This Honey Baked Ham with a citrusy brown sugar glaze is a true holiday showstopper — caramelized on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving cooking or a cozy Christmas food dinner with family and friends!
There’s something magical about a glistening baked ham, golden from the oven, perfumed with honey and orange. This Honey Baked Ham Recipe is the centerpiece every holiday table deserves — rich, juicy, and sweet with a hint of tang.
It’s surprisingly easy to make, whether you’re preparing for Thanksgiving, Christmas dinner, or even a Sunday feast. The glaze caramelizes beautifully and forms a sticky, flavorful crust everyone will want seconds of.
Why You’ll Love This Ham
- ✔️ Sticky-sweet glaze with orange, honey & brown sugar
- ✔️ Juicy, tender, perfectly baked ham every time
- ✔️ Ideal for Honey Glazed Ham lovers and festive meals
- ✔️ Easy to prepare and reheat for leftovers
- ✔️ Pairs perfectly with Rosemary Garlic Mashed Potatoes or Brussels Sprout & Kale Salad
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fully cooked bone-in ham | 8–10 lbs |
| Honey | 1/2 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1 cup |
| Orange juice (fresh) | 1/2 cup |
| Orange zest | 1 tbsp |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp |
| Ground cloves | 1/4 tsp |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
Choosing the Best Ham
Bone-in Ham: Gives richer flavor and juicier texture. A spiral-cut ham works best for easy slicing and even glaze coverage.
Honey: Use pure honey — clover, orange blossom, or wildflower — to enhance natural sweetness.
Brown Sugar: Light or dark both work. Dark adds deeper caramel notes perfect for the holidays.
How to Make Honey Baked Ham
- Preheat the oven: Set to 325°F (160°C). Place the ham cut-side down on a roasting rack in a large pan and cover loosely with foil.
- Bake the ham: Bake 10–12 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (55°C).
- Make the glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add honey, brown sugar, orange juice, zest, mustard, and cloves. Simmer 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Brush the glaze: Remove ham from oven and increase temperature to 400°F (200°C). Brush generously with glaze.
- Caramelize: Return to oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, brushing every 5 minutes, until golden and glossy.
- Rest and serve: Let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with remaining glaze and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- For a thicker crust, brush glaze twice during the final bake.
- Add a splash of bourbon or pineapple juice to the glaze for depth.
- Use a baster to coat the ham evenly with glaze.
Serve with Honey Roasted Sweet Potatoes or Garlic Butter Bread Rolls for a complete feast.
Recipe Variations
- Spiced Ham: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for warmth.
- Maple Glazed: Replace honey with maple syrup for smoky sweetness.
- Latin Twist: For a Lomo De Cerdo Recetas vibe, add a dash of chili powder and lime juice.
- Mini Version: Use ham steaks for smaller gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze slices up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheat: Warm at 300°F (150°C) covered with foil, brushing with glaze to keep moist.
FAQ
Can I use boneless ham?
Yes! Boneless works too, though bone-in gives a more traditional flavor and presentation.
Can I make the glaze ahead?
Definitely — make it 2–3 days ahead and refrigerate. Warm gently before brushing on ham.
How do I keep my ham juicy?
Keep it covered in foil during the first bake, then glaze at high heat to finish.
Conclusion: A Honey-Glazed Holiday Classic
This Honey Baked Ham with orange-brown sugar glaze is pure holiday comfort — tender, sticky, and bursting with citrus-honey aroma. It’s the perfect centerpiece for Thanksgiving recipes, Christmas dinners, or any festive gathering.
Pair with Kale Apple Salad and finish with Apple Crumble Cheesecake for a full ComfortFoodLite-style menu.
Make it once, and it’ll become your go-to holiday ham forever!
Honey Baked Ham
Ingredients
For the ham
- 8–10 lbs Fully cooked bone-in ham A spiral-cut ham works best for easy slicing.
For the glaze
- 1/2 cup Honey Use pure honey for enhanced sweetness.
- 1 cup Brown sugar Light or dark sugar can be used.
- 1/2 cup Orange juice (fresh)
- 1 tbsp Orange zest
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp Ground cloves
- 3 tbsp Butter For melting and mixing into glaze.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C).
- Place the ham cut-side down on a roasting rack in a large pan and cover loosely with foil.
Baking
- Bake the ham for 10–12 minutes per pound until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (55°C).
Making the glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter.
- Add honey, brown sugar, orange juice, zest, mustard, and cloves. Simmer for 5–6 minutes until slightly thickened.
Glazing
- Remove the ham from the oven and increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C).
- Brush the ham generously with the glaze.
Caramelizing
- Return the ham to the oven uncovered for 10–15 minutes, brushing every 5 minutes, until golden and glossy.
Serving
- Let the ham rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Drizzle with the remaining glaze and enjoy.
