12 minutes per pound, allowing the flavors to meld and the ham to heat through.
- Caramelize Glaze: Approximately 15 minutes before the ham is done, remove the foil to allow the glaze to caramelize and develop a glossy, sticky finish.
- Optional Glaze Thickening: If you prefer a thicker glaze, remove some pan juices, mix with cornstarch dissolved in water, and heat on the stove until thickened. Then, brush over the ham as needed.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to redistribute juices before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a roasting pan large enough to hold the ham comfortably and catch dripping glaze for basting or thickening.
- Scoring and studding with cloves is optional but adds flavor and festive appearance.
- Adjust baking time based on the actual weight of the ham; estimate 10-12 minutes per pound.
- Resting the ham after baking helps keep it moist and tender.
- Leftover ham can be used in sandwiches, soups, or salads.
