Why This Recipe Is Exceptional
This honey-glazed baked ham balances sweet, savory, and lightly tangy flavors with a moist interior and a glossy, caramelized exterior. Slow oven warming prevents dryness, while repeated glazing builds depth and shine.
Ingredients
Ham
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1 fully cooked bone-in ham (8–10 lb)
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½ cup water, apple juice, or pineapple juice (for roasting pan)
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Whole cloves (optional, traditional)
Honey Glaze
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¾ cup honey
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½ cup brown sugar
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¼ cup Dijon mustard (or yellow mustard for classic flavor)
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¼ cup orange juice or apple juice
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2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ham
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Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
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Remove ham from packaging, rinse briefly, and pat dry.
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Place ham fat-side up on a rack in a roasting pan.
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Score the surface in a diamond pattern about ½ inch deep.
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Optional: Insert whole cloves at diamond points.
2. Bake the Ham
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Add liquid to the bottom of the roasting pan.
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Cover ham loosely with foil.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes per pound, until internal temperature reaches 140°F (60°C).
3. Make the Honey Glaze
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In a saucepan, combine honey, brown sugar, mustard, juice, vinegar, and spices.
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Heat gently until smooth and slightly thickened. Do not boil.
4. Glaze and Caramelize
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Remove foil during the final 30–40 minutes of baking.
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Brush glaze generously over the ham every 10–15 minutes.
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Allow glaze to melt, bubble, and caramelize into a rich golden crust.
5. Rest and Serve
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Remove ham from oven and rest 15–20 minutes.
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Slice against the grain and spoon pan juices over the meat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
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Do not overcook: Ham is already fully cooked; you are warming and glazing.
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Use a rack so glaze drips and caramelizes evenly.
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Prevent burning by tenting loosely with foil if glaze darkens too quickly.
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For deeper flavor, add 1 tablespoon bourbon or rum to the glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Storage & Leftovers
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Refrigerate up to 5 days
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Reheat gently at 300°F, covered
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Excellent cold for sandwiches
Optional Variations
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Pineapple Honey Ham: Add pineapple juice and rings
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Spicy Honey Ham: Add ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne
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Orange Honey Ham: Add fresh orange zest
This Honey-Glazed Baked Ham delivers classic holiday flavor, beautiful presentation, and foolproof results—a centerpiece worthy of any celebration.
- Whole or half ham, ready to eat
- 1/8 c. prepared mustard
- 3 tbsp. honey
- Whole cloves
- 3/4 c. brown sugar






