If you’re on the hunt for an unforgettable centerpiece that brings both sweetness and a stunning presentation to your table, look no further than the Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Sugary Crackly Coating Recipe. This dish features a tender, smoky spiral ham enveloped in a luscious honey glaze and finished with a dazzling sugary crackly crust that perfectly balances caramelized sweetness with warm spices. It’s a show-stopper for holiday dinners, family gatherings, or any occasion that calls for a touch of indulgence and a whole lot of flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend harmoniously to create remarkable depth of flavor and texture. Each element is essential — the ham provides savory richness, while the honey glaze and spice-infused sugar coating bring warmth and sparkle.
- Half spiral cut ham (7-8 pounds): Choose a bone-in, fully cooked, smoked ham for maximum flavor and perfect slicing.
- Butter, 2 tablespoons melted: Adds richness and helps create a luscious glaze that clings beautifully to the ham.
- Dijon mustard, 1 tablespoon: Offers a subtle tang that balances the sweetness of the honey.
- Honey, 1/3 cup: Provides natural sweetness and sticky, glossy texture for the glaze.
- Granulated sugar, 1 & 1/2 cups: The base of the sugary crust; combined with spices, it forms the signature crackly coating.
- Nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon: Adds warm earthiness that complements the smoky ham.
- Cloves, 1/2 teaspoon: Brings a hint of aromatic spice.
- Cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon: Deepens the sweet-spicy profile of the crust.
- Paprika, 1/4 teaspoon: Offers subtle color and mild smoky flavor enhancement.
- Ginger, 1/4 teaspoon: Provides a gentle zing that brightens the spice blend.
- Allspice, 1/4 teaspoon: Ties the spices together with its complex, peppery aroma.
How to Make Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Sugary Crackly Coating Recipe
Step 1: Choose and Prepare Your Ham
Start by selecting a high-quality bone-in spiral ham, ideally fully cooked and smoked for the best flavor infusion. Removing the netting, shrink wrap, and any plastic caps is essential before you begin. Toss any factory glaze packets—they’re no match for the luscious honey glaze you’ll create.
Step 2: Set Up Your Oven and Roasting Pan
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and place the rack in the lower third of the oven. Position the ham flat-side down on a roasting rack in a pan to avoid sogginess from pooling juices, ensuring even heat circulation around the ham.
Step 3: Prepare the Honey Glaze
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, Dijon mustard, and honey until you have a thick, syrupy glaze. This glaze not only sweetens but also adds moisture and glossy beauty to your ham.
Step 4: Apply the Glaze
Massage the honey glaze thoroughly into the ham, making sure to work it between the spiral slices. Don’t worry about letting some drip—it all adds flavor and moisture to the meat and pan drippings.
Step 5: Bake the Ham Slowly
Pour about a cup of water into the bottom of your roasting pan, then cover the entire pan and ham tightly with foil. Bake for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, or roughly 20 minutes per pound, until heated through to an internal temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit. This slow roasting lets the flavors meld deeply.
Step 6: Let the Ham Rest
After baking, allow the ham to cool, covered with foil, for 15-20 minutes. This step helps lock in juicy tenderness while you prepare the sugary crust that will make this recipe truly unforgettable.
Step 7: Create the Spiced Sugar Dry Rub
Mix granulated sugar with nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, paprika, ginger, and allspice for the ultimate crackly topping. Split this mixture evenly, setting some aside for glazing later.
Step 8: Coat the Ham in Sugar
Uncover the ham, brush it lightly with pan juices if needed to moisten the surface, then roll the ham repeatedly in half of the sugar-spice blend until coated thickly and evenly to form the crackly crust base.
Step 9: Torch the Sugary Crackly Coating
This is where the magic happens! Using a kitchen torch, carefully caramelize the sugar crust by moving the flame in small circles close to the sugar until it bubbles and hardens into a shiny, crackly shell that seals in flavor and creates incredible texture contrast.
Step 10: Prepare the Serving Glaze
Simmer the remaining spiced sugar with about a third of the fat-separated pan drippings or water until thickened to a glaze consistency. This drizzle adds a final luscious dimension once served.
How to Serve Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Sugary Crackly Coating Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme add a fragrant greenery that complements the ham’s warm spices. Thinly sliced citrus such as oranges or lemons scattered around the platter brighten the look and cut through the sweetness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Classic mashed potatoes or creamy scalloped potatoes soak up the glaze perfectly. Roasted winter vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans tossed with a touch of garlic and olive oil create a colorful, hearty accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra festive touch, arrange the spiral ham on a large wooden board with the sugar crust glistening, surrounded by small bowls of the thickened glaze and sprigs of fresh herbs. This setup invites guests to help themselves and appreciate the artistry of your Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Sugary Crackly Coating Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, wrap leftover ham tightly in foil or place it in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat slices gently in the oven at 275 degrees Fahrenheit wrapped in foil to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual pieces covered loosely with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a boneless spiral ham instead?
Yes, you absolutely can, but a bone-in ham offers richer flavor and juicier meat. The bone also helps the ham heat more evenly. If using boneless, just be extra careful not to overcook.
What can I use if I don’t have a kitchen torch?
If you don’t have a torch, you can try broiling the sugar-coated ham for a short time. Watch carefully to avoid burning, and rotate frequently for even caramelization.
Is this ham already cooked when purchased?
Most spiral hams are fully cooked and smoked, so you’re technically reheating and glazing rather than cooking from raw. Check the packaging to be sure before proceeding.
Can I prepare the ham glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the glaze a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature. Just give it a quick stir before using to reincorporate any separated ingredients.
How spicy is the sugar coating?
The spice blend adds warm, aromatic notes without heat. It’s a cozy, gentle spice profile that complements sweetness and smoky ham but isn’t spicy-hot.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Glazed Spiral Ham with Sugary Crackly Coating Recipe truly elevates a classic ham into a decadent, memorable feast. The interplay of textures—from tender, smoky slices to the glossy, crackly sugar crust—will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a special holiday or a weekend dinner that deserves a little extra love, don’t hesitate to try this recipe and enjoy every bite with those you cherish.
