Are you searching for a honey baked ham recipe that will have your guests coming back for seconds? This oven-roasted spiral ham with a homemade brown sugar glaze delivers tender, juicy slices and an irresistible caramelized finish.
Skip the expensive store-bought hams — you can make a show-stopping baked ham at home for any holiday or special meal. This easy spiral ham uses simple pantry ingredients to create a sweet-tangy glaze that caramelizes perfectly in the oven and fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma.
Ingredient Notes & Tips
Here’s what makes this honey glazed ham special:
Spiral ham: An 8–10 pound bone-in spiral ham works great. The spiral cut makes serving effortless. Boneless ham can be used, but the bone adds extra flavor.
Light brown sugar: The base of the glaze; it gives a rich caramel flavor. Swap for dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses note.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the glaze adhere to the ham. Maple syrup is an easy substitute for a more autumnal flavor.
Orange juice: Brightens the glaze and keeps the sweetness from becoming cloying.
Dijon mustard: Provides a tangy balance to the sweet glaze. Yellow mustard or honey mustard can be used depending on your taste.
Spices: A pinch of cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper creates a warm, holiday-like profile without extra effort.
Pro tip: Thaw the ham completely before cooking. A partially frozen ham cooks unevenly and may end up dry in places.
How to Make This Oven Roasted Ham
Follow these straightforward steps to make a moist, flavorful honey baked ham:
Prep: Preheat the oven to 300°F. Remove the ham from packaging, rinse under cold water, and pat dry. Place it in a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour 2 cups of water into the bottom to maintain moisture while cooking.
Slow cook: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and keep the ham juicy. Cook 1½ to 2 hours (about 10–12 minutes per pound) until the internal temperature reaches 120°F.
Make the glaze: While the ham cooks, combine light brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon, ground mustard, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until combined. Bring to a brief boil, then simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Reserve about ¼ cup of glaze for reheating leftovers.
Glaze and caramelize: When the ham reaches 120°F, remove it and raise the oven temperature to 425°F. Brush or spoon glaze over the ham, return it uncovered to the oven for 15 minutes, glaze again, and bake another 15 minutes. Watch closely so the sugar caramelizes without burning.
Rest and serve: Let the ham rest 15 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute. Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve.
Delicious Variations to Try
Customize the glaze to suit your taste:
Spicy honey ham: Use hot honey or add chili powder or red pepper flakes for a sweet-heat kick.
Maple bourbon glaze: Substitute maple syrup for honey and add 2 tablespoons bourbon for a boozy depth.
Pineapple brown sugar ham: Replace orange juice with ½ cup pineapple juice and add pineapple rings during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Cola glazed ham: Use cola in the pan and in the glaze for a sweet Southern twist.
Herb-crusted ham: Stir chopped fresh rosemary and thyme into the glaze for a savory finish.
How to Store Your Leftover Ham
This ham makes fantastic leftovers. Once cooled, wrap tightly in plastic or place in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 4–5 days.
To reheat, warm slices in a pan or air fryer at 300°F for 3–4 minutes and brush with the reserved glaze for added moisture. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months — wrap tightly, place in freezer bags, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What to Do with Leftovers
Leftover ham is versatile: dice it into omelets, breakfast casseroles, mac and cheese, fried rice, sliders, scalloped potatoes, or grilled cheese. Save the bone to make a flavorful ham and bean soup.
Related Recipes You’ll Love
If you like this honey baked ham, try sides that pair perfectly:
- Smashed Potatoes — an easy, crowd-pleasing side.
- Sweet Potato Casserole — sweet and savory with a pecan topping.
- Homemade Dinner Rolls — soft rolls perfect for soaking up glaze.
- Frozen Cranberry Salad — bright and tangy to cut the richness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts — add shallots and mushrooms for extra depth.
Your Turn!
You now have everything needed to make a spectacular honey baked ham. This recipe is beginner-friendly and delivers a homemade brown sugar glaze that outshines store-bought versions. Try a variation to make it your own, and enjoy the compliments!
Have you tried this recipe? Share how it turned out in the comments. If you loved it, leave a rating to help other cooks discover it.
Honey Baked Ham Recipe with Brown Sugar Glaze
Equipment
- 1-Quart Saucepan
- Instant Read Thermometer
- 9×13 Baking Dish or Roaster
Ingredients
- 8–10 pounds bone-in spiral ham
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup honey
- ⅓ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 300°F.
- Unpack the ham, rinse thoroughly, and pat dry. Place in a 9×13 pan.
- Pour 2 cups of water into the baking dish and cover tightly with aluminum foil.
- Cook 1½ to 2 hours (about 10–12 minutes per pound) until internal temperature reaches 120°F.
- While the ham cooks, make the brown sugar glaze: combine brown sugar, honey, orange juice, Dijon, ground mustard, cinnamon, pepper, ginger, and cloves in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring until combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook 3–4 minutes until thickened. Reserve ¼ cup of glaze for reheating leftovers.
- When the ham reaches 120°F, remove it and increase the oven temperature to 425°F.
- Brush or spoon glaze over the ham (reserve some for a second glazing). Return to the oven uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Glaze again and bake an additional 15 minutes, watching carefully so the glaze caramelizes but doesn’t burn. If the bone browns too quickly, cover it with a small piece of foil.
- Remove the ham and let it rest 15 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board, slice, and serve.
Notes
Spiral ham with bone-in was used here, but a boneless ham works fine. Honey can be swapped for maple syrup for a different sweetness. Covering the ham for the first part of the cook keeps it moist. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container for 4–5 days; reheat at 300°F for a few minutes and brush with reserved glaze.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
This nutrition info was calculated using the exact brands and measurements used. Adjustments will change the values; use as a guide only.
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