Whenever I’m planning a holiday meal or a special family dinner, Honey Baked Ham is my go-to centerpiece. It’s juicy, tender, and coated in a glossy honey glaze that turns beautifully caramelized in the oven. This recipe is simple, reliable, and always fills the house with the most comforting aroma.
Quick Facts
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
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Serving Size: 8–10 servings
Why You’ll Love This Honey Baked Ham
This ham is sweet, savory, and incredibly moist. The honey glaze adds a rich flavor without being too sugary, and the slow baking keeps the meat tender. I love that it’s easy to prepare, feeds a crowd, and makes amazing leftovers for sandwiches, soups, and breakfasts.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 fully cooked bone-in ham (7–9 lbs)
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1/2 cup honey
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup melted butter
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon ground cloves or cinnamon
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Optional: pineapple slices or orange zest
How I Make My Honey Baked Ham
Step 1: Prepare the Ham
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
Place the ham cut-side down in a roasting pan and cover loosely with foil.
Step 2: Make the Honey Glaze
In a bowl, mix honey, brown sugar, melted butter, mustard, and spices until smooth.
Step 3: Bake & Glaze
Bake the ham for about 1 hour, brushing with glaze every 20 minutes.
Remove foil during the last 20 minutes to allow the glaze to caramelize.
Step 4: Rest & Serve
Let the ham rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Sweet, glossy, and irresistibly juicy!
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with mashed potatoes or scalloped potatoes.
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Pair with roasted vegetables or green beans.
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Add dinner rolls or cornbread on the side.
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Use leftovers for sandwiches or breakfast hash.
Tips for Customization
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Extra flavor: Add orange juice or apple juice to the glaze.
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Spicy touch: Add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper.
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Fruit glaze: Top with pineapple or cherry slices.
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Slow cooker option: Finish glazing in the oven for best texture.
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Less sweet: Reduce honey and add more mustard.
Nutritional Info (Approx. per serving)
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Calories: 420–480
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Carbs: 18–22g
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Fat: 22–26g
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Protein: 28–32g
FAQs
1. Is the ham already cooked?
Yes, most hams are fully cooked and just need reheating.
2. How do I keep ham from drying out?
Cover with foil and baste regularly with glaze.
3. Can I make honey baked ham ahead of time?
Yes, reheat gently and add fresh glaze before serving.
4. How long do leftovers last?
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Final Slice
This Honey Baked Ham is sweet, juicy, and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare, perfect for holidays, and makes every meal feel special. Once you try this recipe, it’ll become a tradition at your table too.
